Hi Everyone,

Despite my anxiety about the risks, I asked my doctor for a colonoscopy because of roving pain throughout my upper and lower abdomen.

Both my grandfathers had colon cancer. One didn't catch it in time, but the other one beat it and this summer we're celebrating his 90th birthday.

Anyway, I'm in prep mode today... Just about to start the fun part!

One of my main worries is the risk associated with the procedure. One in 4,000 people end up with a tear that needs emergency surgery to correct. So that's on my mind...

My other main worry, of course, is what they might find. My only consolation is that I chose this, rather than doctors choosing it for me. So I'm hanging on to that to calm my nerves...

Got any advice to help steady my nerves? I'd really appreciate it!

---------- Post added at 17:36 ---------- Previous post was at 17:08 ----------

I'm fortunate to have my husband home to help look after our 2-year-old son! I'm also fortunate to have my Mom and brother close by for reassurance.

Still, Mom's the only one of us who's had a colonoscopy, and her experience wasn't the greatest. While her results were clear, they discovered she had a longer colon than usual. By 5 feet!! My poor, sweet Mom!

Her experience was painful enough that she hasn't had another colonoscopy in years, and it took a lot of convincing to get her to make her long-overdue appointment.

I do have memories of Dad having it done, and his results were clear too. I can't talk with him about it, though, as he's got advanced dementia now.

Funny how when even one parent is gone, it makes me long to fill that gap with others who can offer reassurance/guidance.

---------- Post added at 17:40 ---------- Previous post was at 17:36 ----------

Dulcolax and CoLyte are the two substances I need to take.

I just began the CoLyte--240mL every 10 minutes until I've polished off 2 litres.

Is it normal to experience headache with strong laxatives?