Over and Out

In a punny sense, I'm relieved that the colonoscopy is behind me AND in my rear view mirror. LOL, is a pun really the lowest form of humor? I think not. A few final notes on the procedure: the fluid drinking at 2 a.m. was every bit as brutal as I imagined, plus I got little to no sleep between trips from the couch to my new "best friend." With about an inch of the vile Gatorade left, I gave up; as it turns out my preparation was excellent, unlike the older gentleman ahead of me who was sent home with more laxative because he hadn't done it correctly. I felt so sorry for him; I had eavesdropped and heard him quaver that he lived alone. As a younger (?) person, even I had to re-read the directions numerous times, thus I can understand forgetting a step. Speaking of forgetting, the anesthesiologist slipped the cannula in, then said, "When you wake up, you'll be in recovery." My response: I have a cold tickle in my throat. The next thing I knew...I was groggily looking around from my bed in a cubicle, wearing a blood pressure cuff and with an IV in my arm. The hunky gastroenterologist found one miniscule polyp (hate that word!); depending on its type, I'll be on the five-year plan or the seven year one. I'm hoping for seven!

Since I was shaky from lack of food and craving my mocha, Jahn/John rushed me down to the closest Starbucks for our favorite breakfast sandwich and drinks. SO delicious, and I ate at the approximate speed of light. ;)

I couldn't wait to get out on the road for a walk, far away from my toilet house! 

I can now eat anything I want like these strawberries I've been eyeing on my two plants. (the skinny ones are the pink flower ones) Today I received a sweet thank you from the graduating senior who won my late husband's scholarship at our alma mater. It's one of the biggest ones given at $1,000. Hopefully, that will be enough to buy a book. Sigh. She's attending Harvey Mudd (wowsa!) and will study engineering and fine arts. Since when did Harvey Mudd have fine arts? Becoming nostalgic, I thought about when I graduated from the same high school; I got several scholarships, totaling about $700. That was more than enough to pay my year's tuition of $188 per quarter at the University of Washington. I also worked in two food processing plants during the summers; it was pure drudgery but lots of overtime. Ask me anything you want to know about weighing raspberries or producing pickles. :) The couple thousand I earned paid for tuition and a quarter (or two) of my room and board. These days summer jobs couldn't come close to that! For many reasons, I feel concerned and stressed for today's young people, facing an expensive and increasingly automated world, full of true nut cases in positions of power. I'm sad for all of us. 

 

Comments

[Anne@HeadFullofBooks]

Yummy strawberries!

I had a colonoscopy this spring, too. Ugh. My Doc had no personality. In recovery he swung by the room and said, "I don't think we found anything." Oh thanks for letting me know for sure!

[Luftmentsch]

I'm glad the colonoscopy went OK.

[AC]

Glad your anesthesiologist was correct. I awoke during my procedure. It was fine. I said something, and they put me back to sleep.

[AC]

BTW, I do not agree with Samuel Johnston although, apparently, someone else said it before him.

[Deb]

I didn't understand Jahn/John until I went back to read the order!! Maybe the barista needs phonetic help and Jahn makes an easy reminder, although John is an extremely common name so....

I thought if they found polyps they snipped them out during the colonoscopy? No? I mean if it's an early cancer and they are waiting 5-7 years? That seems odd to me but as I'm not on any designed plans for rectal health other than the yearly occult blood test so maybe standards have changed.

[sillygirl]

So glad everything "came out fine". Doesn't food taste good when there is an empty place to fill! (There has to be a pun somewhere in there that I'm missing!)

[Susan]

The procedure went well and a return in 5-7 years is not bad. John knows you well and upon release from the hospital, a quick visit to Starbucks was perfect. Strawberries grown in your own garden are the best and tastiest. You are lucky not to have wildlife that devour fruit and veg gardens.

[Ed]

We've been fortunate in that we have been able to save up enough over the years through 529 plans to pay for our kids college education. I would love for them to start life debt free as my wife and I were both able to do.

[Catalyst]

Your strawberries are WONDERFUL! I envy you.

When I went to college, I think it was $500 per semester but that included room, in a dormitory, and board - meals at the cafeteria. It was Jamestown College in those days, now it's the University of Jamestown. I'm afraid I don't know the difference.

[J]

Glad the colonoscopy is behind you, that is no fun. I had my first one 7 years ago, and I'm on the 10 year plan, so I guess I'm due in a few years.

It's crazy how expensive college is, and room and board as well. My daughter sacrificed a lot in order to graduate with minimal debt. She had two scholarships that paid for her first year at our local community college, and we had a bit of savings that paid for her second year. Plus she worked part time both years after school. Our employment situation was never strong enough for us to be able to save a lot, unfortunately. Then she went to a local (excellent) university for her last two years, so she could again live at home. Now here we are 5 years after graduation, and she still lives at home. She has paid off her loans (she didn't have to take out much, just a couple of thousand dollars), but everything is so expensive she can't see a reason to spend all of that money on rent. Sigh.

[Joanne Noragon]

College in the 60's was easy. Basically $700 a semester at CWRU and I earned dormitory room by working in the cafeteria. Plus books, but used were cheaper. I paid for much of my daughter's college, but they had to pick up a bit. I don't know what kids do these days. My grandchildren, for instance.

[Maureen]

You look happy to be out walking, even if a bit flushed. I couldn't resist one more pun.

[Musings]

5-7? You lucky duck! I had a benign teeny tiny polyp and they put me on 3! 3! I was not happy to hear that.

[Pam]

This is such is such a strange thing to us Brits! I don't know anyone who's had a colonoscopy - I don't think! And we seem to survive. Well, unless we don't... However, we often follow where the US leads - tumble driers, dishwashers, political correctness, suing people - so I imagine we'll be doing this soon too. And you make it sound such fun. Enjoy your freedom!

[Ally Bean]

Colonoscopies are horrible experiences. I'm sorry you went through that. Your strawberries looks delicious.

[Steve]

I'm glad your colonoscopy is over, and with good results. When I had one in the states I remember that same experience with anasthetic. Here in the UK, they don't knock you out -- they put you into a "twilight" and you can watch the procedure on a monitor if you want. (Not that you'll really understand what you're seeing.) I'd rather have the knockout, personally.

The strawberries look good!

[Pixie]

Glad your colonoscopy is behind you. Man, I hate those things. I thought I was going to die from the prep.

When I went to nursing school, the tuition for both years was $700. The program was twenty-two months, in two years, so not much time to work.

[StoicWannabe]

Glad your colonoscopy was normal except for the little polyp. Maybe they removed it? Anyway, your strawberries look delicious! I'm jealous. I would love some homegrown organic strawberries.

That's nice that you gave a scholarship in Pat's name. It's a wonderful way to honor him, and the there's no telling the effects of that action.

[Marie K]

I wish there was an easier way to prep! At least it's over. Fingers crosses for 7 years! How great to have a scholarship in Patt's name. Love that she wrote to thank you.