Thankful Thursday: Colonoscopy is a go
This week, I'm thankful:
that I'm cleared to have a colonoscopy
I had a consultation appointment this week, just so they could confirm that I'm healthy enough for the procedure. And I am.
Sooo, now my colonoscopy is on the books in two weeks.
I'm not exactly looking forward to it (!), but I am glad I'm getting it done.
I saw some influencer recently say that you should just drink lots of water and eat plenty of fiber and not get a colonoscopy, and I think that is ridiculous. Why are we choosing? We can drink water, eat fiber and get our colons looked at.
Colon cancer is infinitely more survivable when it is caught early, and colonoscopies are how it gets caught early.
that I'm not having a stressful colonoscopy
I was thinking about how anxiety-provoking this procedure must be when it's ordered due to concerning GI symptoms. Mine is just a routine screening, so I don't feel anxious about it (Of course, it is always possible something is there and I just don't know it! But the odds are low.)
that I can say no to almost every screening question
I have answered at least three pre-colonoscopy questionnaires about my health now, covering things like heart disease, diabetes, kidney issues, chronic illnesses, and the like. Those things are almost entirely "No" answers for me, and I am so grateful.
An uninteresting health history is a blessing.
that the scheduling worked out so well
This facility only does colonoscopies on certain days, on certain weeks, but the date they offered me worked out perfectly. It's on a day that is not near any work shifts (I certainly do not want to be at work on colonoscopy prep day!!), and on a day when Zoe can be my chauffeur. Sweet.
that my interim chemistry exams are open-book
I am very happy to report that everything except the final exam is open-book, and that has been saving my patootie. There are way too many formulas for my poor brain to remember without the book.
I am hopeful that if I score really well on the open-book exams, then I will have lots of wiggle room on the final.
that I went part-time before this semester
By the time this semester is done, I will have completed four three-credit classes and one one-credit class. If I tried to do that while working a full-time nursing schedule, I would be cooked.
I am so, so grateful that it worked out to go part-time at just the right time.
that I've made it halfway through the semester
Eight more weeks until a blessed school break. I cannot WAIT.
for the ability to see the light at the end of the tunnel
Isn't it nice that we, as humans, are able to look forward to things? I console myself all the time by thinking, "Ok, only such and such more weeks until winter break."
Or I remind myself that one day, in less than eight months, I'm going to have a life free of schoolwork.
for Chiquita's cuteness
Always. 😉
What did I read yesterday int ecomments? "yard by hard life is hard, inch by inch, life's a cinch". I wanted to remember that saying, because it works that way for me too.
I am thankful for yesterday's Reader question and the interesting thoughts and insights the question provoked. And as always the kindness within the commentariat.
Thankful for sunny autumn weather and the pleasure of swimming outdoors. Thankful that I am sufficiently healthy to enjoy this and that we have a small community of swimmers that make it safe to be in the water even on winter mornings.
Thankful for the long blossoming season of the pelargoniums.
Thankful for the gift of entertaining myself. I do not get bored easily, there is always something I enjoy doing (or can bring myself to do, when it needs to be done).
I also do not get bored easily! I enjoy doing nothing...I don't get bored even if I have 'nothing to do'. I enjoy pottering around, daydreaming or just being 🙂
Sophie, and JNL,
I'm the same way! I am rarely if ever bored. I can get lost in a book, sit out on my front porch and watch the birds, or find some rabbit hole to fall into. 🙂 Puttering around the house is a lost art. Heh.
Very smart to get a colonoscopy booked. I know people who have had them done, and they do not sound pleasant, but it's better to get everything checked. I'm sure it will be fine!
Thankfuls:
- I went to Venice for the first time! It's a stunning city and I feel so lucky to have been able to go there. I went to art museums, the cathedral and enjoyed simply walking around. I am also very thankful that my sister was there and in charge of navigating, as I have a negative sense of direction and Venice is very easy to get lost in!
- I am thankful that we had such beautiful weather. October is a good time to go, it was busy, but less busy than it presumably is in summer, and also less hot, but it was still warm with lots of sunshine. There were beautiful sunsets over the canals.
- I arrived in Venice before my sister and when I had dinner at a restaurant an American woman noticed that we were both alone and suggested that we have dinner together. I accepted and we had a lovely conversation!
- I am thankful that the journey back was straightforward (I had a different flight to my sister and left later than she did) and that the flight wasn't delayed. There was turbulence during the flight but otherwise it was fine.
- I am very tired afer the trip (my sister likes to walk a lot and there are SO MANY cobbled streets and bridges in Venice), so I am thankful that I can work from home this week and rest. I decided to watch Don't Look Now when I got back and it was fun seeing it after having been in the city. I'm thankful that I decided to wait until I got back, rather than be spooked when I was there!
- I'm going to see a friend this afternoon and I'm looking forward to hanging out and telling her about the trip 🙂
- I went to Culture Night before going away and had a wonderful evening going to different events across the city. My favourite was a small music concert in an art gallery 🙂
I have never walked on a cobbled street, but I can imagine that the uneven surface is very hard on feet!
