[Wellness] My First Colonscopy

["Karen Patterson" <Patterson@womens-wellness.com>]

Dear Members,

A colonoscopy was something I knew in my wellness hearts of hearts I needed
to have at age 50 and my GYN said preferably earlier due to my breast cancer
history.  Yet I dreaded it (and actually honestly was a little frightened
about it)but at age 51 I finally conceded.  The largest selling point is
that I would be under anesthesia so what would I know, right??!  I had my
appointment with the colon specialist who was very nice and we set up the
procedure for the following Monday.  I received a prescription for a "Colon
Prep Kit" and a set of directions.  The day before the procedure you are
limited to clear liquids and must take four pills at noon.  You then wait
for a bowel movement, no longer than six hours, and then your proceed to
drink 40 ounces of fluid, 8 oz every ten minutes.  Well, my stomach just
isn't that big.  I kept feeling it filling up and up.  By the 4th glass I
just knew it would not fit and sure enough I vomitted up about three
glasses.  Twenty minutes later I got the last glass to stay down.  So as the
say the preparation is the hard part.

The day of the procedure I had to be NPO since Midnight and was scheduled
for 10:15.  I went into surgical prep around 11:00 and on my way to the
procedure room I was promised a blissful sleep and no memory of the event.
I was nervous and sleepless the night before so I was thrilled.  Well, the
drugs did not work and I watched the whole thing on the monitor.  It did not
hurt at all and my colon was pronounced clean and clear.  One small pollop
removed nothing to worry about.  I could go have lunch and probably take a
nap.  I did both.

It is very important that you consult with your doctor on your family
history and decide what type of colon screening is right for you.  There are
options but the bottom line always was if pollops are found you are going to
have to have the colonoscopy to remove them anyway so why not just begin
there.  My doctor said they are working on a new test where they can test
DNA from feces to diagnose.  He said maybe five years.

I hope you all are totally well.  Happy Mother's Day to all of you. Stay
empowered by educating yourself about your health, keeping excellent records
of your health and family health history and listening to your body.  You
know it best and any doctor who does not believe that is not the doctor for
you.  My best,
Karen Patterson, Founder of Womens-Wellness.com and a breast cancer survivor

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