I’m a 34 year old – and I’m about to get my very first colonoscopy. I’ve decided to blog about it here, because it’s the kind of procedure everyone needs to have at some point – but it’s also a cancer screening tool that has a lot of fear and trepidation associated with it. I know. I’ll readily admit to you anonymous internet world… I am really, really scared.
I’m scared, partly because, although I’ve heard you really don’t feel anything during the procedure, it really doesn’t sound that pleasant. I’m also scared because a colonoscopy is a way of screening for colon cancer – and that is the disease that killed my mom. My mother died in her mid 40’s of colon cancer. She’d had symptoms for over a year, and was told it was in her head. Then she was told it was from endometriosis.
Eventually a hysterectomy was scheduled, and when the doctor opened her up, she was full of colon cancer that had advanced to a stage that was nearly impossible to treat. She died just over 6 months after the cancer was found. But if she’d been told to get a colonoscopy before that point – she could be alive today. I’ll say that part again. If she had gotten a colonoscopy when she first had symptoms, she would be alive today.
Normally, a colonoscopy is a test that your doctor will recommend you get after you turn 50. But if you have a family history of colon cancer you will likely be advised by your doctor to get your first colonoscopy 10 years earlier than the age your family member’s cancer was discovered. That’s why I’m getting it done in my 30’s. That said, if you have bowel issues at any age – seeing a gastroenterologist would be a good idea. After all my mom did not know of a family history- and she certainly would have had a very different outcome to her cancer if she’d been screened.
Anyway- my colonoscopy is this week. It’s brought up a lot of emotions for me, but I’m glad I’m doing it. I have a 3 year old daughter, and a wonderful husband and I don’t want to leave them for a very long time. And so … I forge on. Scaredy cat or not:)
First Step: Set up appt. with gastroenterologist. The table you see above really freaked me out, but actually all we did was talk about my family history & schedule a date for the colonoscopy. Pheww!
On my agenda this week- One more day of regular people food. Then to follow the liquid diet recommended 24 hours before drinking the laxative solution, in preparation for the actual procedure day. Oy vey.
Step 2: Shop for lot’s of bathroom related supplies!
- Broth, apple juice & clear liquids for consumption the day before.
- Jello & Ice pops (not red or purple, as that can mimic blood in the colon)
- Aveeno oatmeal bath packets (apparently helps sooth a sore bottom in the bath)
- Tucks medicated pads (isn’t this a glamorous post?)
- A & D ointment (yep just like you get for babies! Apparently if you put that on before you start the 12 hours of drinking the laxative solution it really helps. I’m willing to try it! lol)
- A good book? 🙂
My hope dear internet world- is that reading about me getting my colonoscopy done, will help allay your own fears when it’s your turn. That you won’t put it off, or worse yet not do it at all.
I promise to be 100% truthful about how much the procedure does, or does not suck. OK? And I’ll document the preparation day, as well as my going for the actual procedure. I hope it helps someone out there, some way some how 🙂
Next post? Colonoscopy Preparation day.
Then? The Actual Colonoscopy itself!
About Shannon SchmidShannon traded in her sensible NYC TV producer shoes (they were best for taking the subway), for a pair of Texas Cowboy boots when she married her best friend! He's at fault for making this Yankee a Texan! Shannon writes about all things that make a house a home. Her chief blogging inspiration is being the proud & slightly neurotic mom of a preschool age daughter.
You can find Shannon on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and her new favorite place to hang out, Google+.
Oh dear! Just reading this had me involuntarily wrapping my arms around my belly. I’m so proud of you! My grandmother died of breast cancer and I am not nearly cautious enough on that account.
@laughwithusblog, Awwww, I’m wrapping mine around my belly in anticipation too Esther! Thanks for being proud of me- that kinda made me tear up a little. Hugs!
I need to do this too. I look forward to hearing how this goes.
@JDaniel4’s Mom, Thanks so much…me too! Hahaha. I’ll be sure to let you know if its as bad my imagination has me thinking…probably not. Fingers crossed anyway:)
Cudos to you for sharing this very personal experience with all of us. I’m scheduled to have mine in May, so I’ll be following your experience for sure. I hope all goes well for you and that the result is negative.
@Krista, Hey Krista- thanks for stopping by! I am so glad you have yours scheduled for May- go you! So glad I can give ya a sneak peak;)
The prep is 10000 times more annoying than the procedure. Promise.
