8/10/08
I write this to you mere hours before I go under general anesthesia for a not-quite-emergency but definitely-hurried endoscopy and colonoscopy. Those of you who've hung around in these pages for any amount of time know how I go down with "food poisoning" or "the stomach flu" or "whatever" roughly every two months, and after this recent bout, I'd fucking had enough.
My GP referred me to LA's awesomest gastroenterologist, and he told me it was time to take the submarine down to look at the coral reefs, so to speak. These things can be done while being awake, but I'm happy to be going totally under. However, I will remind my wife that the last time I had general anesthesia, the nurses called my mom and told her to get back to the surgery center because, in their words, "your son thinks he's a frog."
An endoscopy and a colonoscopy serve only to rule out certain things, leaving you with obvious conclusions – and we all already know what I have. It starts with "I" and ends with "S" and the middle letter is "B". It's one of those things that many people think does not exist, but like God, it sure feels like it when you're deep in the experience.
Posted by Ian Williams at August 10, 2008 11:23 PMHope it goes well.
good luck today!!!
I am glad you're getting it checked out. We're at the age where we have to stop taking our bodies for granted. Good luck!
We'll be thinking about you today. Take care.
Good luck. Josie is right. . . you can't take health for granted. Take care.
Oh, and I thought of you this weekend. Was watching the Olympics, saw the beach volleyball match and thought of your post re: Misty May's butt. My how the past four years have flown!
good luck, I hope all turns out well
Too bad you won't be awake to enjoy the tour of your insides - and the fun drugs they give you. I hear the prep is by far the worst part and that's already over. Good luck!
Neva
Trust everything went well, Ian. I have several friends who have suffered from IBS, and it's no picnic. People who have anxiety disorder (the reason you take Celexa, no?) are at much higher risk of getting IBS than normies.
One of my friends was able to resolve his IBS through cognitive therapy with no meds. Others have found various anti-anxiety meds a blessing.
Here's hoping for a happy "ending"!
I had a friend in Raleigh who had terrible IBS. Good luck. I was just thinking the other day what the age for preventive colonoscopies was and hoping it was 50 and not 40.
ian - if you do have ibs here is a web site with helpful information about eating and other ways to prevent flare ups. soluble fiber should become your friend. and unfortunately caffeine and alcohol are no nos.
and chip - the age for a preventive colonoscopy is 50 unless you have issues or family history.
oops - forgot the link
If Katie Couric can show her colonoscopy on the Today Show, what sort of treat might xtcian readers be in for?!
Ew. Yeah, I grossed myself out too.
Well, I have a IBS today too but the B word is different. I guess you should be thankful it's just your bowels that are irritable.
Hope this all goes well, my friend. Here's to finding out, and healing!
Now what could Neva mean.....
irritable brain
irritable boobs
irritable brats
...Oh, I think we could go on for awhile:)
Please do rest easy and recover well.
Here is my get well card to you. . .
http://gawker.com/5035885/bush-looking-drunk-at-the-olympics
Well?!? How'd it go on your end?
(heh, sorry, couldn't resist)
Best of luck. Feel better soon.
I've had my share of issues - diagnosed as ulcerative proctitis about 7 years ago. Top GI doctor in Boston (after unsucessful years of nsaids and sterorid treatment) asked me to try aloe vera pills. 1 month later, fixed. 3 years later still fixed. Not that this is your solution, but your insides may be fixed with other approaches than your typical approach.
Watch your diet, experiment with what triggers things, stay away from processed food. Watch any potential lactose intolerance, and good luck!
I've heard the same about aloe vera juice (available at Whole Foods)