Thank God that’s over … and OK
I had a colonoscopy done yesterday.
If you know my age, you realize that I’m a bit young for this. I have some personal history (some nasty flareups in college and about 5 years ago) and family history of colon cancer. After the last flare-up my doctor has put me on the “every few years” plan for the rest of my life.
The good news – nothing is wrong. No sign of cancer, polyps, anything unusual. My diverticulosis (a mild case) is about the same as last time. The doctor took some biopsies, and will let me know in two weeks if they are clean. If so, I get 4-5 years before the next one.
A few tips if you’re headed this way. If you have a choice and can swallow big salty pills, use the pill prep (Visicol or Osmoprep). They are much less painful and less bad tasting than the alternatives. Also, if given the opporunity to be sedated and/or completely knocked-out, DO IT. I’ve had 3 of these now with a greater degree of unconsciousness every time. Sleep through it if you can.
I missed work on Friday for this, but I’m just as happy. The prep left me feeling a bit depressed (at the loss of control involved) and a little weak from the all clear liquid diet. The anaesthesia left me only 80% there for 4-5 hours afterward which I slept off at home.