Sunday, January 27, 2013

My Colonoscopy Journey

Well I wasn't going to talk about the big "C".  But this week as it is drawing closer and I am online searching on you tube to see the procedure and how it is done (because I believe in being prepared, not scared) that I have decided to talk about it.  There are a lot of people that need a little help in preparing ahead.  My daughter has had one so I have got info from her also.  My biggest thing is having enough to eat the day before haha. So I like to eat!  So I researched and found some things that weren't on my list.  So my prep starts at 8 am this morning.  One thing I am not pleased about is that they like to do the scope early but of course I am one of the ones that go in at noon, so it is going to be a long day.  And my first dose isn't until 9 pm tonight and another one tomorrow morning.  So that is what being prepared is for.  So anyway here goes:  In Canada we get a wonderful product called Pico Salax.  Wow I am impressed that Canada is the leader in this one.  I have watched the preps in the US and they look a little more had, but can be done.  Anyway I picked up my pico salax a week ago at Costco, it is two packets for under $20.  I made my grocery list and have everything ready for today.  And where things are limited as to what you can have, you have to plan ahead and do this right for a good outcome.  Remember no red or orange anything.

This is just my selection:  I got some tropical pops and will eat the yellow & green ones. Water, A lot of Gatorade any flavor except red or orange, apple juice, jello anything except red or orange, clear soda (I don't usually drink pop, but may make an exception today), Clear broth (I chose chicken broth) you can chose what ever one you want.  I read you can get lipton cup a soup and drain off the liquid and drink it.  Sounds yummy, tea and coffee (no milk) lemon & lime to flavor water. Some one said on pinterest that biting into a lemon after the dose helps, that's if you mind it. and some clear candy (which if you have sugar issues you may need these).  They say Gatorade is the single best thing you can drink.  You can also drink white cranberry juice.  So there is my day.  I got a sample menu if you need ideas, so here goes:
Breakfast: 1 glass of fruit juice, 1 cup of coffee, 1 cup of broth, 1 bowl of jello.

Snack: 1 glass of fruit juice, 1 bowl of jello

Lunch: 1 glass of fruit juice, 1 glass of water, 1 cup of broth, 1 bowl of jello.

Snack: 1 ice pop, 1 coffee or tea, soft drink.

Dinner: 1 cup juice or water, 1 cup of broth, 1 bowl jello, coffee or tea.

The doctor will give you proper instructions as to what else you have to do and the times to do it.  So if you are prepared ahead of time you won't be running around at the last minute starving.  So as my day begins I hope you all have a good one and will be back for updates as the day goes on.  Later.


Sorry this is what the pico salax looks like.  With two packets of powder inside to be mixed with water at time of use.
MONDAY:  Today is the day.  Yesterday went okay, I had lots to keep me going, the chicken broth really helped to warm me up, and it was actually good.  I had my first dose at 9 last night, drinking so much liquid makes you "cold!" It didn't start to work for a couple of hours, no major cramping, good thing, but don't be to far away from the washroom.  Didn't get any good sleep until after 2 then slept.  Things weren't  running clear as they say by now, so I got up for my second dose at 6 instead of 7.  So I am sipping lemon water (2 litres of it!).  You have to drink 2 litres after each dose.  They say gaterade is the best but I had one bottle to start last night but it got really hard to do, so I chose to go with just water.  The pico salax tasted just fine, no complaints there.  I did have a slice of lemon to bite on but that was an option but not necessary. Well next is to wait, hubby will be taking me in at noon, and go from there.  Check back later.  They say you will be tired from sedation so I will see if I get back to finish this up tonight. 

Well all done, and home relaxing.  The procedure went well.  They get all of your info, admit you to day surgery.  The nurses were fantastic.  Get in the regular hospital attire. And wait, and remember everyone in the room is in there for the same thing so passing gas is a familiar sound you will here in that room.  When I first heard one, I wanted to giggle and remember that will be me in an hour. So me being me I told the (all men) in the room, "I hope you guys are all gone when I come back, I am a lady and that will be embarrassing " Got a good laugh anyway, haha.  So they came and got me and we went to "that" room, it was small with the doc and 2 nurses.  The nurse was fantastic at explaining everything. She told me there were different spots that the scope could have a little trouble getting around corners, and the biggest thing is they put air in the colon to help see things, and that air is the thing that causes the cramps afterwards and you have to expel it.  She gave me something to sedate me a little and for pain, and I didn't have any problems.  (That can be different for everyone) Being prepared is key, and relax. It wasn't long it was over, and I got to see my colon.  Then they take you back to the room to get air rolling, give you a snack and you are good to go.  Of course I was the one who couldn't pass anything, lol, but she let me leave anyway and was sure it would happen, and it did.  Anyway came home, went for some rest and wait to see the doc for results.  I hope this has helped someone who has questions or is scared.  Sometimes we need to do what is necessary for the better good, just do it.  Night All!