Colonoscopy-Prepartion

I am scheduled to have a colonoscopy tomorrow.  This will be my 4th one.  As I write this post, I am doing the preparation. So I may have to take a break every now and then....

Since my father died from colon cancer almost 15 years ago, it is highly recommended that my siblings and I have regular checks.  The recommended frequency is every 5 years.

My last colonoscopy was 5 years ago.  The preparation was the worst part.  I found out recently that the laxative that was used then has been discontinued because it was linked to cancer (!).  And the info sheet for the stuff I'm using this time states that carcinogenic testing has not yet been done (Great).  In all cases, you are supposed to drink a lot of fluids.  But I think it's too much - I feel like it's going to come back up my mouth like a drain that's undersized.

generic TriLyte

I'm supposed to drink nearly 4L of this fluid (see picture). The info sheet indicates that the major component is 420 grams of polyethylene glycol 3350 (doesn't that sound yummy?).  In addition, it is described as "an isosmotic solution having a pleasant mineral water taste" (HA! I can tell you it's nothing like Pellagrino). It came with a selection of 4 flavor packets: Cherry, Orange, Lemon-lime, or Pineapple. Doen't you love choices?  Last time there was only one choice: Lemon (I felt like I was drinking a cleaning fluid). This time I picked Orange because I know I like that flavor (at least I did at the start of this).

And you have to go without solid food for at least 1 day.  I scheduled my procedure for the morning so I could reduce the time without food. I will have to get up early tomorrow in order to have my coffee (they consider that a clear liquid) because you are supposed to stop drinking fluids 4 hours before the procedure.

I didn't realize until recently that a colonoscopy is classified as outpatient surgery. I always thought it was just a test/procedure.  I guess it's classified as surgery because if a polyp is found, they can remove it.

This "procedure" is going to cost me at least $850 to cover what's left of my deductible. If I waited until 2011, I would have the full $1K deductible to pay.

While some people are perfectly comfortable with doing things like this (e.g., surgery), I'm feeling rather anxious. I think you can imagine what is going through my mind. Hopefully, I will update you tomorrow after the procedure.