Update: I am scheduled to have my Colonoscopy March 13th not Feb 13th, lol , I keep messing up dates lately

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My Mom was diagnosed with Colon cancer before Christmas and in Jan she has surgery to remove the tumor. We just found out she does not need Chemo. I have been having bleeding with diarrhea for almost a year. I assumed it was a nasty case of hemorrhoids. Since my mom had cancer I went to a Gastoenerologist (sp?). (Plus the bleeding is getting worse and I am sick of it happening) He told me I need a conoloscopy. I am worried and a bit scared. He says with my symptoms and family history this is necessary. He also said I could have polyps, or cancer. I do have some stomach problems, and feel sick many mornings as well..

Anyone have some tips for me? The prep scares me like crazy since I have to go to work that day and I tend to get shaky if I do not eat..

Also, sometimes all I can think about is this darn colonoscopy …

I work in HR and if I need surgery my co-workers will handle my short-term disability paperwork.

Do all of you recommend telling people you are having the procedure? :confused: So far I just told my boss because I need the day off of work…. He was so not nice about it at all.:mad: Just said make sure I get a temp in for me.

I feel like I should tell everyone but then I feel it is a private thing and kind of embarrassing…

Thanks, Karen

If I'm not mistaken, you don't have to disclose the reason for your personal business day. It's a medical appointment and that's it!

I'm glad they found your mom's cancer early. My husband had a colon resection on 2/14 and his cancer had not spread beyond the polyp, so no chemo/radiation is required. We were quite relieved.

The prep is the worst part of the colonoscopy. It is indeed a good idea that you have the procedure. My father has a history of colon polyps. I'm 41 and having my first scope on March 7. I wish I would have done it at 31.

Good luck with everything.

If I'm not mistaken, you don't have to disclose the reason for your personal business day. It's a medical appointment and that's it!

I'm glad they found your mom's cancer early. My husband had a colon resection on 2/14 and his cancer had not spread beyond the polyp, so no chemo/radiation is required. We were quite relieved.

The prep is the worst part of the colonoscopy. It is indeed a good idea that you have the procedure. My father has a history of colon polyps. I'm 41 and having my first scope on March 7. I wish I would have done it at 31.

Good luck with everything.

Thank you for your reply! I don't think I will tell anyone. The bad part is my medical papers will go directly to a co-worker if I should need surgery.

Karen

KarenDee,

This is something that you should not feel ashamed about. This could mean saving your life and nobody should make fun of that.

You do need to take the day off for your Prep! I just had my first Colonoscopy done on February 22, 2006 and nobody in my family has a history of Colon Cancer and they found 3 Polyps in me. Now I haven't heard back from the results yet but they should be back in this Wednesday.

The reason I said you should take off is because when that stuff starts working you, you are gonna be constantly going to the restroom and there might be times when you don't even make it in time. I did that my self! But I would not worry about any of the Co-workers at all. You are just looking out for your safety! Good luck.

Jan

KarenDee,

This is something that you should not feel ashamed about. This could mean saving your life and nobody should make fun of that.

You do need to take the day off for your Prep! I just had my first Colonoscopy done on February 22, 2006 and nobody in my family has a history of Colon Cancer and they found 3 Polyps in me. Now I haven't heard back from the results yet but they should be back in this Wednesday.

The reason I said you should take off is because when that stuff starts working you, you are gonna be constantly going to the restroom and there might be times when you don't even make it in time. I did that my self! But I would not worry about any of the Co-workers at all. You are just looking out for your safety! Good luck.

Jan


Wow, I never thought of that. I am not suposed to take my medicine till 6pm, only on a liquid diet the day before so I thought I could work that day... I might take that day off also.. Or at least half of it. My boss makes me feel so guilty if I take a day off!

Karen

Your health comes first and I wouldn't worry too much about your colleagues finding out. It really is nothing to be ashamed about but ultimately it is your choice whether to tell anyone or not. I told my workmates and found everyone very kind and helpful and one person even confiding that they had concerns of their own regarding bleeding.

I agree that you probably need to take the day off before the procedure as the prep is designed to clear you out completely and the toilet becomes the most visited room that day. You don't need the added worry of trying to do your work as well.

During prep time I usually suck boiled sweets and ice lollies to stave off hunger. The actual colonoscopy is simple and painless and you are well sedated.

I hope it all goes well for you

Good luck
Lalee

Thanks leigh and lalee!

I might tell some co-workers if they ask. I probably won't offer the info unless they do. I did tell my boss and he will keep it private.

I may also take off my prep day. Thanks for the advice.

I really love this board, I have learned a lot!

Karen

Hi Karen,

I just wanted to say good luck with your colonoscopy. Good for you for having it done!:) dee

thanks dee!

This board has helped a lot!

Karen