tl;dr: Pre-colonoscopy bowel prep really took a lot outta me: crazy shit.
Hi Lemmy. I was gonna message my small friend group to wish me luck (aka retroactive positive causes) for my colonoscopy that’s happening in 45 minutes. But I realized I’m not really that close to them. I always end up oversharing and while that can build emotional intimacy in some friend groups, it unfortunately hasn’t with this group. And I dont have any other friends or family to speak of.
I’m kinda scared tbh. Not about the camera in my GI tract part, I’ll be on Milk of Amnesia for that part. It’s more because I got an abnormal result on my preliminary Cologard test, and while I know it has a high false positive rating I still can’t shake it. My background’s in healthcare so I knew enough to not postpone this merely because it’s unappealing. I always prefer knowledge over ignorance.
It’s just that so many people have passed away from gastrointestinal cancers: Chadwick Boseman, James van deer Beek, Audrey Hepburn, Pelé, Kirstie Alley, Charles M. Schulz, Milton Berle, Jack Lemmon, etc. The category of strangers I tend to interact with on Lemmy are the people I feel closest with in a way, which is simultaneously reassuring that I have that but also feels pathetic. Like I should be bullying myself.
Anywhoozles, I’ll at least be happy to end this 36 hour damn fast soon enough with natural and healthy air fried chicken tendies and a pint of Ben & Jerry’s chocolate & peanut butter ice cream. I’ll eat actually healthier (and something with fiber) after I smeep.
Apparently the rate at which I’ll have to repeat this (assuming good news) is dependent on whether the Doc had to burn polyps, etc while spelunking in there. It can ramge between 1-10 years depending how well it goes. Worst case scenario when GI cancers are caught early they’re among the easier to treat. I believe people even keep their hair so I can do that.
Life’s pretty crazy the older I get, and the longer I live the crazier I get. While I’m mostly content, I sometimes wish I could find someone as crazy as me to share my life with. Until then, I can find outlets in writing this brief diarrhy entries where if no one reads it it can always serve as a time capsule for old me. Hi me, it’s you: me. How’ve you been? I wish I’d appreciated the years better.
Love, qualia
Edit: Ollie ollie oxenfree: no Big C for me this time. They burned a few bad guys off and I have to do another one in three years. Thanks for all tbd strong empathy from this community. I literally posted that like ten ninutes before they wheeled me into the OR. Wish I could’ve read these before it went down. Thanks again.
Just think, you’re going to have an excellent power nap in the middle of the day. It’s also totally acceptable (and encouraged) to fart relentlessly when it’s over - how often do you get that kind of pass? Make the most of it while you can.
Regardless of the outcome, at least you’ll KNOW rather than worrying about it.
You got this, colonoscopy buddy.
They caught a high risk polyp. Glad to know it was all worth it. And now I’m cleared for three years. 🙌
That’ll be around the time of my next one too ; D
Glad all is well!
Kudos on being proactive. Empathy by way of anecdote: I just had my first colonoscopy 2 months ago. The prep is, in fact, crazy shit. Until it’s just tea coming out… :D Fingers crossed for nothing burger for you, followed by tasty re-feed. For anyone else with a colonoscopy in their near future: get a bidet toilet seat or a French showerhead. Your tender anus will thank you.
Since your background is in healthcare, I probably don’t need to say this, but I’m not going to let that stop me! The fear and worry are counterproductive. Stated another way: don’t borrow trouble.
Like I should be bullying myself.
Well, I could do that for you, but then I’d get banned. :D
I can find outlets in writing this brief diarrhy entries
I see what you did there.
I wish I’d appreciated the years better.
It’s never too late to start. Once you’re able to be away from the toilet for more than 10 minutes. Good luck, let us know how it goes.
Wassup!
I’m waiting on a scope. Super nasty prep. I still haven’t cleared the rear enough. Delayed until Wednesday.
Unfortunately, we’re trying to find active bleeding. I have an encyclopedia worth of blood tests being performed, including a bone marrow biopsy.
I also work in healthcare.
Stay strong! I’d bet you come out clean.
I’m obese so they recommended I fast for longer than the average recommendations to ensure I was cleared out. It ended up being 34 hrs of fasting until I got the post-procedure DELICIOUS graham crackers and saltines.
I was lucky. Only 2 packs of Graham crackers, before my GF showed up with Carbonara dinner.
diarrhy
HA
There’s no reason to be afraid of the result; it only changes your future actions, not your future state. The condition is either there already or it’s not, and the knowledge doesn’t change that fact. Take life as it comes and don’t borrow trouble.
I know that’s easier said than done for people who are prone to anxiety, but take it from someone who has busted one hand and one wrist in recent years; you can adjust to whatever comes, so don’t be afraid of it. Plan for what you know now, and save the rest of the planning for when you have more info. Don’t let it shake you and don’t let it eat your happiness.
You got this.
Congrats on the good result. I am also on the 3-year plan.
I have had three and they are no big deal.
Also be careful on ending the fast with all the greasy food. That might prolong your fast by introducing purging.
Buy yourself some wheat germ, it’s a natural fiber supplement for sale in almost any good sized grocery store. Look for it near the cereal.
Already have two jars in my freezer.
Good luck with everything.
Oh qualita! I really wish I saw your post earlier so we could have commiserated. Had my first one ever about 2 hours after your post. It was a rough night and the medical staff all were asking why my heart rate was so high ( I was nervous AF). It went fine.
Just know there was another Lemmy user out there who was also very nervous for a first time and I appreciates you sharing and appreciate the weird little community here ❤️
