First Ever Colonoscopy tomorrow! Woke up in a full blown panic attack!

If I am this bad this morning, I dread to think of how bad I'll be tomorrow at this time. In fact, I'll be preparing to leave for the hospital in just about 24 hours from now. I'll start my prep later this evening. I don't think staying on a liquid diet today will be hard, because when I get panicky I can't eat anyway, just sweat, shake, be irritable at poor DH and have shortness of breath.

What a fun day ahead of me for sure.

I popped a xanax almost an hour ago but it doesn't seem to be working as well as it should be. I take 0.25 every 4 hours. Does anyone take more than that?

I know reasonably I will most likely be fine, there is no colon cancer in my family, this is a screening but I do have issues, as I've always had anyway, nothing new.

The thought of being that one in a million with a complication, or getting bad news, is scary and am trying to put those thoughts out of my mind the second they enter.

So I think the fear isn't of pain because I've been told I won't feel a thing...it's fear of maybe getting bad news? And I know all the worry in the world is not going to change my outcome one way or the other. So I know these things intellectually but emotionally, I'm a basket case.

I'm journaling and writing here, please be patient with me today...and will try to keep busy today.

I'm assuming my house is going to be very clean by the end of the day.

Honestly, I get so angry at myself for being this weak. This is so routine that everyone has it, but now it's my turn and after scheduling twice and canceling, this is my 3rd attempt, I have promised myself to not back down this time.

I just don't know why I have such difficulty letting fear and panic and anxiety stop me from doing things everyone else seems to do without these problems that cripple their lives from doing the things they must do. I think it is partly genetic as my mother and unfortunately my poor daughter suffers from this as well...Just like getting on an airplane, scary too...but that's another story for another time.

I had to have a colonoscopy back in October because of some issues I was having, and I was scared to death. My grandfather passed away in his early forties because of colon cancer, so I was really afraid of hearing bad news. I went in for the procedure feeling like I was going to pass out. Even the medicine they gave me for my nerves didn't help me too much. But it was so much easier than I thought it would be, and I got the results that everything was fine, so it was worth it. I always have such a hard time getting any kind of procedure done, my nerves just get ahold of me and run wild. But I am sure you will go and get it over with tomorrow, everything will go smoothly, and you will be glad it's over and you won't have to worry about it anymore. :) Good luck!

Me-Ouch

It is normal to be afraid of the unknown and this evening you will be busy dealing with the prep so you won't have a lot of time to worry.  When I dread a procedure I picuture that "tomorrow at this time it will be history".

Getting regular screening tests is the single best way to lower colon cancer risk. Screening tests can prevent colon cancer by finding polyps. Polyps are small abnormal growths that can sometimes turn into cancer. If they are found early, polyps can be removed before cancer develops.

It is important that you should feel able to ask questions when you see your doctor. Try making a list before your appointment, because people often forget what they want to ask. Remember that any question is worth asking, even if it is one you have asked before.

You will be receiving light sedation before the procedure and the medication is excellent, however it can cause you to forget what the Dr. said during and after your scope so do ask for a written summary.

Sending you lots of good vibe and remember to tell yourself this will be over soon.

Kindly,

Kitt

 

Hey Me, I also use xanax, now days just when I am overwhelmed but there was a time I couldnt keep going without it, I was on 3 a day of the blue ones, now just as needed the white ones,
I never had an addiction problem but I think we all are somewhat different in that catagory.

Best of Luck and Prayers!

Larry ***

I'm leaving now...I'll post later, thanks! :)

   So happy that it all went well!  Rest up for now, and have a peaceful enjoyable weekend!

Talk to you soon,

S.C.

Great tip Larry, thanks for that! :)

Hi Me-Ouch,

I am thrilled your colonscopy was normal and no problems.  I was not so lucky last August as my GI found a very large nasty colon cancerous tumor.  Therefore I am a huge advocate for colonoscopies and follow ups.

It is much better to find benign polyps and remove them right away before they blossom in to full blown cancer.  You did well my friend.

Kindly,

Kitt