And you’ll feel so so relieved once its done!
🙂 hugs cuzzin
@Danielle, Thats what I keep hearing – even the doctor said it was the worst part! And yes- when its over I will be s-t-o-k-e-d!
@Danielle,
I guarantee the prep is a whole lot worse than the procedure! If my 18 month old daughter and my worrisome brother-in-law can go through it, you can too! The hardest part for both of them wasn’t even flushing out their bowels…it was the hunger! At least my brother-in-law understood what his prep was. I cried along with my daughter through her whole prep!
Wow! Kudos to you! How brave of you to blog about your expiriance to help others. Some people live in denial that anything can happen to them. Your family is so blessed to have you as a wife/mother that cares so much! And all of your readers will be here right along with you for this virtually holding your hand.
My grandma had colitis and my mom just had to undergo major intestinal surgery recently so even though neither were cancer, you’ve got me thinking about prevention in the future as well!
@Teresa, YAY!! I am so glad you are thinking about prevention too! That makes me giddy! Sorry your mom and grandma had colon issues- but what a blessing those things would be if it meant you were extra vigilant about your own colon health.
Thanks for the virtual hand holding – I’ll take it!! 🙂
Great post. I love your honesty. Good luck! I had a mammogram for the first time last fall. I love my grandmother to breast cancer and I, too, was being pro-active. I wish you the best. I think the “before” part is worse than the actual procedure.
@Laurie of Lulu and Daisy, Thank you so much Laurie. I’m so sorry to hear about your grandmothers battle with breast cancer, but I’m sure she would be so heartened to know that because of it you are being extra proactive! I’m excited to have this crossed off my to- do list!
Thanks for promoting this personal topic. My husband’s mom was diagnosed with colon cancer so his doctor had him get a colonscopy in his mid 30s too just because of the family history. They found 7 polyps and 1 was pre-cancerous but they were all removed. What a blessing it was for him to have caught that early. Because of the findings, he has to go in more regularly but it is so worth it if it can catch something in the pre-cancerous stage. I’ve had a colonoscopy too and the procedure was nothing – I was under anesthesia for that! It was the prep that was no fun at all. Best wishes for you!
@Kim, WOW Kim- that is incredible! I am so happy for you and your family that your husbands plyps were found early and taken out of there! That is amazing!Glad the tough part is first…I can get it done early! 🙂
Thanks so much for sharing that:)
I had a family member die of colon cancer as well and have undergone screening every two years for the last ten. What you have heard is correct, the test is a breeze but the preparation for the test is not that pleasant (but much more pleasant than dieing of cancer). Hang in there. You’ll be glad you did it.
@This Busy Life, I’m so sorry for the death of your loved one to colon cancer. Hugs. I agree- I will be glad I did it. Thank you so much for the perspective again on why it’s so important- many thanks!
As a nurse, I have cared for many patients before, during, and after colonoscopies. The procedure is very well tolerated and most don’t remember much of it. The prep is the hard part. It is miserable. You’ll be up most of the night preceding the procedure. Good thing you get to sleep through the exam! Be good about completing the prep. It really does make the exam easier for both you and the physician. And you really don’t want to have to repeat because of an incomplete prep! Oh, be sure, after your exam to return to your regular diet gradually. Soft, easily digested foods to begin with.
Best wishes for an uncomplicated procedure, good outcome and easy recovery!
@Daisy, Daisy- that is really reassuring!I will def be good about completing the prep- having to do it all over again would be the WORST!lol. When you say soft digestible foods- what would that mean? No meat just like noodles or fruit or something?
Hey there! I just had one done! It was not as bad as I thought. It is worse in your mind. LOL. I don’t know what stuff u have to drink for prep, but I had to drink a LOT of salty liquid. What helped me was to keep a lemon drop in my mouth and swish it around after taking a big gulp. Ginger Ale was also a BIG help! And I used crystal light flavor packs instead of the flavor packs they gave me. It looks like you have a different type of prep than me tho. As for the potty times-you prolly won’t have time to read that book. Keep it in the bathroom since you will be making a LOT of visits there. Good that u have the A & D ointment-use it! Oh-and get wet wipes! They saved my behind! 😉 Good luck and I hope it all goes well. The procedure is nothing compared to the prep. You will probably have some gas after tho-and it can be a little painful (crampy). I follow your hubs on Twitter and that is how i saw this post. It’s great you are bringing awareness to this test. It is definately worth the hassle!
