C is For....

I am having my colonoscopy on Monday at 12:30.  It has been a long and annoying road to get to this point.  This will be the fourth time the procedure has been scheduled and the bills from the hospital and doctors keep pouring in.  Although, I found out a few days ago that the doctor who saw me in the Emergency Room isn't charging me.  It is apparently part of his practice not to charge employees of the hospital for his services, so for that, I am extremely grateful.

 

I met with the Surgery nurse yesterday and she told me what to expect.   The colonoscopy could take anywhere from 45 minutes to and hour and  a half depending on what they find.  If it is just a routine colonoscopy, I will be in and out in about an hour.  They are looking for a hole in my intestines that may be leaking bacteria into my system.  If they find one, depending on the size, I will have surgery right there to close it up.  If it is too large, I will be scheduled for surgery in the not too distant future (oh boy, more dealing with the insurance company!!) 

 

If they find nothing, I will be monitored for pain and bacterial mass indicators in my body on a routine basis to try and pinpoint the problem.  If they find anything suspicious, (like cancer planting its flag with ugly little bumps)   it will be sent to the lab for biopsy.   If all else fails, I will have exploratory surgery to determine how bacteria is leaking into my system., why and what long or short term damage has  been done.

 

I am not sure of the outcome of Monday, but I am glad to have it behind me.

So, Monday, C is for:

Colonoscopy

Cancer

But most of all, closure