Oh, it is! I wore Birkenstock boots, which are good for those kinds of surfaces, but it was a lot warmer than I expected and what with that and all the cobbled streets, my feet got tired very quickly.
I have a pair of barefoot boots but I don't think my feet are ready for cobblestones in those shoes. I saw a woman wearing a pair though!
On a side note, whenever it was hot, my late grandmother would always say 'I'm sweating cobbs!' (ie cobblestones) which I think is a great expression haha!
I was just thinking that barefoot shoes would be horrible on such a surface!
I am actually wearing my pair today across a short cobbled surface and can confirm!
I forgot to say that my sister and I also went to a bookstore with cats in Venice which I thought you would like! I didn't buy a book but I got a fridge magnet with a picture of books and cats on as a souvenir!
When we visited Budapest several years ago they were in the process of removing the cement sidewalks and replacing them with cobblestone. Historically accurate, but as a tourist I found them tiring and painful to walk on all day.
I remember Don't Look Now! I saw it the theater when I was a young thing -- thought it was really good.
I went to a screening of it in a cinema a while ago. I had seen it before but it was so cool seeing it on a big screen! It's such an interesting film. I think we also discussed it in a film studies class I took.
Sophie,
What a wonderful trip you had! Venice is on my bucket list. I know what you mean about walking on cobblestone streets....when my family and I were in Paris this past June, we walked a TON (20,000+ steps a day), and the cobblestone streets were the most challenging. I wore my Brooks Adrenaline athletic shoes almost every day (no, I was not a fashionista, lol!).
My sister and I walked around the same number of steps, if not more! It was a lot! I also walked a lot in Paris when I went with my mother. I've now been to Florence and Venice but I still need to go to Rome. I think I'll try and go out of season though! Going to Florence in February was good because it was cooler and it was also a lot less crowded, so I will do the same if I'm able to go to Rome next year or the year after.
Rome in February can be very rainy (as in wading through an inch of water in the street rainy). Go in October instead!
Thanks for the heads-up!
Who doesn't like Donald Sutherland!
Good for you for scheduling a screening colonoscopy. My advice is to drink the prep quickly through a large straw. I have had several of the procedures over the years and I have found it helps to ask them to keep the anesthesia to a minimum.
I am thankful that I had a good ColoGuard result last month and can wait two years until having anther colonoscopy.
I am thankful that we have a regular schedule for a while. After a week in Maine, a UTI, a week of family visiting, and a long weekend trip to New England staying home is appealing. I am happy for all those experiences (except my first UTI) but I am also happy for some relatively quiet days.
I am thankful we saw some nice fall colors in CT and RI because there doesn't seem to be much color, beyond some maple trees, in my area.
Ooh, yes, I did the ColoGuard a few years and happily it was fine.
Are colonoscopies a regular thing by the way? For my age cohort, we have a non invasive national health program that asks people, for free and on a voluntary basis (envelope, container and instructions are sent to home address) to send a stool sample that is then checked for any suspect markers. Colonoscopy would be step 2 if any such markers had been found. I personally know two people whose lives have been saved that way.
I would not exactly embrace coloniscopy but would definitely cooperate with and be grateful for any exam that might prevent/reduce the suffering of colon cancer.
Yes, I thought that was the US standard of care now (Cologuard), so I’m surprised that a patient would be offered a colonoscopy as a first step, absent any symptoms or family history. Colonoscopies are not without substantial risk.
Oh, I have already done the Cologuard test (several years ago), and I am sure more of those are in my future.
I agree that colonoscopies are not risk-free (no medical procedure is, of course), but to me, the risks of not finding a problem loom larger, so I am happy to go through with it.
It is important to consider not just whether a procedure carries a potential for a risk, but also to consider how likely or unlikely that complication is. For anyone interested, here is a quote from a global 2019 report on colonoscopy complications. Note the very small percentages:
"A colon perforation is a severe complication with a relatively high mortality rate. The perforation rate, as reported in large studies (≥ 50,000 colonoscopies) published since 2000, ranges from 0.005-0.085%. The trend in the overall perforation rate in the past 15 years has not changed significantly. Bleeding is a more common adverse event than perforation. Recent large studies (≥ 50,000 colonoscopies) have reported post-colonoscopy bleeding occurring in 0.001-0.687% of cases."
Also, people over 50 account for 90% of all colon cancers (source), so it is prudent for us to get checked starting in middle age.
I agree about checking the likelihood of risks.
The age you mention is the age cohort that can do the stool test in the Netherlands as well.
Points noted for your discussion citation 🙂
Right? Except I did not do a "Works Cited" section. 😉 And links are not APA approved, but this is ok because no one is grading me here. Ha.
Yes but females have *so many more* organs crammed into our bodies than men. Again, I'll roll the dice as any non-dementia disease at least gives me a say so.