@Liz Taylor, The lemon drop idea is killer! Love that! I will def plan to keep the book in the bathroom too! Thanks so much for adding your 2 cents- what a help to hear of other people that have done it and think its no biggie!
@MilkandCuddles, oh-you’re welcome! i hope all your results come back normal!
@Liz Taylor, Thank you for all your help Liz! I mentioned your tip about the hard candy in my prep blog after this one, and I JUST posted my results here:https://everydaybest.com/2012/04/getting-a-colonoscopy-the-actual-procedure/ 🙂
Thanks for your EXCELLENT help!
Thank you for blogging about this. Both my paternal mother and her mother died of colon cancer. Really, there is no excuse for my grandma. Despite having the same md as her mother, who DIED of colon cancer, gma was never screened. Her cancer was discovered way too late to do anything. She never got to meet any of her grandkids. And it breaks my heart. You can bet I will be appropriately screened.
@Smldada, You are so welcome- thank you for reading it! I am so very sorry about your paternal mother and grandmother, how very tragic. But I am so glad you are going to break the cycle and be tested! Good for you!
I was scheduled for one and found out my insurance won’t cover the screening and because I’m having symptoms they call it diagnostic and won’t pay, my husband is out of work and we can’t afford the cost 🙁 I cried when I found out. I’m trying to find a way. Praying for you thank you for bringing awareness
@Tina, Tina, I’m so sorry your insurance is not being helpful. Do you have any family history? If so- you can usually be covered under “screening” and insurance will pay. That is why my insurance payed- and they told me later if it had been under “treatment” it would not have been covered as much. Sometimes it does run in families- but people dont talk about it. Do some investigating- maybe that would help. Praying for you to- that you find a way:) Hugs!
Thank you! Yes my
Moms side and as of now three women with breast cancer on my moms side I’m having my screening for that Friday! I’m persistent and I’ll make it happen, I’m 41 and it worries me. Colon cancer caught early is curable! Again thank you so much for spreading the word
@Tina, Amen Tina! It is!! Thanks for the encouragement and thank YOU for spreading the word too!
I just had my 4th colonoscopy last week and a 2nd polyp removed and I am only 41 years old…I had my first polyp removed when I was 29 years old. My stomach symtoms started in my early 20’s but it wasn’t until I had diarriah for 2 week stright that my dr sent me to get my colon checked. They found I had ulcer active colitis. So for the rest of my life I need to check my colon ever 2 to 3 years. So the prep as annoying as it is it’s worth it to me:)
@Lidia, I agree Lidia- totally, totally worth it.
Oh I just read the last two posts and my first 3 colonoscopies were done in the States paid by my work insurance but since I moved to my husband’s country I had my last one done in Lebanon…both upper and lower GI and the total cost was $500 US dollars and the whole procedure was professional.
@Lidia, Thats great Lidia!
Thank you so much for sharing. My mother was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer at the age of 57. My brother and I were advised to begin screening at 35. I’m 31 now, and have always been scared of medical procedures….especially after seeing my mother go through everything. Your account has helped relinquish some of my fears. I know I will get it done. Thank you for this.
@Jasmine, Jasmine, I am so very sorry about your mom. Your brother and you must miss her so much. I know I do my mom:)
Thank you for this sweet note. I truly cant express to you how much it warms my heart. And most of all I am so proud of YOUR determination to be proactive and get your colonoscopy done when the time comes! Good for you! Stay on top of your brother too! Together we can save so many lives if we just spread the word. And some of those lives may be our own. I obviously dont know your mom – but I bet she’d be pretty proud of you too. Hugs.
We miss her so much. Its been 2.5 years since her passing, and it still feels surreal. I’m pregnant with my third baby, and I think of her often. She was always responsible with her doctor’s appointments. Had someone mentioned a colonoscopy when she turned 50 or sooner (her general practitioner perhaps), she would have gotten one immediately. But, such is life. I KNOW she would want my brother and I to learn from her example. She actually had uncles who battled the disease; something that we learned after the fact. So we’re also adamant about our cousins getting screened early. So I know will have to let go of my medical phobia, and do it when the time comes. It was just so great to read your very open account. Thank you for your reply 🙂
That was disappointing. The follow up posts do not display. 😩
Hey Sad – don’t be too blue. Looks like they are working just fine from here 😉