This Thursday, Sarah is having a colonoscopy.
I realize that it’s usually people over fifty who have those, but it seems as though Sarah is starting down the colonoscopy road a little early.
If you recall, I wrote a few weeks ago about a cancer relapse scare we had when her hemoglobin came back low, she was very pale, and had developed dark circles under her eyes, all initial symptoms of her Neuroblastoma diagnosis. Thankfully, after a few stressful days, the issues resolved and we were given the all clear by her doctor.
But then Sarah started having bleeding in her stools and so we went back to the doctor who did an exam and also found bleeding. He said that due to her history and the way her symptoms have presented, he wanted her to have the colonoscopy so that we could get a clearer picture of what’s going on.
So in the midst of our past very busy weeks of Easter drama prep and performances, we’ve also been dealing with this worry and this issue–getting an initial appointment with a specialist in a larger city, setting up the colonoscopy appointment itself and organizing the details of our lives to make it all come together.
And now the time is (almost) here.
Sarah has her Happy Powder (as she calls it) on hand and she is starting her prep tomorrow after lunch. (She’s going to go to school just for the morning.) I have stocked up on Jello, broth, apple juice and Popsicles. In fact, while I was in the store yesterday I figured that anyone walking by and looking at my cart would say, “Is someone at your house having a colonoscopy?”
But I am prepared to do whatever I can to make the process as pleasant for my princess as I possibly can. (And if you have any more tips for prep, please let us know!)
Tonight Sarah will be having her last real meal for almost 48 hours at Owens, a lovely Outer Banks restaurant. It’s our favorite place to eat, but quite expensive so every trip there is a special treat. Our friends, Ferrell and Millie (the pastors who recently lost their 31-year old son) are in town on a brief vacation so we’ll be eating at Owens with them.
(One of our sweet blog friends was so touched by Ferrell and Millie’s story that when she found out they were coming here on vacation, she sent a gift so that we could take them out to a nice meal and make their vacation extra special. How sweet is that?)
So at any rate, back to the subject at hand. (Which, by the way, I do have Sarah’s permission to write about.)
We are doing our best not to be overly concerned about this but we also know that bleeding doesn’t happen without a cause so we will rest a lot easier when we have a better idea of what’s going on. We’ll keep you in touch as we go along and as always, we appreciate your prayers and concern throughout the process.
And oh yeah, just where did the title of this post come from?
Well, when we went to one of Sarah’s appointments last week, we were given a list of things she could and could not consume on prep day. Obviously someone’s spell checker was not working properly because the paper said that Sarah could drink “Seven out and spite.” (Note: for any readers in other countries who aren’t familiar with these soft drinks, they are supposed to be called 7 Up and Sprite.)
My grammar-loving daughter and I have both gotten several good chuckles out of that which is good, because laughter is a great remedy for stressful times.
Looking at pictures (like these favorites taken last summer) is a good remedy, too.
We have found that you can get through just about anything in life when you have faith, family, hugs and random dance moves—not to mention a dose or two of seven out and spite.
Just saw this. Praying for Sarah and you all.
Appreciate it so much, Jill!
Keeping you guys in my thoughts & prayers.
Thanks so much, Chase!!
I have colonoscopies about every 18 months. My recommendation is to start the second wave of prep earlier than instructed, so she’ll be done and her system will be calmed down by bedtime. Oh, and take her someplace great for her first meal afterwards!
Susan,
That is a very good idea and that is exactly what we did. There would be nothing worse than still running to the bathroom at 1 a.m. when she is exhausted! And I told her I’d buy her anything she wanted to eat when she’s done; we’ll see what she’s hungry for.
Oh wow! I will sure be praying for Sarah through out this. Once she gets the drink down the worst is over, I am not a fan of anything but water or milk to drink and had to drink that big ole jug of Gatorade down, was good to read that next time I will use a straw and put some sprite at the top of the glass to help it go down better 🙂 It’s really easy once the drink is down, I didnt’ mind the running to the bathroom, or the procedure, that was over fairly quickly, at least I think so, ha! Good luck and lots of prayers Sarah~
Wendy,
Yes, the straw is definitely the way to go! Sarah is almost done drinking the prep and the straw has been a big help. Thanks for the prayers!
There is no danger of the prep medicine becoming a recreational drug.
Steve,
This is very, very true.
I want to wish Sarah all the best and that the experience will be a lot less stressful than anticipated. Also, that the results will show the issue being something harmless and easily fixable.
best wishes Nadine from Germany
Nadine,
So nice to hear from our German friend! Thanks for your sweet words.
Thinking about you all and praying that all goes smoothly. I’m believing in good results from Sarah’s colonoscopy!!!
Elizabeth,
Thanks for taking the time to comment and sent good wishes and prayers!
The 7Out might be ok, but I suspect the spite will be a little hard for our sweet Sarah to swallow! My heartfelt prayers are with all of you.
Jan,
What a sweet, sweet comment; it made me smile! You’re right–Sarah would have a pretty hard time ever getting any “spite” down.