Thanks for the additional info—excellent!! And yes, everyone should make decisions based on their own individual situation while armed with the best information. Colon cancer is no joke.
I had a colonoscopy with a " 10 year pass " ( they found nothing) seeing that my chrony husband has them every 2 years . I still have to " deal with it" .
Somethings that helped me on prep day - yellow butterscotch candies - good to suck on - and had good flavor
Banana popsicles - ( not frozen bananas) only place I've found them is Kroger ( under their brand in Ohio( not sure if their affiliated stores carry them but it's worth a look
Finally , ( and somewhat controversial) on prep day I woke up at 5am and had a " light breakfast) Greek yogurt and an English muffin and boiled eggs - just enough to make the day bearable- and get everything out in the next 24 hours
What got me through the prep was Talenti brand lemon sorbetto. So, sooooo good. I can only eat just so much jello and broth. (I don't work for Talenti, no financial connection, etc., just happy they make a lemon sorbetto. 🙂 )
My go tos on prep day are Italian ice, peppermint Lifesavers, ginger ale, and Vitamin Water. Not healthy but what can you do?
I had a colonoscopy earlier this year as part of a healthcare-hunt to figure out some stomach issues, and it wasn’t as bad as I was worried it would be. The best piece of advice I can offer is to get a bidet attachment for your toilet. Trust me, it is worth it. Oh and if you like pho/ramen, get some of that broth for your clear liquid phase (it was way more satisfying than soda and jello when I was hungry).
In case your directions don't mention it, don't drink or eat anything red (popsicles, jello, etc.), my grandma did that during her colonoscopy and then called my mom telling her she was bleeding. I think that happened too often and they caution now not to do that.
I totally believe in colonoscopies, my husband had to start at age 40 because both his parents had colon cancer. His mom survived 25 yrs after diagnosis with surgery, chemo & radiation. His dad waited too long and did not.
My older sister, by 4 years, was diagnosed with colon cancer when she was 40. With that and family history, my colonoscopy is scheduled every 3 years. In August of this year my first polyps were found, one being 8cm! thankfully no sign of cancer. Yes, colonoscopies are life saving when caught early.
Feeling thankful my last colonoscopy was good and my ulcerative colitis is in remission.
Some colonoscopy tips from someone who's had a bunch:
1) Follow a low residue/low fiber diet a day or two before clear liquid day. It makes a huge difference.
2) As long as you watch out for dyes, you can have anything that melts into a clear liquid on clear liquid day - popsicles, Italian ice, jello, hard candies, and gummy candies can really help when you just want to chew something.
3) Get a peri bottle, baby wipes, and diaper rash cream from the baby/postpartum care aisle and use them from the beginning of prep night. If you wait until irritation starts to start using them, you're going to have a rough time for the rest of prep.
4) Get the prep mix really cold and drink it with a straw. I like to chill mine in the fridge and then give it about 15 minutes in the freezer right before drinking to get it as cold as possible.
5) Put on body lotion after your last shower before the scope - it helps all the various things they stick on you peel back off more comfortably with less residue left behind.
Great news on your condition being in remission! Thank you for sharing this list. I will bookmark this for when I am due for a colonoscopy.
What a helpful list, thank you!
Hoping you can pass that chemistry with flying colors so you never have to think of it again!
There is so much happening and so much to be thankful for as we continue our journey to find housing after 3 years abroad:
- Because we have saved for so long and been so careful with our money, we have no debt and, if we take out a mortgage, it will be well below our means since we do not need a large space.
- My spouse has been working full time to locate a place for us. He is extremely knowledgeable and extremely careful with our finances, and, with his help, I am extremely lucky to be able to work my hourly contractor job through our transition.
- So many people here have been so kind and helpful in small, daily ways. For example, unprompted, a librarian looked through the security cameras yesterday to help me find which floor had an open table for me to work.
- I am getting better at being a good sleeper and with coping when I have a poor night's sleep.
- My parents and I made it safely on our drive across the country, they were able to help with the several day's drive, and they made it safely back home.
I found my intro & organic chemistry exams to actually be memorization ability exams and had hoped they had changed over the decades since. Glad you get to do open book!
Today I am thankful that
- My and my loved ones health is good enough with no major problems.
- My young grandgirls who give me the best hugs and are a joy to watch grow and develop. The 3 year old will be thankful I finally found a fun part of her Halloween costume that was left at our house and carefully put away when they picked up LOL.
- That we are able to afford whatever repairs will be required to make the balcony on our house safe and enjoyable.
- Libraries and the access to so many books as well as other things that they provide.
- Access to flu and COVID vaccines for no additional cost.
A suggestion for an even easier colon prep. Start a “low residue” diet about 5 days before (no seeds, decreased fiber, etc- I cannot recall all the details)
My gastroenterologist routinely recommends the low-residue diet you describe, as well as avoiding anything with red dyes as mentioned by others. I don't much like the guy, but at least he gives clear instructions.
