I’m scheduled to get my next colonoscopy tomorrow. I know this isn’t a medical forum, but I thought you might gain some insight from someone who’s currently in the fray.
When I was in my late twenties I had my first invasive procedure, a sigmoidoscopy. That procedure requires slipping an approximately thirty inch “scope” into your rear hatch. There are two types: rigid and flexible. It has a flashlight and a camera attached to the end so the doctor can see where he’s headed. Medical personnel describe the procedure as an examination of the large intestine through the sigmoid colon. That’s where they get the name sigmoidoscopy.
In contrast, a colonoscopy examines the entire colon which requires a scope approximately forty-eight feet long. These scopes are always flexible and are also outfitted with a headlight and a camera. The lights, camera, action, probe system was first introduced around 1969. The first procedures required two doctors, one on the head-end of the scope and a second to operate the hose reel.
One of the seldom used purposes of your naval is as an escape hatch if either type of scope gets off track. That’s another reason the doctor has you say “Aaah” when he examines your throat. He’s looking for clear passage.
It’s recommended you get a colonoscopy at age 50. I’m not sure about sigmoidoscopies. In retrospect, my doctor back then was an internist. He probably invested in a new scope and did a trial run on a trusting twenty-something year old, me.
Today is “prep” day. Yesterday was devoted to “pre prep”. On pre-prep day you must avoid eating fruits, salads, vegetables, and grains. Today I’m limited to eggs and yogurt for breakfast. Beginning at 1 p.m. I’ll be on a clear liquid diet only. You probably know the drill: water, 7-up, clear juices with no pulp, clear broth or bouillon. Clear sports drinks are encouraged to help replace electrolytes that will be depleted during the completion of the prep.
I’ll spare you the details of what’s expected throughout the rest of my day. Suffice it to say, by the time I go to bed tonight my colon will be as clean as a whistle. You’re required to ensure cleanliness by using a series of products that clear your colon. The doctors want the pathway to be debris free. It makes for clearer photos when they do your photo shoot.
One of the recommended products is a concoction known as Go-Lightly. I’ve used it in the past but asked for a less explosive approach this time. Go-Lightly had two working titles during its development, $#!% Like There’s No Tomorrow and $#!% Your Brains Out. The marketing department nixed both and came up with Go-Lightly. It’s softer sounding while still in line with the intended results.
My doctor wanted me to get a new product from the pharmacy. When I went to pick it up, I discovered it wasn’t covered by insurance and cost $158.00. I refused to make such an investment in a product whose sole purpose was to make me poop, so I took a pass. I’ve opted for more conventional, over the counter, poop producing aides.
Seriously, by age 50, you should start getting a colonoscopy every 10 years, no matter your gender or overall health.
As you age, your risk of developing polyps and bowel cancer increases. Getting routine colonoscopies helps your doctor find abnormalities early so they can be quickly treated.
I’ve got friends who are still my friends because they followed these guidelines.
As for me, let the games begin. Bottoms down.
I think your next post should be why a doctor would choose that field out of all the options out there. ‘Butt in the end’ we do need the them. Best wishes tomorrow!
Funny colonoscopy story. A man, meeting with his doctor after the procedure, asked the doctor if he had seen the man’s head when he was peering into him. The doctor replied, “No” he hadn’t. The man then asked the doctor to please pass that information on to the man’s wife?