Tuesday's Torture

Last Tuesday was torture! A torture many of you will recognize. Jello, broth, tea, italian ice, clear liquid torture...It was prep day!!! Yes prep day for my Wednesday colonoscopy...with my new doctor... Oh doctors & researchers why oh why can't you come up with an easier way??? I guess they are making some progress (very slow progress). In the 30+ years I've had this beast they finally gave me a prep that didn't taste horrible. I used the Dulcolax tablets and Miralax w/ Gatorade prep. The Miralax had no flavor so you just tasted the Gatorade. I'm not crazy about the taste of Gatorade but it sure beats the taste of the other toxic waste. Same results...drink run, drink run, and drink and run some more. The colonoscopy itself went well. The nurse put the IV in a very awkward place in my right hand but she got in on the first try. Apparently my veins are shot. Most likely from the chemo. They never were easy to get but since the chemo its been so much worse. One stick then the wonderful cocktail to put me to sleep. Ahhhh anesthesia you are my friend!!! The Findings: There is a stricture at the anastomosis (the area of resection) and a few small ulcers plus diffuse inflammation in the ileum. Areas were biopsied and I have to call next week for the results. If the biopsy shows active crohns we will consider switching my meds from the Apriso to Sulfasalazine (which may also help my joint pain). Another option is Methotrexate. I was on the Sulfasalazine a long time ago and it worked well with no side effects. Immediately after the colonoscopy I went to radiology and had an ultrasound of my gallbladder and liver. On my last CT scan in 2010 they found a small polyp on my gallbladder that they want to watch. I can't remember how big it was in 2010 but it is 7mm right now. I have to call and have the 2010 results sent to the doctor. And of course they are always keeping an eye on my liver. Now what do I do after a colonoscopy??? Starbucks!!! Conveniently there is a Starbucks in the Lobby of the hospital. I got my Chai Latte and a breakfast sandwich. YUM............ Love, Laugh, and Always know where the nearest bathroom is