And I've pretty much decided that if I come up clean on next year's colonoscopy (as I have in the past), next year's will be my last one. I'll be 72 then, and I'm moving toward the "no extensive medical testing after age 75" school of thought.
My dad put his foot down a number of years ago - he has UC and the gastro that performed his test told him "why don't you just get your colon removed?". And he had minor bleeding issues after that. He's still alive and kicking. His dad's PCP wanted him to get a colonoscopy - my grandpa was almost 90! Dad told the PCP to forget it.
Thankful that I graduated from Physical Therapy with honors six months after breaking my knee. And that I've become much stronger through both P.T. and numerous fitness classes to improve overall strength and balance. My physical therapist quoted some wise person who said: "If you don't take care of your body, where else are you going to live?"
A couple weeks ago, I had a 130-lb. Newfoundland barrel toward me and jump on me while I was out walking my dog. Not only did I stay upright, but I realized that I can yell "Help!" really loud, unlike when I have a bad dream where I'm yelling for help and nothing comes out and then bad things happen. But that day I proved that I can do it in real life!
It's when you don't ask (much less yell) for help but people insist on "helping" anyway that you should start to worry....
I had my first colonoscopy 2 years ago. The prep isn't fun, but I'm thankful they were able to find and remove 4 polyps before they could turn cancerous. Because of that, I now have colonoscopies scheduled every 5 years.
This week I'm thankful for my doggos keeping me laughing. They have been more playful than usual, likely because then know I'm stressed.
1. I asked for, and got, the day off Saturday so that I can join the big voting demonstration. We're going to stand on the sidewalk of the busiest street in town holding signs reminding people it is super important that they vote in the midterm election. The demonstration is Saturday and early voting here in Texas starts Monday.
2. For having such nice coworkers. We all get along really well.
3. That one of our teenage cashiers was notified she has been accepted (already!) into the University of North Texas in Denton and is eligible for a scholarship! (Although her #1 choice is the University of Texas in Austin. They don't notify their students until January, she says.) She is a super sweet girl and a hard worker. She wants to be a nurse and she'll be a good one.
4. That our state has many good state universities to choose from.
5. For having people to help me through the years. Sadly, my handyman and friend, PJ, has passed away. Over the years, he trimmed the trees, raked the leaves, mowed the lawn, painted almost every room in this house, refinished the kitchen counters, put up shelves and cabinets and ceiling fans and drapes, hauled away old appliances and brought in new ones with his pickup truck, moved furniture, ripped out the carpet pads and carpeting prior to the flooring guys installing the vinyl planks, and lots of other tasks. And -- most importantly -- he was a caring friend who listened and helped me whenever I had problems. When it got to where he could no longer do a task, due to his health, he'd find me someone else to hire. I will miss him! But I thank God for his friendship of more than 15 years.
So sorry for your loss. Everybody needs a PJ in their life.
I'm so sorry about your friend!
Hubby just had a colonoscopy last week. Everything was perfect. He may not have another one in the absence of symptoms. He’s not due for another ten years, of course, but they aren’t risk-free. I think resting the colon with a 5 day water fast is a lot more pleasant than the 2 day prep I just watched! (no eating at all day prior plus evening, night, and morning stooling.). Obviously, many people can’t water fast for 5 days!
Mine is low residue for several days, then clear liquids the day before (plus obv the actual prep solution).
I figure this will give me fresh sympathy for so many of my patients who are either NPO or on clear liquids!
I'm so glad you're getting a colonoscopy. Prep is no fun. I have a bidet which makes it bearable. The colonoscopy itself seems to me like a medical spa day, you take a nice nap and then they give you juice when you wake up and warm blankies. I hope you have an easy time of it.
I also found the prep to be the worst part -- it was the best nap ever, and my ride took me to the lunch of my choice after! LOL
I heard horror stories about getting a colonoscopy and dreaded it. It was not NEARLY as bad as I expected. And totally worth it for the peace of mind it gave! I'm sure you'll do great!
Thankful list - grandbaby edition
- I am thankful that our daughter had her 37-week OB appointment scheduled on Tuesday and caught a major issue. Her blood pressure was extremely high, and they sent her directly to the hospital.
- I am thankful that she did not have to immediately go in for an emergency C-section because it took a couple of hours for us to get in touch with her husband. He works in a secure area where cell phones are prohibited and was in a meeting, so he was didn't answer his desk phone. Her dad and I were able to make it quickly to the hospital to stay with her until her husband arrived.
- I am thankful that the baby was not in distress and did not have to go to the NICU.
- I am thankful for all the medical professionals that have taken such good care of my girl. Her BP is still elevated but medications are helping.
- I am thankful that we and the other set of grandparents are available to care of grandchild #1 while our daughter is in the hospital. Caring for a two-year-old that misses his parents is taxing for old people!
- I am thankful for all the friends and family that have offered love and support during this stressful week.
Ohh, I am glad everyone is ok! Preeclampsia?
And congrats on the new grandbaby!
