After a hellish night of colonoscopy prep, I had crappy (not literal) sleep. Just having to get up just as I was falling into deep sleep was torturous, but not having to 'let go' in the bed was worth my getting up every 15 minutes until around 3AM. I did set the alarm for 9AM, but woke up at eight with that feeling, so I decided it was time to get up. I was still fasting so I couldn't have anything, so I figured a shower would wake me up. It helped, but not as much as a cup of coffee would have.
My appointment was at 10 and I had my sister who kindly agreed to pick me up at 9:40. The hospital is on the other side of town. Well at 9:15, the phone rang. Figuring it was a robocaller, I let it go to my answering machine. It was the nurse, Julie from the hospital asking if I was coming. Strange, I thought since I confirmed my appointment through the portal. But, I said yes, I'll be there for 10. She said we like to have you come in sooner so you are ready for the 10:00 procedure. I told her that my ride wouldn't be here until 9:40 and I'll be there as soon as I can. She said, "Ok as long as you are still coming". Very strange.
My sister Leslie arrived right on time and we zipped over to the hospital and I arrived at check in at 9:50. I was directed to walk down a long corridor to endoscopy. I arrived and there was a note on the door to ring the bell and have a seat. I waited for about 20 minutes. A nurse had come out and was talking to another patient who was there for a 2:30 appointment. I guess she was there early hoping for a cancellation so they could squeeze her in. Not wanting to be aggressive and interrupt saying I was here for a 10 appointment and it's now past 10. So I just waited. She finally turned to me and asked why I was there. Of course I said I had a 10AM colonoscopy. She said the nurse will be right with me. Interestingly enough, the other person was taken in before me.
Finally, the nurse called my name and I entered the prep room. Julie was very personable and professional in gathering all the needed information and providing me with my required garb. I donned the johnnie and stretch socks and jumped into bed. She had provided a blanket that was warm to the touch. Nice!
A few more nurses stopped by. One gave me an IV the other questioned me about my history of anesthesia. From what I heard in various goings on, there's one room for procedures and one big room of 6 bays for procedural prep. The though crossed my mind about their slipping in a patient. I looked at the clock and it was 10:10AM.
I lie waiting for my turn, I saw one patient return, who was still out of it, then they wheeled away the other squeeze-in. I needed to get up a few times cause I had the urge, but while in the lavatory it was mostly water coming out of me. The nurse did say that they do have a vacuum to do any clean-up that is necessary. But, I don't want to ignore nature's calls.
I noticed at 11:10, the squeeze-in had returned. The doctor had come out to discuss his findings with that first patient who had come out of his slumbers. I guess that guy had a big polyp and a number of others that took longer than expected. He has to come back in 3 months. Poor guy! The doctor went over to the squeeze-in and they seemed to be discussing something a bit more serious. I did hear the word cancer. But, it wasn't my conversation since I was eaves dropping. Of course, I thought of the rule of three. What will be my news?
I finally got into the procedural room and was introduced to the whole team (2 doctors and 3 nurses). Each had their specific tasks and by 11:20AM I drifted into darkness.
I came to at 1:10. Very foggy. The nurse stopped by and told me that I did well. The doctor removed 2 polyps (very small) and sent them to pathology. The doctor stopped by and repeated what the nurse said and added that he'll see me in 3 years.
I don't anticipate any bad news from pathology and I'm glad this is behind me (no pun intended)
More to come!
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