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Colonoscopy fear

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Posted 5/7/2013 8:34 PM (GMT 0)
I get cha, I'm the same way.

My daughter lived in London for a few years for work, and I could never go out there to see her. I think she held it against me, but I just couldn't get myself to take that long of a flight. I missed a lot, and I still do.

I don't like freeways, or what we call them here are highways, either. I'll drive the long way around street to street, cause I won't drive on the highways.
Posted 5/7/2013 8:37 PM (GMT 0)
Wow, larry is right, we are alike in a lot of ways ;)

My daughter cannot understand why I won't drive them.....well, let's see, everyone is driving 25 miles or more over the speed limit, dodging, darting, no signals, cannot stop if they had to.....that's my story and I'm sticking to it!......LOL

Posted 5/7/2013 8:38 PM (GMT 0)
EXACTLY!!!! LOL
Posted 5/7/2013 9:57 PM (GMT 0)
Hi there, =)

I wanted to take time to respond to you, I actually had a colonoscopy four months ago and I suffer from anxiety/panic, so I had a terrible time with making the appointment, plus the fact it had to be made a month in advance, so I spent that whole month worried about it!! I  did not want to do it at all and had put it off for over a year, until finally I decided it was the only way to truely know I was not severly ill. I have to say, from the bottom of my heart, it goes so quickly, and once you get done, you have the proof you need to calm your mind that nothing serious is wrong. It is so normal to be afraid of a colonoscopy, many people are, but trust me (coming from someone who had to have their mother calm them down the morning of her colonoscopy) it will go by so quickly, and honestly it will feel so great to be that cleaned out!! You feel refreshed, and its like you get to start over fresh and put good foods in your system =) Just tell yourself that all you have to do, is get yourself there and once you get in there you can just breathe because it flys by after that! Let me know if you have any questions!! I want to help ease your mind!!

Posted 5/7/2013 10:31 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you Els,

I think my main issue now is drinking all the  prep stuff!  Everyone says how bad it is, and it is a whole gal to drink, uck!

I think I will just watch the color of the movements and when it is light yellow, I will just not finish the whole gal????

What prep did you use for yours???

BTW, I did get some Xanax to take the morning of the test, I don't think I would get out of the car unless I have something to calm me down.

Posted 5/7/2013 10:44 PM (GMT 0)
Oh crap, I just called the Dr. that will be doing the test, and she said I cannot take the Xanax right before coming, will have to be in the middle of the night! I am having a endo also,so she said it would interfere.....omg!
Posted 5/7/2013 11:53 PM (GMT 0)
It will all be okay!!! I also thought that I would need the anti anxiety, but I didn't and trust me I am a freak with my anxiety!!!!!! The prep is the hardest part, and it was extremely hard for me because of my stomach issues I already have it made the pain even worse, but that rarely happens! Out of everyone I had talked to that had one they didn't have any of the pain I talked of, so I will walk you through the prep I had to complete... First when is your colonoscopy???? Ok I did what was called GOLYTLE, with the laxatives... So, I had to do a split prep so it started with taking three laxatives at three in the afternoon the day before the procedure, then around five o clock I had to start drinking the gallon jug.... I mixed crystal light packets in with mine to help with the flavor(it did help even though it still doesn't taste great, it does taste better) some people mix gatorade. I had to drink eight, eight ounce glasses of the mixture every fifteen minutes... I literally had all eight glasses and the laxatives down before I finally started going... once I did, I was on the toilet for about five hours... I just stayed there because it was easiest to just sit there with my lap top and watch a movie... Once I was done, I went to bed... Then I had to get up and drink the rest six hours before my appointment, I vomitted twice while trying to drink it, and didn't think I would be able to have the procedure,but I did get enough down to clear me out... so I went some more and then headed to the hospital... Once there, I checked in, got brought back and hooked up to everything, and then I was brought to the room, put under, and then woke up a while later... ( I woke up very happy thanks to the drugs of being put under hahaha) I got home and went straight to bed =) I look back and wonder why I was so worked up... It really went quickly, all I had to do was get myself there, because once I was there, I knew I could do it.... and keep in mind that  you are surrounded by doctors, if you go and the anxiety starts they will be able to help you.... So, just tell yourself i just need to get there... I know its not that easy.. I have a huge fear of being put under and actually just had to undergo a tonsillectomy two months ago which did require antianxiety medication, but I must say, I felt worse after taking it, I felt more anxious!! I hope this helps you trust me though the only thing that sucks is the taste of what you drink, the going isn't even that bad!! Just buy some tuck wipes... they help for if you are going alot, I alternated between them and regular toilet paper... I also wore depends to bed just so I could have an eased mind and get some sleep, I didn't go at all in my sleep though so do not fear that! Sorry this got pretty detailed, I just really want you to know it will be okay!!!
Posted 5/8/2013 12:00 AM (GMT 0)
You two can get a laugh out of this, I joined the Army at 17 went in just after Graduation, ended up in
the Paratroopers, problem is this country boy had never been in an airplane, I don't think they ever got my
finger prints out of the door frame, I screamed all the way down, I counted one time and I made 27
takeoffs before I ever landed in a plane. Sgt told me I darn near killed him laughing! lol