Congratulations to your daughter and her husband for the new baby! And here is to a quick and complete recovery and a resolution to the high blood pressure issues. So nice to have family members that can help out anytime like this
Congrats on the new baby and I'm so happy your daughter is okay!
Congrats on new grandbaby, and prayers that all is well with Baby and Mama!
I join the others in relief and good wishes going forward, Beverly.
What mix of stress, relief and joy!
Congratulations to all the family!
New baby snuggles and sibling introductions are priceless. Congratulations! Wishing your daughter a quick recovery.
All of my thankfulness today is health related. I think I mentioned it a little a week or so ago, but have some updates. I'll try to be quick!
1. I spent two weeks in the hospital, after going to the hospital with pain in my leg. I'm thankful that a simple CT scan showed the problem - degenerative bone problems in my hip, as well as a mass.
2. The first week in the hospital included a biopsy of the mass. The two oncologists involved went out of their way to push the pathologist for the results. It is cancer, but knowledge is power! I'm so grateful for the nurses🥰, the tech aides, even the folks from nutrition. They always stopped in to check on me, and waited for the biopsy results with me. They were there with hugs and well wishes!🥰🫠🥰
3. The second week included a bone marrow biopsy. The results will show if the cancer is in other parts of the body. The oncologists assure me if I have to have cancer, this type is what I want. Then they said the most beautiful words - "easily treatable with radiation therapy"!☺️
4. Now I'm in a rehab facility receiving physical therapy. It's hard work, and I cannot put any weight on my right leg. Luckily the therapists are very patient with me! I'll probably be here for the foreseeable future.
5. I have an appointment with the oncologists next week. Hopefully the bone marrow biopsy will be in, they'll answer my questions, and probably start radiation soon.
6. I'm grateful for everyone on this site and the kindness you show for people going through tough times. And I so appreciate you Kristen, and I'm blessed by you and other folks working as medical professionals. All of you do God work and my words do not adequately begin to show my thankfulness!
7. My kitties are no longer with me, but the pics of Chiquita make me smile! Our companion animals do so much for so many just by being our fur babies!
Many thanks!
I'm so sorry to hear that it is cancer, but delighted to hear it is easily treatable. WHEWWW!
I'm so sorry about your cancer news but I'm glad you're doing okay otherwise. Sending good vibes!
Warm wishes for a good recovery!
I too am sorry for your cancer news; but thank you for the example you offer us of looking for and embracing positive things. Before I even read your comment your emojis made me smile
Suz, you've put it particularly well. I second your emotions.
virtual hug to you for a speedy and full recoveery.
Diane, I read your post with bated breath and am so very happy about the prognosis. Hugs to you from a next-door state.
Routine screening colonoscopies save lives. I nagged my husband for several years to get his, and in 2021 he finally gave in. He was 53. We were shocked to learn they found something. It was a polyp that had gone rogue and was at Stage 1. They took most of the rectum and a large chunk of colon, but is cancer free now and only has a 2% risk of recurrence. There are lifelong side effects - he has low anterior resection syndrome from the surgery, but better than the alternative. I've always wondered if it could have been avoided if he went in at age 45 as is recommended and they were able to get the polyp before it went rogue. Get your screening folks!
Thankfuls:
- I had a colonoscopy about a year ago, I had mentioned to my doctor that I was having a lot of gut pain (due to food poisonings and/or a sensitive gut), so he ordered me a colonoscopy and an endoscopy. I am extremely grateful that I had these procedures done. The endoscopy found that I had Barretts oesophagus (I'm not exactly happy about this one); and the colonoscopy found 3 very small (6mm each) polyps which were removed. I have to have these procedures again in 2028.
- I do not have an AAA (Abdominal Aortic Aneurism). I had received a letter from our Health System mentioning that after age 65 I was at higher risk for an AAA. I saw my Dr on a Monday and he put me into the system. On the Wednesday I was told to book an appt. online which I could not figure out so I called the CS line. She said that they were booking into April of 2027. Then she says "I can book you on Friday at 2pm", it turns out that a cancellation had just come through, so she gave me the appointment for the ultrasound. I was extremely grateful for this, done and dusted.
- this is a Kristen one. She had mentioned how useful a mini spatula is. I found a good one at the thrift store, and I would say it is one of my most used kitchen items.
- I love my morning coffee. I only have the one cup a day, tea and water the rest of the day. I made a Pumpkin Spice Blend to add to my coffee before brewing. It is delicious.
- very grateful for the cooler temperatures; it makes for a much more pleasant walk around the neighbourhood. I am definitely not a hot weather girl; I'll take a Canadian winter every time over a hot Canadian summer. (Also to add, no more mosquitoes! at this time of year)
I remember Kristen mentioning how helpful it is to have a rubber spatula. Someone left one in a free stuff pile when moving out of my apartment building and, not only did I get it for free, it's SO useful, particularly when scraping honey or peanut butter out of a jar or measuring jug.
