One dreaded, important test

By Marlene Bohr

A colonoscopy is an outpatient procedure in which the inside of the large intestine is examined, and is commonly used to evaluate gastrointestinal symptoms, such as rectal and intestinal bleeding, abdominal pain, or changes in bowel habits. Colonoscopies are also performed in individuals without symptoms to check for colorectal polyps or cancer. A screening colonoscopy is recommended for anyone 50 years of age and older, and for anyone with parents, siblings or children with a history of colorectal cancer or polyps.
And they sure aren’t the best things in the world and most of us who have had one agree the preparation for them the day before the test is really not the absolute worst, but it is very inconvenient. However, we know how necessary that preparation is.
I recently had another colonoscopy and really not eating for one day wasn’t the most awful thing in the world. I have had a few colonoscopies so I did request my ‘choice of cleaning agents’ from the doctor. About 3:30 p.m. the day before I began the mixing and drinking the solution that tasted a bit like lime, not really distasteful at all. In the meantime, I kept on drinking my favorite Diet Dr Pepper throughout the day and evening hours.
I decided to take the second appointment at 8 a.m. the next morning so we had to be at the surgery center at 6:30 a.m. It takes a few minutes to check in at the receptionist and give your cards and driver’s license. I never understand why everyone in the world wants your driver’s license at a medical center as I surely wasn’t planning on doing any driving while in their company. In addition, they stress over and over while you are there that you are not to do any driving the entire day.
It seemed like I was no more done with the paperwork and back in my chair when I was called by a nurse to go back and get ready. I was asked the zillion questions we are asked about prior surgeries and medications. This nurse didn’t believe I do not wear glasses so it took a bit of convincing before she finally accepted the fact that I have crystal lens. That’s another story and if you don’t have crystal lens, ask your optometrist about them. I do take several vitamins and supplements and with the time I spent spelling this and that, I almost asked if she had spellcheck on that device she was using.
With that paper/electronic work done, it was time to just wait for them to come and get me. I had forgotten to take my paperback book with me so I grabbed a copy of Texas Highways to read while laying on my back waiting. The anesthesiologist came in and we talked. In reading the magazine I saw a place I wanted to know where it was and asked him if he knew. He said he didn’t and I promptly told him he was of the age to have a cell phone to find out where it was. He did and he found it. We chatted awhile and he left. I had taken no jewelry nor cell phone with me as I knew it would be confiscated, so I had no idea of the time. I did realize it was getting later than 8 a.m.  
Finally they came after me and when rolled in the procedure room I noticed it was 8:29 and I watched that clock go by for another few minutes, and finally doc showed up and it was time for my nap. I woke up later and thought I really didn’t want to wake up and get up to go to work.  However, I did when doc came back in and talked to me. He suggested I have another colonoscopy next year. He said all was benign but he wanted to keep checking.
You know, at first I was screaming inside, no no no, I do not want to do this again next year. I just did it last year and why again? However, after I left and calmed down enough to have a few coherent thoughts, I got out that list that I preach about constantly, remember the gratitude one?  Well, I can be grateful I don’t have cancer, I don’t have to go to chemotherapy, I don’t have to have radiation and a whole myriad of other things. All I have to do is have a day of fasting and drinking stuff next year and go back for the next text. Easy enough, that’s no huge problem.
I have talked to this doctor about others I know who refuse to get a colonoscopy even though they know they need them. It isn’t the nicest thing to talk about or even envision. Thank God there are even doctors who can do these tests and care for us and guard against cancer and other diseases. I can think of things I’d rather do than performing colonoscopies all morning long. My doctor said it is so sad that when he does find cancer, the usual response out of the patient is they knew they should have had a colonoscopy and just didn’t. They found out putting it off wasn’t worth the payoff in the end.
I don’t like talking about a colonoscopy, let alone mine, but if it gets one of you out, and I’m hoping a lot more than just one, to make that call to your doctor and get his opinion on when you should get a colonoscopy, it will be worth it. The test may not be just for those over 50. Check with your family and see if there is a history of polyps or colon cancer. The thing of being slightly uncomfortable for a day or so is well worth the wellness test. Talk to your doctor……today. Have a happy and healthy New Year!