Whew!.......

The ordeal is over.  Let us cut to the chase:  Doc says I'm fine.  Wants me to come back for another colonoscopy in 5---7 years.  Praise Jesus.  I can live with that (literally).

So the bottom line is this---went 42 hours without anything but liquids.  Not eating makes me irritable (wife says I'm that way whether I've eaten or not), gives me light headaches and produces a gnawing, hollow clawing in my stomach.  I can only eat so many cans of chicken broth, bottles of 7-UP and banana popsicles.


Two Large Bottles of This Mixed with 64 Ounces of Gatorade

 But the kicker was the 48 ounces of laxative I drank on Tuesday night and then repeated at 5:00 AM on Wednesday before my 10:00 procedure was scheduled.  Darn near killed me.  Of course, I am the first to admit that I am a baby in situations like this and require lots of sympathy and attention. 

Two of These the Night Before and Two in the Morning

Anyhoo, Cindy drove me to the clinic.  The staff was truly phenomenal.  The nurses and doctors were just outstanding---professional, knowledgeable, experienced and CLASSY. 

I was wheeled in to the procedure room, hooked up to all kinds of monitors, and reassured about what was going to be done.  Then, the nurse anesthetist leaned over and whispered, "G'night, Clint". 

"G'night", I replied.  I was only out 25 minutes.  Don't remember a thing.  No pain at all. 

This Is How It Looks

They wheeled me to recovery.  Did I want an additional blanket?  "Why, yes", I said, "that would be nice."  The blanket they   brought me had been preheated.  Verrry nice.

My Doctor---He Was Great!

The doc appeared.  Nice guy.  We chatted.  Basically, I'm healthy as a horse.  He showed me some pics he had taken of my innards.  Not real pretty, but I'm more a fan of outdoor landscapes.  Gave me copies to keep in my files. 

One of Cindy's Favorite Spots for Lunch, But I hated It

Cindy took me to a favorite place of hers to eat---Ali Baba's on Kingston Pike.  I had never been there before.  She had the specialty, a falafel, which I noticed she devoured with gusto.  I had a Reuben.  It was the worst sandwich I had ever attempted to eat.  Watery, salty as hell, tough bread. Had to hold it with napkins to keep from getting soaked.  I asked for a fork and knife but they don't have any at this establishment.  Had to find the bathroom.  This was an ongoing problem all day.

Cindy Said Her Falafel Was Wonderful

Then Cindy wanted to go to Fresh Market.  Had to find the BR there, as well.  Two more stops, and then we headed home (thank God).

Nice Selection of Foods---and a Very Nice Restroom, as Well...

The ordeal was over.  I slept like a baby last night---11 hours.

Conclusion:  If you are over 50, please get a colonoscopy.  Colon cancer is almost entirely preventable with early detection.  Yes, you will have to force yourself out of your comfort zone for 42 hours.  But think about how much better that is than dying a slow, miserable death.