Yessss! Long live the thin spatula!
As you might expect from my FFT post on Tuesday, I'm profoundly thankful that CF and I are moving toward the sale of NDN1's house. (As you also might expect, a minor snag has arisen in the process, but CF and our real estate agent both assure me that it is minor and that we should be able to proceed as planned.) I've let both our yard/snow guy and our HVAC company know that we shouldn't be responsible for NDN1's house after November. I can feel the shackles loosening already.
YAY
Best of luck, and may your colon be normal sized ! 😛 Found out from having to do 2 preps before successful colonoscopy that mine is "significantly tortuous and redundant". Extra long and windy.
May I borrow the phrase "tortuous and redundant" to describe various people and events, as appropriate? 😛
Or ... just life in general?
I'm grateful for quitting subbing! I have had sick kids for the last two weeks (and counting) and not having to figure out how to get them cared for while juggling teaching has been lovely. And not powering through subbing with the viruses (and fatigue) that I inevitably got from the kids has been a relief.
I'm also grateful I don't have to have a colonoscopy yet, but am saving all of the tips from you who have gone before!
After I stopped subbing in January I had prayed that if it was the right time for me to have another outside the home job, God would make it very clear. And I just started a new job this month at our new church and it's delightful! Low stress, it fits my skills and everyone is so kind!
And I'm grateful for this lovely cool weather and my first quilt show to go to tomorrow. And that herding bison went well for my husband yesterday - another year with no people or bison hurt, yay!
I adulted and had my first colonoscopy earlier this year. I was most fearful of the prep liquid (I sometimes have texture issues and a gag reflex :() and my doctor told me I was a great candidate to go the Miralax/Gatorade route. I got through it, but the thought of cherry glacier Gatorade (it's clear) and jello make me gag to this day lol. The worst part of prep was drinking the liquid, I almost gave up on the last 16 ounces because I couldn't bear the thought of drinking one more sip. I didn't find the rest of it terribly awful. The Wendy's bacon cheeseburger I had after the procedure was the best thing I've ever tasted 🙂
I feel for you because the prep always makes me queasy. I think my body assumes we're having a fire sale and everything must go ... out both ends! Thankfully, no problems have ever turned up from the scope.
This last time I discovered that the cheap store brand beef bouillon cubes make a very tasty broth, and it was a nice change from sugary things.
I'm a teacher on fall break which is reason enough to be thankful! But also, I'm drinking a drink from a local coffee shop while packing for a weekend trip with my family, and I'm feeling good about our money choices. We've figured out a good balance of not depriving ourselves, keeping our money local as much as we can, while still being able to save for the future. We're pretty lucky.
This week I am thankful…
• Cooler temps and rain! The trees in the backyard are about at peak and are so beautiful.
• My work trip to Las Vegas went well. It was very satisfying to see a project I have been working on for the better part of the year go so well.
• My son and everyone at his school are safe. There was a shooting in the parking lot of a football game he was attending. I was really struggling with this for the past week but my anxiety has finally started to come back to normal.
• Unknowingly, I put Life360 on his phone before he went to the game the night of this shooting. I was able to see where he was at all times and know he was on his way safely home.
What a scary thing @ the shooting! I'm glad your anxiety is coming back down.
thankful for you. that my vertigo was caused by an ear infection. finally saw an ENT dr. that when i called said dr's office they couldn't find my file but after almost 2 hours waiting in the waiting room the doc had my old file. thankful i had the money to get the vertigo meds outright as my new script was stuck in needs approval hell. this morning i was down to one pill. also got ear drops that gave me huge relief in the doctor's office. but now noah has a terrible cold. zozo is thriving which is a real miracle.
I am thankful for the lovely fall days we're having--cloudy skies and mild temps are my favorite, especially with the beautiful leaves.
I am very thankful that DH was able to get back a fancy-schmancy laptop/tablet he bought for a student and loaned to them. I was needing a tablet for clinicals in January and was not liking the idea of buying one! Now I have a powerful, portable machine that will serve me well.
I am thankful that I squeaked through my most recent pharmacology test with an 80. The whole time I was taking it I had the horrible feeling like I was being tested on a completely different subject; the questions were THAT different from what I studied! But 80 is acceptable and with any luck I'll keep at least a B in this course. It's been very humbling.
This week I'm so thankful . . .
-For good news from my last CT scan. It's been over three years since my breast cancer diagnosis. I spent one year in chemo, surgery, and radiation. Then I spent two years on a medicine that felt like a constant, light version of chemo. I'm so deeply, deeply grateful that my scan showed nothing that might be cancer growing somewhere in my body. Ah, to be gloriously boring again.
-For my relationships with my kids. This morning our oldest had a virtual check in with one of his doctors, and then I drove him to school on the way to my work. We talked the whole 30 minutes there, and I'm just so grateful that we like each other enough to enjoy spending time together.
-For a really great long weekend in the UK with my mom. It was a short few days, and I was there for a conference, but we managed to squeeze in a castle-turned-great-house tour, a walk in a park, and dinner at a charming little Italian place.
