337: My First Colonoscopy
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Just as a forewarning, this week’s episode might be a little bit TMI, but I did mention it coming up in a recent episode – my recent colonoscopy! While I don’t get into the especially gritty details, I talk openly with Jesse about my experience because I really wanted to share the full story. I kept hearing from people who were scared of the procedure or avoided it because of what they’d heard about the prep, and I was nervous too, especially after reading all the horror stories online, but I found that preparation and good guidance made a bigger difference than I had expected!
Listen in as I walk you through why I had the procedures in the first place, including my long history with chronic anemia and how my doctors wanted to look for possible root causes rather than just treat symptoms. A big part of the episode is the prep experience because honestly, that’s what people tend to dread the most. However, I talk about starting a low-residue diet days early, sticking to very bland foods, and what it actually felt like to move into the clear-liquids phase. I share how hunger, brain fog, and low energy showed up for me and how surprisingly manageable the laxative process was compared to what I feared. I also mention small practical things that helped such as choosing certain drinks and realizing that some flavors quickly became unappealing once prep started.
I then walk you through the procedure day itself – checking in, getting an IV, anesthesia, and what it felt like waking up after sedation. The sedation was so strong and peaceful that I can understand why people describe it as a really good nap. In fact, I kind of didn’t want to wake up! I also reflect on how disorienting that it felt trying to talk afterward when my brain wasn’t putting words together correctly.
I also, of course, touch upon recovery, what my results looked like so far, and why I truly believe that these screenings are worth it, so if you have been afraid of getting a colonoscopy, I really hope that this episode with Jesse makes it feel a lot more approachable!
As always, please feel free to reach out! I would love to hear your thoughts!
In This Episode
[0:35] – This episode shares my colonoscopy and endoscopy experience, addressing fear, prep, and cancer detection.
[4:44] – Hear how I underwent procedures mainly because chronic anemia persisted since childhood and pregnancy complications occurred.
[7:16] – Hear how low hemoglobin and ferritin levels led my doctor to recommend colonoscopy and endoscopy for diagnosis.
[10:42] – I reflect on how I began a strict low-residue diet early, avoiding fiber, fruit, vegetables, and acidic foods.
[13:52] – Hear how the clear-liquid phase felt surprisingly difficult, causing intense hunger, weight loss, and constant emptiness.
[16:36] – I share how clear-liquid days drained my energy.
[18:39] – I avoided mixing Miralax with my favorite drinks because prep may have made those drinks unappealing later.
[20:32] – Preparing for laxatives, I found the worst fears exaggerated; one nauseous hour passed and then relief.
[23:49] – Hear how mixing Miralax with Gatorade surprisingly tasted fine, and calories plus electrolytes improved my energy.
[26:00] – I share how I chugged 36 ounces of prep fluid over two hours, experienced mild thirst, and slept mostly well.
[29:43] – I describe how the anesthesiologist warned of a “spicy” feeling before sedation, and I instantly lost consciousness.
[32:47] – Hear how I was completely out under propofol sedation, awakening groggy but unaware of the procedure.
[34:56] – Waking from propofol felt hypnotically peaceful, and my body stayed unusually difficult to rouse.
[37:18] – Hear how I wanted more sleep after waking, felt groggy, spoke coherently, but couldn’t fully process conversation.
[39:27] – Hear how, post-procedure, I was so disoriented that I dropped food in the car but still ate it!
[42:22] – Recovery was quick, and results looked good, although biopsies and stool tests are still pending.
Links & Resources
Crystal Paine
Crystal’s Colonoscopy Instagram Highlights
Social Media
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom)
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning)
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Crystal Paine on Goodreads
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