Larry ***
Posted 5/8/2013 12:25 AM (GMT 0)
Els,  thank you again for  your help.  I wrote a detailed answer and my computer re-booted on me ;(

Anyway, I have to take 1 bottle of magseium/citrate tomorrow afternoon and start the liquid diet also.

Thursday, I start the 1 gal of Colighty, 8 oz at a time, UCK!....the nurse said not to rush drinking it (believe me I wont)....This to be done in 5-8hours.....she said if I get sick from it to call them for a alternate plan??

As soon as my stool is light yellow, I am stopping.  I am also supposed to do 2 fleet enemas the morning of the test.....I may do one, but not 2!

My test is on Friday the 10th.  I am terrified of being put under also, so that doesn't help.  My fiancé will be taking me there, he does not relate to anxiety, so hope he is helpful?  I wish my daughter was here to take me.

I also hope I don't have to sit in the waiting room for along time or it will be worse......I will be so happy when it is over and I am home again.

Ithink since I have lost so much weight I am scared they might find something horrible, I have eaten much at all for the past 5 months, so of course my weight is way down. 

 

Posted 5/8/2013 12:30 AM (GMT 0)
Too funny story, thanks Larry ;)
Posted 5/8/2013 2:43 AM (GMT 0)
So yours is kind of similar to mine.... I know what you mean about the weight loss, I had mine done because I lost twenty pounds in two months, and I am not a person who can afford to lose weight!  Mine turned out to be just the ibs and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.. nothing serious was found and I have a good feeling yours will turn out the same! I understand the men not understanding anxiety. I say follow the directions to the best of your ability, I know you do not want to have to drink it all and once you see yellow you will want to quit, but trust me, for the sake of not having to do it again, do your best to follow everything to exactly what they say! If you do get sick, I am sure they have another option for you, I just had to take some anti nausea medicine and wait awhile. I was afraid of being put under, but was so happy when the time came because it was such a relief to just be there and have it happen. When I went for mine, I had to wait ten minutes before they took me back... I did my best to focus on a magazine, and also told the nurses I was very nervous so they did their best to make sure I was calm and walked me through everything! The upside to yours is that you get to drink the mixture all in one sitting, the split prep really sucked because it was hard to do it the first time so doing it the following morning was not fun! So, I know for a fact yours will go way better then mine, because once you start drinking it, it would be so much easier to be able to just finish it, and that is what you get to do! So do your best, my thoughts are with you and I will make sure I check everyday to see how you are doing with it!!! I know these are only words, and I had so many people who had one telling me it would be fine, and I still felt nervous, I know the one thing that really helped me was having someone to talk to while I was on the way to the appointment and waiting to go in, it kept me some what distracted... I am not sure if you will have access to this on friday, but if you will I do not work that day, and can watch on here and reply to keep your mind busy?? Let me know
Posted 5/8/2013 2:44 AM (GMT 0)
I would follow the directions that were given you. If you need 2 enemas, do them. You don't want to get there, after all of that, and have them say to you that you aren't cleaned out enough. I doubt that would happen, but, honestly, I would do everything that you were told to do. Why take the chance, ya know? After you've gone so far, you wanna make sure it's done right.