-That, as much as I have enjoyed the conferences I attended this fall and the travel with my mom, travel season is over for me. If the weather would just get nice and cool like it is supposed to be, I am ready for soups, quiet weekends, and going to bed early.
-For the academic jobs to which I can apply. I worked so hard for years and years--while fighting breast cancer--to get the elusive tenure track job without moving (not moving is the real kicker). I have gotten so close for so long. I was also certain for so long that if I didn't have a job to move into at the end of my postdoc, I was toast. Then July, the end of my postdoc, came and went. Somehow the earth didn't swallow me up whole. I did manage to land a couple of part time academic gigs. We found a marketplace health insurance plan for the family that is cheaper than I thought it would be, and our business is making enough to keep us afloat. I did not think that I would still find academic listings, but here we are. I also feel at peace about it. I had cancer, and I didn't die (yet). I completed my postdoc without a full time job to move into, and I didn't get kicked out of academia. Maybe I get a job, and maybe I don't. What will be will be.
YAYYYYYY for a clear scan!!
Now here's hoping for a perfect academic job for you.
Laughing about finishing your classes in eight months -- I crammed three-plus years of college courses into two, and it was such a relief when summer school was over and I was finished. However, it took several months to get over the feeling that there were deadlines to meet, papers to write, tests to study for . . . my brain didn't realize that it was time to relax!
Right?? I might have a similar struggle.
Long after I finished all my schooling, I would have these dreams that either I missed a deadline, forgot to write a paper, or worse yet showed up at school/class with no clothes on!!
I feel the same as you - so thankful that I can breeze through the list of conditions with no's on pretty much everything. Also so thankful that my BIL's numbers are stabilizing - they will likely move him out of the MICU today. Thankful for my mom, who sent food home with me when I saw her. This then made dinner the next day at my home easy. She wanted to help me because she knows that I'm helping my SIL's family while her husband is in the hospital. For salon pas and advil. They seem to be helping my tweaked back. I didn't even do anything strenuous!
That is ridiculous advice from that influencer. People are going to believe that and not get the testing they need.
I am thankful that I was able to make my virtual gift card work today. Really! It's been such a hassle for me.
I am thankful that it's cooler today. The past few days have been much more summery than I like at this time of year.
I am thankful to hear that my healthcare system is merging with a top healthcare system -- not that ours isn't good, but this one is renowned. It's exciting!
I am thankful for good neighbors and friends. And good kids and grandkids.
I am thankful for good books to read, and plenty of time to read them!
Yes. It is irresponsible for influencers to spread misinformation about things like colonoscopies because as several people have shared here in the comments, they can quite literally save lives.
Soooo, I'm out here as one voice trying to spread actual facts and data!
People without insurance look for any lifeline. At least the influencer wasn't selling "supplements" or cures. And it is sad that many do no verification/research.
Cute cat pics are the best.
Soup & sweater weather is just around the corner.
My new headlamp to do chores.
Still outdoor yoga weather.
So glad you take care of yourself. My friend did not and is fighting her second round of colon cancer.
I am not on social media, don' t follow influencers, but my kids tell me of the rot that is out there. I just don't have time for it.
Amazon sells Gelatein. It is a high protein food that qualifies as a clear liquid. I buy the lemon flavor. The manufacturer is Medtrition. I was offered it as a snack when in a care center after surgery and continued to buy it after coming home.
I seriously wanted to hurt mt doctor after my colonoscopy. First, it got rescheduled because the doctor had failed to note that I was on blood thinners and the procedure would need to be rescheduled AND in the hospital. Of course, that JOYOUS news (ha ha) came after I had prepped. So we schedule for the next day (in hospital, under anesthesia) and all is well, I thought anyway. Prepped again and that ----- doctor had the nerve to say "inadequate prep," Luckily only one small polyp was found (and removed).
On another note, I retrieved the U-haul for the flooring/storing/etc. I used to think I was "10 foot tall and bulletproof" and did all sorts of things that in retrospect were either stupid or really above my skill level. This uhaul experience cured me of any residual "fearlessness" I couldn't get the parking brake off ... I couldn't back the damn thing up properly...I made a wrong turn and ended up on a dead-end road....turned around and got on the parkway where the speed demon that I usually am could barely go 40 mph (and I could barely reach the gas/brake pedals). ALL IN ALL TODAY HAS BEEN A FLIPPING ZOO!!
Oh yeah I disassembled a dining room table and put it in the U-HAUL and then couldn't get the roll down door to roll down. Finally figured that out, then ice cream to the rescue. And mind you, this was ALL after I worked 8 hours (normally 10 or 11) at USPS.
The key to not feeling sick during the liquid diet starvation is broth.
I give thanks that when I saw a new orthopedist today for a pain I have been having in my elbow since I fell earlier in the year. He said surgery wasn't needed and I just needed physical therapy. WooHoo
I have been doing Kristen's purging of my freezer and pantry, and it's going fairly well. Short term results, but I'm happy with them.
