Ever wonder which health screenings you should get and when? I know I did! At 45, I came across a list of recommended screenings while browsing on my phone. Out of the three listed, I’ve already completed one.
Last year, I went for my first Mammogram. I came out clear and good until the next 5 years. That leaves an Ovarian screening and a Colonoscopy for me to take on next. But, when?
What made you schedule a Colonoscopy?
I remember it like it was yesterday I went in for my annual checkup and my doctor, looked right at me and said. “Gina, you have been doing so well with the weight loss. Your BP and glucose are amazing. You are 45 years old and you need to get a colonoscopy.”
Say WHAT?!?!??? How did he know I needed to get this done?
I smiled and said ok, can you make a referral so I can schedule it quickly? I swear, someone must have been buzzing in my doctors ear to recommend I get one of the next screening.
My doctor was so surprised and was taken back that I jumped up ready to go. Hell, I was getting ready to bend over and show him right there, but I stopped. I’ve been listening to this man religiously since I’ve been in his care and he hasn’t stirred me wrong. So sign me up!
Doc said, the age for women was raised to 45 from 50, so since I was on the right track I might as well check this off my list. He said, its nothing to worry about just a large camera being shoved up your butt to make sure you are healthy inside and out. Yes, this is my primary care doctor talking to me like this. I love him for being so real with me whenever I see him. I appreciate this approach more than medical jargon I do not understand.
So, I did it. I received a call from the medical office he referred me to and I scheduled my very first Colonoscopy for 1/31/25.
If you were wondering what to expect during a colonoscopy, see image below.
Now, can it feel intimidating?
The answer is yes, cancer runs in my family. Trying to be positive and not falling into a spiral of worry was very hard, but I did it. I didn’t know what they would find, so I approached it with an open mind, and learning the patience needed to wait through the process.
Is it gross?
Well, in order to have this procedure done, you need to do a little cleaning of the area. I am not going to sugar coat this one, you drink a cleanse and poop out everything you have in your intestines. There that’s it. What everyone wants confirmed. It’s not pretty but what are you gonna do?
But HOW? What’s SUPREP?
SUPREP was the cleanse I was prescribed for my Colonoscopy. It was very salty and not pleasant to drink. Two days before I had to drink the first half portion of the cleanse with 32 oz. of water at 6pm. I waited, and within 1 hour I was in the bathroom.
The next day, at the same time I drank the remaining portion of the cleanse with 32 oz. of water and waited some more. Cleaning everything out and making sure not to eat all day. I was only allowed clear liquids and bone broth if I was hungry, but my overall goal was to stay empty.
Were you ready?
Even through I tried to mentally prepare myself as much as possible for the procedure, I was still scared. I was fortunate to have Alan take me to my appointment. He dropped me off at 2 PM, and the office greeted me with smiles.
They quickly checked me in and then led me to my room to get ready for the procedure. Check out my adorable little hat – and yes, I got the grippy socks too!
My nurses were incredibly kind throughout the entire appointment. They were all so real and honest. This team of medical professionals made me feel at ease and cared for every step of the way.
After I got dressed, they checked my vitals, placed my IV, and I met the anesthesiologist and the doctor performing the procedure. They were both warm and reassuring. I was probably in the prep room for about 30 minutes before they wheeled me to the operation room.
The last thing I remember before the procedure was the nurse telling me I wouldn’t remember anything. She said, I’d likely recall the anesthesia going into my veins, and she was right.
When I woke up in the recovery room, I was told I said, “Ooh, I can feel the anesthesia.” Apparently, even struck a Superman pose on my side and then… nothing.
Is that it?
No, that’s not it. Like I said, you have to wait and waiting is what I did.
Waited in the recovery room.
Waited for Alan to come and pick my loopy butt up from the hospital.
And waited for my test results. When I was in the recovery room the doctor came back to see me and informed me that during my procedure he found a few polyps, and removed them for testing. So I just need to wait for the results which can take 2-3 weeks.
Then on 2/13/25…
I received an email from my doctors office and they informed me that as expected, the pathologist has determined that all of the the polyps that were found were benign.
This is good news.
The specific tubular adenoma polyps found are considered precancerous — which means they do have the potential to turn into cancer. The are quite common, and very slow growing. Based on this result, it has been recommended that I schedule my next Colonoscopy in 7 years.
But, how do you really feel?
I’m doing okay. I was nervous when they found something, but everything’s fine for now.
I’m taking this as a win and a reminder to stay healthy in every aspect of my life. I’m not going to beat myself up because they found something; instead, I’m celebrating myself for being proactive and scheduling my first Colonoscopy. I took care of a potential issue, which helps me stay on track with my goal of becoming a better and healthier person.
I shed happy tears and expressed my gratitude for my support team – both those with me on this earth and those watching over me. I have so much more to accomplish here, so it’s time to get moving and make every moment count.
And to my male friends out there, don’t think staying in top shape is just about hitting the gym. You’ve got to check in with your doctor and stay on top of your health screenings.
So here’s your reminder – make sure to check when you’re due for yours.
Stay Golden, Ponyboy!
Ovarian screening, you’re next!
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