Wellness Wednesday – Listen To Your Body
You might remember a while back, I posted about running my 4th half marathon. I shared in that post about how I almost didn’t run, because I’d been in the ER earlier that week with stomach issues. That ER visit really didn’t accomplish much, other than more waiting. I was referred to a gastroenterologist, and couldn’t get an appointment until mid-June. From that appointment, I was scheduled for an endoscopy and colonoscopy. This is a gentle wellness Wednesday reminder to listen to your body!
My First Experience
Yep, at 34 years old, I was going to be getting my colonoscopy. But, honestly, I was SO ready to get it done. Because I was so tired of dealing with stomach issues. I wanted answers. But, yet again, I had to wait. Originally my procedure was scheduled in AUGUST! Which is crazy to me, since I went to the ER for throwing up blood. Not a lot– but any amount is not good.
Thankfully I was able to get it moved up. And yesterday was the day! Monday was a clear liquid-only diet. And man was I miserable! I drank a lot of Sprite, Powerade, and water… and attempted some chicken broth, but that was a big NO for me. I was so hungry all day. But the worst part– the PREP. When I tell you it was terrible… I mean it!
The Prep
I had this BIG jug that I was supposed to start drinking at 6:30 p.m. Monday night. It had powder in it, and I mixed it with lukewarm water Monday morning to get it ready. They had added a lemon flavor packet, so I put that in there. I don’t know what that stuff is… but it was a thick consistency that tasted nothing like lemon. To start, I was supposed to do 8 ounces, every 10 minutes til it was gone. I tried drinking it through a straw, but that didn’t help much. I swear at one point, that stuff was growing! I’d look at the jug, and it was like I’d barely drank any.
And yes, I camped out in the bathroom during the process. Very unsure of what to expect. I won’t give you all the crappy details (pun intended!), but it was a LONG night! And yes, I had the iPad for some entertainment… caught up on some more ‘This Is Us.’
Day Of
To be honest, I wasn’t really anxious about the procedure itself. Again, it’s so important to listen to your body. And since I have dealt with stomach issues for so long, I was just ready to hopefully have some answers. I had a bunch of nurses come in and out, then the anesthesiologist and the doctor too. The IV was the worst part of the day! I hate needles and have been known to pass out. But I didn’t! Once they’d asked me a ton of questions and got the IV up and running, it was time to head back. I don’t remember much after that. They checked in with me, put a bite guard in for the endoscopy… and the last thing I remember was thinking, “I’m starting to feel a little woozy.”
Next thing I knew, I was back in the recovery area. Still pretty out of it from the anesthesia, I barely knew what the doctor said. Thankfully they give you paperwork with all the notes… and even some photos, YAY.
Diagnosis?
There aren’t really any answers at this point. I do have a hiatal hernia… which can cause reflux and heartburn. They took some biopsies which should come back within 7-10 days. So again, it’s more waiting. But I am thankful I finally found a doctor who took the initiative to do these procedures to check everything out!
Listen To Your Body
The reason I share this, is because I want you to know to listen to your body. You know when something doesn’t feel right. And if your doctor won’t listen or take you seriously… find another doctor. There are way too many stories of misdiagnosed issues, or things that could’ve been prevented if caught early on. Sure, you may seem like a hypochondriac, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Speak up for yourself. Ask all the questions, even the awkward ones! Be your own advocate. We get ONE life, and don’t you want to feel good? If something is wrong, don’t put it off any longer. You are worth it. You deserve to feel your very best.
And just for fun… these are the only 3 pictures I have from my whole experience (I can’t believe I didn’t think to take any others)!
