Another one of those “tests” we’re supposed to have at our age (44). The (in)famous colonoscopy and endoscopy. I know. Rates up there with the digital exam or some of those other annoying tests. Now I had a running joke with someone that it wasn’t fair I had to drink 4 liters of the “drink” in order for me to, well to put it politely, down rather quickly. (Hint, Crystal Light does work if the prep isn’t flavored but always check with the GI staff)
While the prep is the hardest part, and today for whatever reason it didn’t quite go successfully, they did do the endoscopy which found - no surprise - esophagitis (inflammation) related to GERD. Another one of the diabetic side effects, even with medication.They also took some biopsies to check the tissue trying to rule out anything cancerous.
So now within 90 days I’ll have another try at the colonoscopy; a two-day prep this time.
So having gone through all of this, here’s some hints. First, relax. Second, just stay calm, And third, repeat steps one and two.
Besides, the relaxation meds are good too. 
Another post to come, after the good meds wear off.
My doctor wants me to take this test. But there’s no history of cancer of any type in my family, so I’m inclined not to take. Yes the discomfort is one factor, but the other is why take a test that will in all likelihood turn out to be negative. As I get older, I see that much of what we do is about risk reduction. In this case I’m not convinced that there’s a reward for this much effort. ydmv.
I had to check …" Why is colonoscopy done?" via Google …who knows if correct ?
“Colonoscopy may be done for a variety of reasons. Most often it is done to investigate the cause of blood in the stool, abdominal pain, diarrhea, a change in bowel habit, or an abnormality found on colonic X-rays or a computerized tomographic (CT) scan. Individuals with previous history of polyps or colon cancer and certain individuals with a family history of some types of non-colonic cancers or colonic problems that may be associated with colon cancer (such as ulcerative colitis and colonic polyps) may be advised to have periodic colonoscopies because their risks are greater for polyps or colon cancer. How often should one undergo colonoscopy depends on the degree of the risks and the abnormalities found at previous colonoscopies. More recently, it has been recommended that even healthy people at normal risk for colon cancer should undergo colonoscopy at age 50 and every 10 years thereafter, for the purpose of removing colonic polyps before they become cancerous” .
I, for the first time in my 70 plus years, had an Occult( sp?) blood x 3 test done …results negative …I think this is the basic test performed …if not negative , than other tests will be performed …one has to add a stool " swipe " on a test strip x 3 times …this is painless , as long as one can " perform " the stool part . My Hubby of age 80 plus had this test done at least 3 x in the last 5 years …he does not have D. .
The colonoscopys don’t hurt, I always went with my Patients that were scared, I watched and they slept… the good drugs relax you so much you don’t care what there doing to you, so fear nuttin, you will be fine:)
by the way, I love reading your writtings:) there very cool:)
Let me share the following from my hospital’s Web site: www.ucsfmedical.org.
Colonoscopy may be used for the following reasons:
•Anemia (usually when no other cause has been found)
•Blood in the stool, or black, tarry stools
•Symptoms such as abdominal pain, changes in bowel movements, or weight loss
•Abnormal changes (such as polyps) found on sigmoidoscopy or x-ray tests (CT scan or barium enema)
•Inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease)
•Follow-up of a previous finding, such as polyps or colon cancer
•Screen for colorectal cancer
In my instance, I had blood numbers come back (red count, hematocrit, hemoglobin) which were significantly lower, and given our family has had historically cancer, iron issues, and other factors, the benefits sometimes will outweight the risks. Now while my first time through didn’t go successfully (prep issues), I am confident going through a 2-day prep will be better this go around.