My stupid cousin went for a colonoscopy and she hadn't cleaned out enough. They sent her home, un-scoped. She's a really funny person, so the way she tells the story is hilarious. She said that, she was already put out, and awoken by the nurse tapping her on the shoulder saying, "Wake up, you have to go home, your *** is full of Sh!t" LOL

I was afraid of being put out too, that was one of my biggest fears, but it's not the kind of anesthesia that they do for a major surgery. It's not like they're stopping your heart or anything. It's twilight sleep, and although you won't feel or remember anything, it is safer than the one I think you're probably worried about.

Also, we are all afraid of getting a bad report. I think at the root of all of our fears, that's really what it is. The weeks and the night before my scope, I just thought to myself that, if there really is something bad brewing inside of me, it's better to get it out NOW instead of waiting and letting it get to the point where there is no saving me anymore. Ya know? If- God Forbid, it is something bad, it isn't going to get any better by waiting. It is better to deal with something as early as possible. Your fears are very common and very normal and ones we've all had.

Please try to relax, whatever you have to do to relax, do it. Meditate, walk, run, jog, read, watch a silly show on tv, listen to music, etc., just do it.

The actual test itself is, I promise you, nothing to it. It is the prep that is the worst part of it. We are all here for you! Chin up girl! You'll be fine! :)
Posted 5/8/2013 2:52 AM (GMT 0)
I want to add, as ELS has said, I'll be around tomorrow, thursday and friday too, if you need to talk. We've got your back, ok? :))))

Post Edited (Me-Ouch) : 5/7/2013 8:58:34 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 5/8/2013 12:07 PM (GMT 0)
Els & Me

Thank you so much for your wonderful support and sharing.

It really helps!

I could barely sleep last night again, my computer is barely working now, Sam is not home until tonight to try and fix it, so hopefully I will be able to communicate with you guys.

Els, sharing about your weight loss makes me feel better!  I have been tested for the Hpylori stuff and it was n neg. but my symptoms are like IBS or a ulcer for sure.  losing this weight has had me anxious now for several months....;(     I will try to do as you guys have said and follow the stupid directions, don't want todo this twice.

I will be posting as much as my computer will !et me, love you guys!

Posted 5/8/2013 3:42 PM (GMT 0)
It is 8:45 Pacific time, I have to run last minute errands, like get more cat food for my girls. Be back soon. ;)
Posted 5/8/2013 4:14 PM (GMT 0)
I Hope your computer turns around, and I think IBS in itself can be a leading factor in losing weight!!!  It sucks I know, I am about thirty pounds under weight! You just keep us posted, I understand the not being able to sleep part, you will probably be like that until it is over, I had the same problem!!! Just keep your chin up, we are here for you!!
Posted 5/8/2013 4:36 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, I can't even play a game!  It sucks!

I am hoping it is something like IBS.  Do you finally start to gain some weight after you start medicating this??  I am so glad you are here.

When they do these tests, will they know if it IBS? 

Posted 5/8/2013 4:46 PM (GMT 0)
Els, where are you located?
Posted 5/8/2013 4:52 PM (GMT 0)
Hi! I don't know if they have a definitive test for IBS. I think they go by symptoms and of course it's always a process of eliminating other things. I was diagnosed with spastic colon back in the day, the 80's and 90's which is what they now call IBS. I had, back then, barium enema tests. Those weren't fun. Ever have to do that? You have to do the whole cleaning out process beforehand as well. I tell ya what, the colonoscopy is easier than that, at least you sleep through it.

You have cats! YAY! I have 3 of them!!!

I have to go and get cat food too and go grocery shopping later today so I'll be out for a bit but will be checking on here throughout the day and evening. I live on my laptop, I admit it, I'm addicted!!!

