The "RGAL Farting Room" Story

It was an ordinary day. I'm laying in the prep room waiting for the doctor. I'm talking to this sweetheart whose name is Jen. She is my nurse who is getting me ready for my colonoscopy. We go over my life history and she explains what is going to happen today during my procedure. She also listens to all my troubles and everything else I can think of to tell her. She must have a dozen other patients she needs to attend to today, but she makes me feel special, like I'm the only important patient she will have today. I change into my gown and socks, ring the bell and lay on the portable table. Shortly she returns and puts my IV in my arm and cuffs me to check my BP and puts the oxygen sensor on my finger. Then Dr. Rosenberg arrives to introduce himself to me. Dr. R. is a Gastroenterologist who specializes in treatment on the stomach and intestines. I personally couldn't do his job or the job of my urologist, Dr. Seiber. Studying the inside of the bottom half of the human body isn't for me, but I have found two of the best at their chosen professions. I met Dr. R. 5 years ago when I had my first colonoscopy. He found a few polyps that time and removed them, but it was necessary to return in five years to have the colon rechecked. He tells me what he will do today and off he hustles to get ready for me. Next, Dr. Goldman, my anesthesiologist, came in and we talked about what I could expect during and after the procedure. Then he wheeled me into a room where he administered the anaesthesia and that's the last I remember until I awoke back in the "farting room." Same room as I was prepped in, but seems that most of the patients are now releasing the gas that they use to inflate the colon for the procedure. And .... I joined in. My wife is by my side now and she notices the noise also. Pfffsssss, pffffssssss. I'm sure the Doctors and nurses hear very little of it since it is just background noise to them, but I chuckle when I hear the symphony of pfffssssses. My personal prep started yesterday when I had to mix this immense bottle of powder with water and put it in the fridge to cool. The bottle contained PEG-3350 & Electrolytes which were to help cleanse the colon. Started to drink it last night about 6:30. Had to drink 8 oz. every 15-20 minutes. It tasted awful. Like drinking salt water. Since I was not allowed to eat anything at all during the day, I at times felt sick in my stomach as I consumed it. My procedure today was a delight after having to drink that entire bottle and sit on the pot to get rid of all it. But, with the help of everyone at RGAL I actually enjoyed my stay with them. Dr. R. discovered no new polyps, but he did notice that I have diverticulosis of the sigmoid colon. He told me that about 60% of all adults over the age of 60 have this condition and I need to be aware of symptoms that may occur if it flares up. Many people have small pouches in the lining of the colon or large intestine that bulge outward through weak spots. When the pouches become inflamed, the condition is called diverticulitis. The most common symptom of this is abdominal pain and a tenderness in the lower left side of the abdomen. It usually is severe and comes on suddenly, but can start mildly and grow over time. Treatment is usually rest, but can be treated with drugs or surgery if necessary. It seems that people who lack fiber in their diet are more at risk for diverticulosis. Well, I'm home now and resting, typing on my computer. I just finished a call to my friend Barry who has been keeping me up to date on his brother who is dying from cancer. He told me today that he is now under Hospice care. "If only he had had a colonoscopy a few years ago, he would be fine today," he told me. "I had one this morning," I responded. Silence on the other end of the line. Then .... "Did it hurt?" And that is why people fail to take care of themselves. They fear it will hurt. I'm typing this to tell you the only bad part of this procedure is drinking some salty water. And, if you treasure life, you'll schedule a colonoscopy with your doctor. NOW!! I'm having another one in 5 years!! It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy. PS - Pixs are: bottle of powder and water I had to drink the night before my procedure and photo showing diverticulosis of the sigmoid colon. My own personal colon! Pretty neat, huh?