Is it just my personal perception or are more people starting to have gastrointestinal problems more frequently and at younger ages? It seems like they are. Crohns, celiac, etc. seem so much more common in the last decade or so. But it may just be my perception. I’m sure someone must be keeping statistics!
In any case, good luck to Sarah. I’m sure there are about a trillion things she’d rather do this week (maybe even drink spite!) but if I had to bet on people who’d get through it like a champ, I’d bet on her.
Ellen,
That’s a good question about these problems happening to younger people; hadn’t really thought about it!
And yes, I’m sure she COULD think of a couple trillion things Sarah would rather be doing than this but as you said, she’s a champ. She’ll come through fine–and when she does, she’s probably never going to want to look at another spoonful of Jello! 🙂
If she can’t finish the whole prep, it is usually ok, as long as her stools are clear liquid. Sometimes people do get sick from the prep and just can’t finish it, don’t panic, just do your best, it will be good enough. I found the chicken broth(bullion) was the most soothing to my stomach and helped me to not feel hungry. Also, vaseline is helpful for sore bottoms after all the trips to the bathroom.
Fingers crossed for just a hemorrhoid 🙂
Lesley,
Yes, we’ve stocked up on the broth and she had some for breakfast this morning along with some jello. Not quite as exciting as Wheaties or oatmeal but at least it’s something! 🙂 Thanks for the other good advice; nice to hear from a nurse friend!
Dear Sarah, I’ve had @ least 8 myself @ almost 44 & have tried all the different preps! My issues were different so all I can tell you is that once you’ve done the prep, the hardest part is over! The test itself, is a breeze! My dad had one in August, 2013 & he topped off each glass of colonoscopy magic (UGH–LOL) w/ a few splashes of Mountain Dew or Sierra Mist (he alternated)! He said it made the potion palatable! I’ve shared “his trick” w/ 12 or so other people who’d had previous colonoscopies & they all commented that it was the best trick too date! So after preparing the “gunk” by the directions and pouring it into your glass, leave some room @ the top for the soda! I’ll be thinking about you & your family Sarah that the problem is a simple one & by Thursday night the whole experience will be a faint memory! Please be sure, Becky, to let us know Thursday afternoon/evening how things went! Love to you all! Jodi
Jodi,
Hmmmm . . . sounds like an interesting trick! At eight colonoscopies, you are certainly the veteran among us!
Sending hugs and prayers from Canada.
Mel
Mel,
Thank you–nice to hear from a Canadian friend!
While the prep process is uncomfortable, Sarah, with her wonderful disposition will do just fine through it all. Much love to Sarah and your family. Keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers for a smooth procedure and good results. Hugs!
Sumathi,
Yes, I think the thought of going so long without eating any solid foods is a bit overwhelming to Sarah–of course, the other part of the prep is not so fun either. 🙂 Thanks for the hugs!
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. I mixed my prep with County Time Lemonade mix and it wasn’t bad at all. Due to some stomach issues I had to do a two day prep and this made it much easier to drink. Suggestion came from gastro doc. Said it would be much better than the packets they provide.
Kari,
Wow–a two day prep would be quite the undertaking.
Country Time Lemonade sounds good!
When I had my first colonoscopy I was disappointed that I did not sleep all afternoon after it was over. Jim did back in 1993 but mine was in 2002 and I was awake as soon as I got home until 11 PM that night. I got so tired of Jell-O that I went to bed early the night before. No problem with the procedure because I slept through it all. Now my GYN has decided I need another one since it has been 12 years so I have an appointment in May (21) with the nurse for the prep instructions. Don’t know when the procedure will be done. Jim’s was no problem in February. Waiting for positive results from Sarah. Prayers for all.
Ann,
I think I can see Sarah going to bed early tonight, too, just to make the waiting time go by a little faster. We don’t have to leave the house about 9 am for a 1 1/2 hour trip so she can have a fairly leisurely morning before hitting the road. Thanks for the thoughts and prayers.
The best advice I got was put it in the fridge as soon as it’s mixed, and get a bendy straw to drink it through! It’s pretty salty tasting, so the cold makes it more palatable and the straw gets it past your taste buds. I thought the actual procedure was a breeze because I was asleep. Best of luck, Sarah!
Yep, a straw was my tip as well. I though it helped lots. Good luck and prayers for all of you.
Meredith,
Let’s heart it for straws!:-)
Jenny,
The bendy straw is good advice; I used that for my colonosocpy prep and it really helped to just shoot the liquid straight to the back of my mouth without tasting it so much. I’ll have to be sure I’m stocked up on straws!
Prayers for Sarah! HUGS!
Kristi,
Prayers and hugs always welcome.
I dreaded my first colonoscopy (at age 50), but it was really no big deal. The prep is a bit uncomfortable, but for heaven’s sake, Sarah had a Bone Marrow Transplant! She’ll sail through this just fine. One bit of advice (wish someone had told ME this): don’t use “Spite” or any other carbonated beverage during the prep. Let’s just say it will add to the discomfort, and leave it at that!
