Warning: This post contains a graphic medical picture of my colon that was taken during my colonoscopy procedure.
You might have noticed that My Dreams, Wishes and Desires (I barely kept A Very Sweet Blog going) has been dormant for the past two months. I received a medical test result, where I thought the diagnosis was going to be the end of my life. My primary doctor had been encouraging me to have a colonoscopy since the beginning of this year. The reason for it was, my uncle on my father’s side, died of colon cancer. So there is a history of this cancer in my family. I was also experiencing some symptoms. Despite all of this, I didn’t move forward with having the colonoscopy procedure.
My doctor scheduled the procedure twice. I cancelled it twice. I kept asking myself, Kim, why do you keep cancelling this procedure? Medically, I’ve always been a trooper. I don’t mind needles. Take as much blood as you want. I’ll take any kind of medicine. It came down to being uncomfortable about a doctor using a tube and going “up my butt”. I just didn’t want to do it. I was really scared.
After my staunch refusal for a colonoscopy, my doctor suggested Cologuard. I obliged. I received my box, followed the instructions and mailed it promptly that Monday. Within a week, I received my results. My test came back POSITIVE. Upon reading that, I immediately cried. It took me back to a sad time, when my uncle was diagnosed and died very quickly. I felt this was a death sentence for me. Mentally, I started preparing how I was going to sell what little assets I did have and leave things for my mom.
I was immediately given an appointment with a Gastroenterologist. He said, Kim, a positive result from a Cologuard test is not necessarily a death sentence. The test alerts that there might be a problem. He then went on to say, the only way for me to know anything is for you to have the colonoscopy procedure. I asked him to schedule me right away. My procedure was scheduled within one week.
Before having the procedure, there are certain preparations you must undertake in preparation for your colonoscopy. My doctor prescribed Golytely, which cleans out your intestines the day before and morning of your procedure. You have to follow the instructions precisely, drinking a certain amount within a certain time frame. You can’t have solid foods. My diet consisted of chicken broth, beef broth, orange jello, Gatorade and Powerade. You cannot have anything red, blue or purple. I fully stocked up on all of these things. I purchased so much broth (I didn’t want to go hungry), I still have some leftover.
The day before and day of the procedure was difficult for me. Just drinking broth, water and Gatorade or Powerade made me desire (and hallucinate) eating a satisfying meal. The Golytely kept me running to the bathroom. On your preparation list, they need to remind you to purchase toilet paper! Because you are going to need it. So I was hungry (famished), butt was sore (bathroom trips) and if you’re not properly cleared out (or don’t do things correctly), they send you home (reschedule the procedure) and you get to do this all over again. What!?! Not me!
My mom and I checked into the hospital. I did receive a compliment upon checking in that made me feel good. The lady said Kim, what is your birth date? They always ask you this, because they’re checking to see if it is you and also if you’re cognizant/competent as to what is going on. I told her and there was silence. I mean SILENCE! To myself, I said NOW WHAT!?! She then said, Kim YOU DO NOT LOOK 50! She couldn’t get over it. I thanked her kindly and was immediately relieved.
Before the procedure I donned a hospital gown, socks and id bracelet. I was then asked a series of questions. Get em wrong (they don’t tell you that) and you go home (no procedure). NOT ME! Kim, when was the last time you drank something? You’re not suppose to drink anything so many hours before the surgery. Kim, when was the last time you took your medicine? I was directed only to take half of my medicine. More questions continued! I answered every question and did all I was suppose to do.
They then took my blood pressure. Everybody, it was 170!!! It’s suppose to be below 130. Mine is ALWAYS below that number. I even have low blood pressure. I was so nervous about this procedure, they asked me so many questions, I was famished, butt was sore … that my blood pressure shot UP. The medical team continued moving forward.
There were about five people in the procedure room. At that point I didn’t care what they did to me. They injected an anesthesia into my arm and I remember absolutely nothing. I woke up and everyone told me that I did well. The doctor spoke to me and said they did find a polyp (picture on left – white round polyp). Polyps can’t be seen or felt (by you), but as they grow they can be detrimental (cancerous and spread, blood in stool etc). That is why it’s so important to have a colonoscopy. He said he removed it (right picture) and sent it to be biopsied. Within a week, I found out my results came back NEGATIVE. I THANKED GOD!
This experience was an eye opener for me, so I wanted to share it with you. Take nothing for granted. Your life can change instantly and quickly. I can laugh about the things I went through with this procedure now, but it was NOT FUNNY (AT ALL) WHILE I WAS GOING THROUGH ALL OF THIS! To think you are going to die, is an eye-opener! It gives you EVEN MORE of an appreciation of EVERYTHING in your LIFE! It also shows you what loose ends in your life you need to tie up.
If you are 45 or older and/or have a family history of cancer in your family, don’t hesitate getting a colonoscopy. I suggest that you have this procedure to be SURE. Don’t be scared. You won’t feel a thing. Its the best thing you can do for yourself. I was encouraged by someone who had this procedure to do so (thank you) and now I want to encourage others.