I am also on a couple of other forums. Whenever I have a problem I find a forum to talk to others about it. I find that is the absolute best way to get through something. It's amazing that I've found so much needed support through people I've never even met, much more sometimes than from my family and friends. Of course you DO have to be careful. You don't wanna be talking to some serial killer or something LOL

I'm talking all over the place, notice? Trying to keep your mind off of your stresses ;) Is it working??? :))))
Posted 5/8/2013 5:06 PM (GMT 0)
Me,

No, I never have had the barium stuff....they wanted me to have a ct scan also, but the Dr. wanted this test first, so maybe I won't have to go through the ct too......uck!.....he also said that all of this could be a stress, anxiety thing......it has been a stressful year for me for sure.

Yes, I have 2 cats, my Lexi is a simease/himilayian mix who is now 15 years old.  She has been through so much with me....then 2 years ago, Sam decided he wanted a ragdoll, so we got Dolly who is purebred ragdoll and just beautiful.  She has the dark seal markings and light cream coat.

But, she is a lot to take care of, she requires good brushing a lot, her coat is way to thick and mats up overnight!....in order to do this, you must also plan on vacuuming the whole house.  I may do her this afternoon, don't know yet or wait until Saturday,...

I love Healing well site also.  so many supportive people.  Haven't ran into a stalker yet. LOL

hugs, 

Posted 5/8/2013 5:36 PM (GMT 0)
We do our best to weed out the trolls and serial killers here at HW...just one of the many services we provide, Lol!!;p

...but seriously, do be careful, follow internet safety standards always!

Wishing everyone a healthy and happy day!!

S.C.
Posted 5/8/2013 9:13 PM (GMT 0)
I have one long haired grey and white cat that mats up over night too. He needs daily brushing. He is huge and gorgeous! I have one little black and white sweetheart with a pink nose who is always into EVERYTHING! Very much a trouble maker but my favorite (shhhh.....don't tell the others) and my newbie, I just got last month, I inherited from my ex-husband who passed away. My kids gave her to me, she is a tiny little tabby cat who is afraid of her shadow. I'm thinking he didn't do a very good job socializing her because she doesn't really play well and is very skittish, but I think it will just take time for her to adjust. It's only been barely a month after all.

Hey Scaredy cat, you guys do an awesome job keeping the forum safe for us! Thanks!
Posted 5/8/2013 9:24 PM (GMT 0)
Me,  Do you live alone? 

Yes, the cats are good company and do have such different personalities!

My older cat still runs from the younger one.  She really had a hard adjustment when we got Dolly.  She had been the Queen for soooo long, and then had to share the house with this baby kitten who ran and jumped at her and wanted to play.  I do spend a lot of money at Pet Smart for their food and stuff.I still would like a small dog, but not at this house, as there is no grass.

We live in a somewhat desert like area and most of the landscape is plants and rocks.  I love it here in the winter and spring, but the summer is pretty brutal.,......AC running all the time....;(

Well, Ihave to take that citrate stuff soon and am dreading it., maybe it wont be too bad?

Posted 5/8/2013 9:26 PM (GMT 0)
I am so silly, I am sitting here watching QVC Food Fest and have to start the liquid diet tonight.....what am I thinking???
Posted 5/8/2013 9:41 PM (GMT 0)
tummy, No, I don't live alone. I am remarried since June of 2009 to a wonderful guy who, unfortunately, has horrible allergies and asthma and yes, lives with me and my 3 cats!!! He says that, hey, the cats came first, he knew what he was getting into. I am NOT getting rid of my cats! He takes prescription medication to keep his asthma in check and for the most part does pretty well. He has more issues with outdoor allergies anyway, like this time of the year, when everything is blooming, he's in pretty bad shape some days. We wonder if he might do better in a desert climate, but it's really not up for discussion because we couldn't afford to move States, and I'm bug phobic. I do better in the winter time when I can go months without seeing creepy crawlies. Not sure about a warm climate that might be buggy, YIKES! We looked into moving to Hawaii until I read somewhere that they have centipedes that can get to 6 inches. OMG! Plus, oh yeah, I'd have to get on a plane, so forget that! LOL

I'm having issues with my older cat getting along with the newbie, as in, they are not getting along. oh well....

um, yeah, you probably shouldn't be watching a food fest right now.... ;) Hopefully the prep won't be too bad, crossing fingers and toes for you!
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