Just Me - AmeliaJake, The Peanut Butter Cafe & Roadhouse

Colonoscopy

February 6, 2011 AmeliaJake 4 Comments

While I am here and before I wander over to play a game . . . yes I know I said I had that out of my system, but fate had other ideas. Actually, while I am here and before I chicken out, I am going to tell you I will be posting about the preparation for and participation in a colonoscopy. You’re thrilled, right? Well, neither am I.

I wnt in on Friday for the introductory appointment. The doctor and his nurses are very nice. He’s from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and plays the piano, the keys of which he probably enjoys tickling more than . . . well, I’ll let it go at that.

I am told the procedure is not a problem because you have a type of sedation where you are aware what is going on but you remember nothing. I asked the nurse if they had ever had some patient not remember the fact that he/she yelled, “Heck, no, get me off of this table.” I am afraid of making a fool of myself, but then, I do believe it would be more foolish not to have it done. Easy talk when the actual appointment time hasn’t even been set yet.

I do have to not eat and drink this unpleasant liquid. I suspect I will be aware of and remember that. I do get to eat all the jell-o I want.

I wonder if for the sake of complete coverage, I should have a little tape recorder running during the part I won’t remember. I will probably spend the day prior convincing myself I am the essence of John Wayne: Little lady, you just go ahead and shove that up . . .

Oh, I wonder if I will walk like John Wayne after. Now, that’s TWO worries.

4 thoughts on “Colonoscopy”

Albug says:

February 6, 2011 at 11:13 am

Okay, now this is something I know about. I am a colon cancer survivor (14 years). I have had so many colonoscopies I have lost count. Here is the good thing, you won’t remember anything at all. It is easier than a mammogram and really less embarrassing, I promise. I wouldn’t record it though, I have a nurse friend that had hers done without sedation because she didn’t want her coworkers to hear any of her secrets. A sense of humor helps.
Here is the unpleasant part. The prep is no fun, but it is only a day out of your life and you can do anything for a day, right? Be sure you stay hydrated through the whole thing, this is very important for the next day. You are going to loose a lot of um fluids during the prep. Follow all the instructions exactly as given to you. Stay close and I mean close to your bathroom after you start the final prep. Don’t drink your first bit and go for a walk or think you can get to the store and back, bad idea. Have things to do in the bathroom, you will be in there for a while. Oh yeah, make sure the prep liquid is very cold it helps some. Make sure someone goes with you to take you home. You can’t drive no matter what you may think at the time (actually I don’t think they will release you without someone to drive you).
You will be able to eat as soon as you leave, you should be hungry. You might not remember eating later in the day, but that’s okay, eat again. You will probably sleep most of the day, but everyone is different in that regard.
Good luck, have fun, I can’t wait to read your account.:)
pottermom says:

February 6, 2011 at 5:54 pm

I’m just the ornery one that plays with my husband’s mind after he’s had his yearly colonoscopy done. I can convince him he’s said and done all sorts of embarrassing things and even though I do this every year he falls for every time. Makes the day pass easier for me. If you’d like I can email some of my most effective things to Summer, she’d be sure to appreciate them….. 😉

Actually my sympathy as the prep day is the worst the actual day not so bad…. something I have to do next month so I won’t be mocking you …. much.
Albug says:

February 7, 2011 at 8:34 am

When my husband had his a few years ago, we came home and I made him a complete breakfast, eggs, toast and potatoes. The next day he insisted I hadn’t fed him at all!! He still doesn’t remember and no amount of persuasion will convince him.
I don’t remember going out to breakfast after one a few years ago, but I trust his word that he fed me. Wait, you don’t think he saved a few bucks do you? Hmm.
AmeliaJake says:

February 7, 2011 at 11:14 am

You have started thought processes on the scary side – and on the dark side.
Could this be a possible courtroom defense?

Comments are closed.

***Jody Lynn Vance: 1985-2011***

Jody was born at sunrise on a bright, sunny, cold, snowy Groundhog’s Day and from Day One she was a gift to everyone around her. Her infectious laugh and rambunctious spirit made her the center of attention where ever she happened to be.

She and her Dad would watch Sesame Street and sing at the top of our voices (and quite out of key) all of the songs. She enjoyed having Mom fix her hair so it was fancy and just right.

As a toddler she had quite an impressive vocabulary and often had a lot to say. One time Dad was headed out the door to go to work and she pointed her finger and said, “No. No. No. Don’t go anywhere!“

Jody was very seldom crabby, always happy and she wasted no time in spreading that joy to everyone around her. Jody’s favorite place was to be perched on the lap of Mom or Dad or playing with her toys spread out all over the floor. Jody was always affectionate, wanting hugs and “moochies” as she called smooches on the cheek.

At around two, Jody’s illness began to attack her. It took a beautiful, innocent child and put her through untold pain and suffering,

I know that through all of that she was not afraid. She had the heart and spirit of lion. She never gave up; time after countless time, she would open her eyes and there would come that smile. Jody lost her speech, but never was at a loss for words. She could say more with a look or a half smile than most people do yakking all day long.

After numerous doctor, hospital, and specialist visits, we were given the news of her illness. I remember that moment frozen in time … it was as if the entire world stopped. It was in that brief moment we both knew that we must make the very most of the time we had remaining together and not dwell on the despair of all of the things that would never be.

Jody was not expected to live more than three or so - but she had too many things to do and stories to tell, so she cruised by that birthday and over two more decades of birthdays, Christmases and millions of smiles and hugs. Jody was well-liked by other kids; once when she was being wheeled into her classroom at Handicare, one of the children yelled, “Hey everybody, Jody’s here” and all the kids cheered.

Two of the biggest joys in her life were her two little brothers, Joey and Sammy. She would just beam with joy when they would sit next to her and when they began to get older she’d love to listen to them running through the house and playing together. The two of them would start laughing and Jody would laugh right along with them. She would listen intently to everything they did and they would include her as often as they could. The three of them loved watching Saturday morning cartoons and The Three Stooges.

Joe and Sam did without a lot of things that other kids had, did and took for granted … and they never once complained or were resentful of the way things were. That shows a special kind of love and a special kind of family.

As the years went by and the boys grew up into strong and healthy, Jody’s health slowly and steadily declined. She would have long stretches where she was fairly stable and then would become so very ill.

Many times we were sure the end was near and then she would open those sparkling blue eyes and stretch just like nothing had happened at all.

Once she was in the hospital with her usual bout of pneumonia and lapsed into a coma; this went on for 8 days. One Dr. came in, examined her and just shook his head. Later that night Jody’s eyes popped open and she was refreshed from her cat- nap.

People over the years have commented, ”I don’t know how you do it. ”This always struck me as odd. My thoughts would always be: How could you even think of turning your back on someone who needs you that much?

It was always our promise to Jody that she would always live at home with her family and I think she found comfort in knowing that.

But, no one person can take the credit for caring for this wonderful young woman. It has taken an army of doctors, nurses, teachers, aides, pharmacists, friends, and family over the years to maintain Jody at home, and we could never begin to thank you enough.

Jody always kept her head held high and never seemed to be afraid; she has truly been my inspiration on many occasions. When things were gloomy and seemed hopeless, just one smile and a hug was all I needed to go on. Jody will always be my hero. I love her and will treasure the time we had together.

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20	21	22	23	24	25	26
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4 thoughts on “Colonoscopy”

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