Jenny,
You’re right–anyone who can make it through a BMT can make it through a colonoscopy! 🙂
praying and holding good thoughts……
Thanks, Mrs. Pam!
Thinking of you all, especially Sarah. I agree, don’t read on the internet, people only post bad experiences. I think she will find this a fairly easy procedure compared to others that she has had. Might want to try some Pedialyte rather than Gatorade. I think it tastes better! Prayers for answers!
Deb,
I had read somewhere else where someone had also mentioned Pedialyte as an option. Interesting!
I too had an early-age colonoscopy, though not quite as early as Sarah — I was 28ish. I have one hugely, tremendously, vitally important piece of advice for her:
WHATEVER YOU DO, DO NOT READ OTHER PEOPLE’S OPINIONS OF THE PROCEDURE ON THE INTERNET.
People tend to only post bad things online. When I went to do research on the procedure, I was completely freaked out by the horrific tales people had to tell about the prep-work, the procedure itself, and the day/days afterwards.
For myself, I found that it really wasn’t a big deal at all. The prep fluid is certainly no strawberry milkshake, but it’s not that bad (for what it’s worth, I found it tasted better without the flavoring packets they offered). The procedure itself was painless (I was sedated for most of it, anyway) and pretty quick. And I was perfectly fine by the afternoon of the same day.
Considering the other fairly awful things Sarah has gone through, medical-wise, I bet she’ll have no problems with this one. She (and her parents 😉 ) will be in my thoughts — hope she sails through like a champ, and the results provide you all with an easy-to-fix diagnosis!
Kristina,
Yeah, Internet surfing about medical issues is not always a good idea. I don’t know why people always feel compelled to share their horror stories instead of their success stories!
And you’re right–that prep stuff is certainly no strawberry milkshake, especially the quantities it has to be drunk in. Good times! 🙂
I’ll be praying for y’all. And for the “news” to be something that is easily fixed and nothing horrible! Love and hugs to all the Smiths! 🙂
Lizz,
Hugs appreciated!
Praying for Sarah, and for you and Steve, too!
Thank you, Angela! I think it’s always harder on the parents than the patients!
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Liz, thanks so much! 🙂
Will keep you guys in our prayers this week, especially Thursday! I know you guys are not in Durham, but if there is anything I can do from here… I am happy to! Praying for an easy procedure and a quick discovery and easy fix for the problem!! Love you guys bunches!!!!
Tiffany,
You are so sweet–thanks for sending prayers from Durham!
And it’s always a special treat to hear from the person who actually collected Sarah’s stem cells all those years ago. We’ve come a long way, haven’t we? 🙂
yes maam!!! I love telling Sarah’s story to people just now starting the journey! update as soon as you can… will be on pins and needles to hear!!! Although, God has brought Sarah this far… so I will trust that he will continue to carry her in His hand!! Easier said than done though, and having this job, I feel like I have way more than my 3 kids! All of my pheresis kids are “my” kids too!! 🙂
Wishing Sarah much luck with her colonoscopy. I hope the doctors find out what’s causing the issues. I have had family members go through the same procedure and they drank Gatorade and lots of jello. <3
Michelle,
Yes, I think I see a lot of Jello in Sarah’s future! 🙂
Sending prayers for Sarah! Hope that everything turns out okay. I always drink plenty of gatorade. It not only puts the electrolytes back in your system, it helps make the tummy feel better.
Shawn
Shawn,
Anything to help her tummy feel better is a good thing!
I had my first one last year and the prep was several (MANY!!) large pills every 15 minutes over the course of an hour. Made me feel super yucky toward the end. I think I should have drank more fluid with them. Live and learn. I was craving a Burger King burger afterwards but then didn’t get one. Boooo! I think hubby was in a hurry to get me home so he could get back to work since it took much longer than expected. (Started 2-1/2 hours late due to the Dr. attending to an emergency at the hospital.) I will keep Sarah in my thoughts and prayers and will be watching for updates too.
LeeAnne,
I told Sarah whatever she is hungry for as we leave the doctor’s office is what we will find for her to eat. It will be interesting to see what sounds good to her at that point. I imagine it was so frustrating to have your procedure delayed so long, especially since you couldn’t eat!
Hilarious!! Hopefully they are better at doing the procedure than they are at proofreading!!
Donna,
I thought the same thing. Thankfully a friend of ours highly recommended this doctor so I know for sure he IS better at medicine than proof reading. (After the procedure is over, I AM going to let the office know about the mistakes, though.)
I have had several, family history, and have found I need to have some gatorade, even though I don’t like it, but need the electrolites if offers. I also used a hot rice bag if I start to feel yukky. Helps my stomach some. I try to think of what good food I will consume after the procedure. Prayers for Sarah.
Patti,
Hmmm . . . had never heard of a hot rice bag mentioned before. That’s a good idea!