Colonoscopy.....

I will be the very first person to admit that having a colonoscopy SUCKS!  That being said, this test saved my life. I've explained previously that I am a colon cancer survivor.  Recently, I started having some bleeding very similar to when I was diagnosed.  I went to my internist and had an exam, but she felt better having me see a colorectal specialist....no surprise there.  I haven't actually seen a colorectal doctor in quite some time.  Probably close to 6 or more years.  The Dr who does my normal colonoscopies is a general surgeon.  I tried to get an appt with my old Dr, whom I adored, but he couldn't see me until late August.  So I saw one of his partners.  She seemed nice enough and promptly ordered me a colonoscopy (I began to wonder even before I went, why I didn't just schedule one and be done with it).  She said she found a "fissure" that she thought was the culprit, but wanted to make sure that was all it was.  Honestly, I have my doubts.  That's not to say that I think there is anything to be super worried about, but I feel better knowing 100% that everything is all good. 

Today is the day.  It was really nice that this Dr could schedule me within the week for a colonoscopy.  They offer a different prep than what I normally do.  When you have approx 7 colonoscopies under your belt (no pun intended!) at age 32, you know what works for you.  Sadly, I didn't listen to myself and thought I'd try it.  Without going into to too many nasty details, it was an epic fail that resulted in my puking most of it up and being up all night.  Even at this point, I'm not completely sure I won't be getting a welcome enema when I get there.  Good stuff!  I've never had a colonoscopy this late in the day...it's scheduled for 2pm.  I am STARVING!  All I can think of is the good drugs I'm going to get during the procedure and the all the food I am going to scarf down afterwards! 

Aside from whining about my prep and how much I hate this stuff....I am writing this because I think colonoscopies are important.  Fun, they are not, but potentially life saving, they own that title!  I hate the situation I have put all of my family in, my parents, brother and child.  I feel bad that they have/ will suffer through colonoscopies at a more regular than a person with no family history.  I do think that every time someone has to have a colonoscopy it's a great time to talk to your loved ones and encourage them to be pro-active about their health.  That's exactly what I am doing now.  If you're that age (50), have a family history of colon cancer (any age), or have any problems.....GO DO IT!  Speaking as a somewhat expert on the procedure, the prep is bad....by far the worst part.  But it is only one night of misery.  The actual procedure isn't terrible at all.  They get you naked in a wonderful hospital gown, put an IV in (another bump for me because I hate needles), then you wait, talk to the Dr and nurses a bit answering questions.  Then they take you in the procedure room, make you lay on your left side and administer some fantastic sleepy drugs.  After that, most people don't even know or remember what happens.  I have a tolerance like a horse, so there have been some that I've been times when I was awake and that wasn't awful either, actually it was kind of interesting. 

UPDATE:
The colonoscopy went well.  Everything was clear!  Thank God!  Now can I please go my normal two years without a colonoscopy?!?  :)