Time and place thankfulness. I was sitting at a red light today and looked over and saw the road crew mowing the lawn with a robot mower. It was bright red, like a fire engine. I'd never seen one before, and it made me smile. It's the little things folks.
As for the colonoscopy, at my age, I have had three and not had a problem with any of them. I'm not due for another three years. However I will tell you this. The first time they said count backwards from ten, I replied with, WHOA, can I get this stuff to go? Best sleep you will have in years. I will admit that having them tell me that Miss Debra, you have to fart before you can go home, is a most embarrassing thing when you've got people in curtained off units all the way around you. That is not something you want to do in public. But they will continue to tell you, you need to pass gas, in order to be let out of the facility. I was considerably younger than I am now the first time I had my colonoscopy, and I was utterly mortified. So, Kristen, you have that to look forward to.😆 Best of luck.
The "fart rule" happened with better half's first one. His gastro doesn't use the gas so non-issue with the last two.
Is "best of luck" a good response to your scheduled colonoscopy? I am thankful you have one scheduled, and I will be doubly thankful when it's in the rearview mirror and you can forget about it. Please, please, PLEASE be safe and healthy and take care of yourself, and good on you for prioritizing screenings like this.
Best of luck also on your test 🙂
I am thankful for work to focus on, books, my dogs & cats, the autumn weather.
Aww, thank you, Ariel. <3 That means a lot.
I had a colonoscopy for the first time this summer. The worst part was that I kept vomiting up the the prep. Next time I'm asking for anti-nausea meds.
As I type this, a friend is in surgery due to an abscess on the tumor in her colon. Her husband died a week before she was scheduled for her first screening colonoscopy five years ago and she never rescheduled. Good for you on getting it done. Sure the prep is unpleasant but it’s only one day. Thank you for reminding everyone how important screening is.
A colonoscopy is the next to last thing I would expect to see on the Thankful Thursday entry. Hysteroscopy would be the last thing.
Glad to see you have Suprep - if better half has another one, we'll ask for the pill version. Sad part is despite his gastro writing the Rx the time before, he assumed since Medicare better half wouldn't or couldn't pay out of pocket. When I called the gastro's nurse, she mentioned the cost. I said I didn't care if Suprep cost $500, prep was night and day different from the "old way". Decades of living below our means gives us the luxury of paying out of pocket.
Of course we had some nasty weather that morning so we were early. Nurse mentioned it and better half said we had a long drive that was over half rural. Better half couldn't wait to eat after discharge and enjoyed the meal. Later on I had to tell him what he ate lol. Again living below our means meant a dining out meal was not an issue.
Chiquita is one cute cat!
This week, I am thankful for:
• My oldest girl and the wonderful young lady she has grown into, as well as the chance to celebrate her 12th birthday! It feels good to finally catch my breath after pulling off all the food, decorations, gifts, and celebrations these past couple of weeks. I hope she feels how deeply she is loved through it all.
• The strength to ask for help and a friend who keeps me accountable.
• The valuable takeaways I got from reading the book "Die with Zero" like ...
- Viewing money as a tool to maximize life experiences and fulfillment rather than an end goal meant to be hoarded.
- Spending money on meaningful experiences while I am young and healthy, which yields "memory dividends"—a lifetime of rich recollections that continue to pay emotional returns as I age.
- Dividing my life into distinct chapters ("time buckets") based on my health, energy, and physical capability, allowing me to match specific activities to the stages where I can truly enjoy them, rather than waiting for a generic retirement age.
• Enrolling in a photography bootcamp class at my local college to learn more about taking better pictures, but more importantly, to build a legacy of photos for my family and me to look back on. Having an engaging and fun teacher is a great bonus!
• The brilliantly colored fall leaves brightening up our backyard trees. I am loving the vibrant oranges and yellows and the way they dance in the breeze. One of my most favorite sights to see this season!
This week I’m thankful for:
- Celebrating that I was awarded another scholarship to use towards my next semester of graduate school! Thanks to your story, Kristin, I found a community scholarship.
- Finding 2 volunteer opportunities to help me gain experience in my new field.
- The flexibility of my day job. My full-time job is helping me pay the difference for school and it’s not perfect, but I’m so grateful I have it.
- When someone shows up with a pizza just when you need one. Thank you friends!!
I’m so sorry, I realized just now that you’re Kristen with an “-en” at the end!
I don't have time to look at all the comments, so maybe this is a duplicate, but you can get some serious money by taking part in pre-colonoscopy study trials. I did 2 before my last one and made $400. One involved having blood drawn (they sent someone to my home), and for the other, I had to send a stool sample. Just google it--I've seen even more lately.
Whoa, that's amazing! Mine is coming up too soon, probably, to take advantage but this is such a good idea.
What timing! I returned home from this very procedure to your post! 🙂
Well, good for you! I'm glad it's done now.