Colonoscopy Day

Colonoscopy day started early.  My appointment was at 7:30 a.m. and they wanted me there at 6:30.  My procedure was done at the doctor’s clinic.  It was not far from home and it was raining.  Bob took me to the office and waited for me.  My anesthesiologist later said she was surprised that everyone was showing up on time because of the weather.

 

After filling out paperwork, I waited only a few minutes before they called my name.  I verified the correct spelling on my wrist band and we were taken to the bed that I would have my procedure done on.

 

A nurse came and began asking questions. There were the typical questions about family history and current status.  She was quite impressed that at 52, I am on no medications.  She complemented me on my excellent blood pressure and the fact that I have had only one surgery in my life:  a tonsillectomy at the age of 18.  She then started an IV in my right hand.

 

A second nurse came and asked most of the same questions.  She, too, was impressed with my status.  I contribute my good health to the 26 years of taking vitamins and just about as many years of exercising on a regular basis.

 

Then the anesthesiologist came.  She, again, asked many questions and then rolled me down the hall on the bed.  I had never seen a hospital hallway from a rolling bed or guerney.  She must have passed her driving test, because she made the turns and corners with experienced ease. 

 

In the procedure room a nurse was very friendly and energetic.  She offered me a blanket and I waffled on the request.  She said, “You want a blanket,” and put a warm one over me. It felt good for the time I remember it.  The anesthesia began to kick in.  The last thing I remember was saying, “Here it comes.”

 

When I woke up I think I was back in the original space where all the prepatory questions were asked.  I felt a little groggy, but came around pretty quickly.  Someone offered me some juice and it really was good.  I was quite thirsty after the preparation day and having had no fluids after midnight.  The doctor came by and brought pictures of my colon and said he’d call in about 5 days. They had snipped off a small pollup and were sending it to the lab for a biopsy.

 

Soon we were on our way back home in the rain.  I seemed to feel every bump in the road.  I didn’t want to go sit in a restaurant to eat, so we came home.  I did  have some cereal with Café Latte Cinch Shake in it.  It was very good.  Soon after that I laid on the sofa and slept.  I slept off and on until about 11:30 a.m.  I kept getting up to get something to drink and going to the bathroom. 

 

That was the part I was not ready for.  The same routine as last night was happening on the day of the procedure.  This kept up until later in the day.  I think the corner was turned when I had more cereal, this time with high fiber.

 

So all is better, two days later.  The only remains are the irritated circles on my chest were they monitored my heart during the procedure and a bruise on my right hand where the IV was installed.

 

Colonoscopy day started early. I will get more results from the doctor 5 days after the big day.  It wasn’t as bad as I expected and it was a longer ordeal than I expected.

 

Dallas Health Helpers has been involved in natural approaches to health for 26 years.  We are located in Uptown Dallas, but our influence is nation wide.