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July 2015              I saw my internist for my regular yearly check- up.  Yes, I found out my numbers (see last week’s blog). She told me that I was due for a colonoscopy. I asked her, who would she send her family members to? She made the referral.

August 2015       The office staff from the place I was getting the colonoscopy called me.   My appointment was scheduled for September 11, 2015 at 8:30 AM. They reviewed what I needed to do and told me to expect something in the mail

Sept. 3, 2015      I received the envelope in the mail. It contained the instructions and I reviewed what needed to be done

Sept. 8, 2015      I went to the pharmacy to get my bowel prep

Sept. 10, 2015    I was only allowed clear liquid diet. I did go to work in the morning. My bowel prep started with 4 pills that I took at 12 noon. I knew I had to get home before I started the liquid prep.  I started the liquid prep at 3:00 PM. By 4:00 PM, I got on the toilet. I got to know my bathroom for the next 3 hours like I never did before. Thank God, I had enough toilet tissue.  I definitely needed a good shower that evening. I went to bed at 11:00 PM.

Sept. 11, 2015    I was told not to eat anything after midnight. I woke up hungry. I prayed, brushed my teeth, meditated and took another shower. Yes, I woke up about twice to visit the toilet. By this time it was water coming out. I felt like I was urinating from my buttocks.  I got dressed and waited for my dear friend, Ms. Dolly to take me to the Center. I arrived and signed all papers telling me about the risks of the procedure. I almost wanted to back out.  I prayed that all would work out. I was taken to a room, took off all my clothes, and put on the gown that was given to me. My vitals were taken and an IV started.  At 9:00 am,  I was taken to the procedure room. I met the doctor for the first time. I told him I did not want to feel any pain. He told me he would take care of me. The next thing I remembered I was waking up and my friend was sitting next to me. I put on my clothes, drank some juice and went home. I was home by 11:30 am. I slept most of the day. I really did not have much of an appetite. My friend made a smoothie for me. I did not really eat solid food until 8:30 pm. At 9:00 PM, Ms. Dolly called to check up on me and I had to ask her what happened. Although she told me what happened during the car ride, I was so drugged that I did not remember.

Sept. 12, 2015    I ate breakfast but by belly was still growling. I had a lot of gas and continued to pass gas for most of the day. Despite the gas, I was able to resume my normal activities.

Lessons learned:

• Once the referral is made, follow up if you have not heard from the office where you are suppose to get the colonoscopy.
• Read the instructions the day you get them. There are certain medications that you will not be able to take one week prior to the procedure. You do not want to repeat the procedure because you did not follow instructions.
• Be prepared to take off from work for one day and a half. The prep is hard to do at work. You want to be in the comforts of your home.
• Schedule your procedure early so that you have the rest of the day to rest.
• You will need someone to drive you to the procedure, stay with you, and drive you home (commitment of 3 hours). It should be someone you trust, since they will be the one that will be informed of your results. You will not remember a thing that was said immediately after the procedure.