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There's a First Time for Everything!

by on ‎02-09-2015 02:56 PM

There was a lot of “5’s” in my life in 2014.  I celebrated my 5th anniversary with QVC; Isabella turned 5; I hit my 5-year cancer-free mark; and, I turned 50.  Gratefully, turning the big 5-0 was easy for me. (Now, 30?  That was an entirely different story for a different day.  Ugh!)  But, 50 also meant it was time for me to schedule my first colonoscopy.  Since I’m all about preventative care (i.e. getting your mammos, regular pap smears, going to the dentist, etc…), I sure as heck had better “practice what I preach”.  So, scheduled & had my exam this past September.


In case you’re scared, think it will hurt, and/or will hate the prep, I thought I’d take some of the mystery out of the process and will walk you through my journey.



The first step was to find the right Gastroenterologist for me.  Because I am still under the care of my Medical Oncologist, I asked her for a recommendation.  And gave me Dr. Hameed’s name.  I’m so glad she did!!  He made me feel comfortable out of the gate.  When we met , he talked me through the details of the colonoscopy; so, I knew exactly what to expect when I came back in September.



The worst part about a colonoscopy is the prep!  (After this, I promise, it’s easy breezy!)  I had to drink some nasty tasting medicine (in 4 waves) to clean my entire colon so the doc could get a “clean” look.  I spent the night by myself…reading, journaling, and playing “Farm Saga”.  It wasn’t fun.  But, I kept reminding myself that this is nothing compared to finding out years later that I had cancer, or some other thing, that could have been caught in the earlier stages. 



Jim & I got up early and left home by 8am to get me to my appointment on time.  (BTW – you need to have a friend/spouse/neighbor/caregiver go with you to the procedure.  You will need them to get you home safely since you will not be able to drive after having anesthesia.)



Once I was called back, the nurse took my vitals, made me don this attractive gown and put in my IV.  (I’m a big baby when it comes to needles! So, asked the nurse to be gentle.  Of course, she was.  I didn’t feel but a tiny prick.  Whew!)  Then it was time to say hello to Dr. Hameed.  He went through everything again…what was going to happen, how long it would take, that he would be taking a few baseline pictures inside of the colon and that he would give me a full report when I woke up.  I gave the thumbs up, the Anesthesiologist, Dr. Garcia- Munoz, gave me my meds, & I was out in about 5 seconds. 



Next thing I know, I was awake, feeling a little groggy, but with no pain or discomfort!  It was over.  Just like that.


Dr. Hameed stayed with me until I was awake and gave me the findings.  He told me everything looked good; but, He did want to see me for a follow-up in 9 months for tiny spot.  I’m grateful he’s being extra cautious, especially with my history of breast cancer.  As I said in the beginning, I would rather catch something early, not late!


I wanted to catch the before & after experience on video.  Smiley Happy  A big thank you to Dr. Hameed for willingly and enthusiastically talking to us! (The man in the background was my Anesthesiologist!)  (Video)



I hope this takes the mystery out of the “dreaded” colonoscopy.  It wasn’t a big whoop at all.  Don’t be scared.  Talk to your doctor & get a recommendation for a Gastroenterologist in your area.  Knowledge is power.  Remember, you’re the only one of you in this world!


Sending you Love…Nancy