Colonoscopy January 15, 2016

I found out in December that I would need a colonoscopy.  They wanted to schedule it for December 28.  I decided to wait into January, after hubby's PET scan results.  I'm glad that I did because my dad ended up needing open heart surgery on December 28 and was the 9th person in York to receive a VAD. 

My CAT scan on Tuesday, 1/12 went well.  Fairly uneventful with the exception of meeting some cool people with interesting ties to my life.  The tech who placed my IV lives in my neighborhood, there were two CAT scan techs.  One is related to a co-worker and the other shared my birthday.  A quick visit to Mom & Dad who were living at the Rehab Hospital next door, and I was back to work!

Given my track record of failing miserably at bowel preps, I began taking a full dose of Miralax every evening for 10 days prior to my colonoscopy and again on the morning of my prep.  The stool at this point was pencil-thin, which was very concerning to me.  This can indicate several things including narrowing of the bowel due to scar tissue and a stricture.  Things were moving well.  I was confident!  I've always started the prescribed drink at noon the day before a procedure.  Against my better judgment, I began drinking at 4:00 according to the instructions given.  I did my best and had finished more than half of the gallon drink.  I was feeling ill and had the shakes so I decided to rest and cover up.  I FELL ASLEEP!  I had every intention of drinking a lot more water even if I couldn't continue the prep.  No drinks after midnight, and I woke up at 2:30 a.m.  Ugh!  I emptied what I had left in me and took one big gulp of water.

Despite my best intentions, I once again did not "run clear."  It still remains one of my life goals!

I was a lucky girl and was able to have two moms with me that day.  My mom came from rehab and my mother-in-law drove me.  Jason's PET scan the week before was cancelled when the machine broke down while he was in it.  He was rescheduled for the same time as my colonoscopy.  My surgeon was able to complete the scope even though I was not clean.  He found no polyps and no narrowing.  I was pleasantly surprised!  Follow-up with Dr. Miller on 1/20!