I Am Ready!

I spent two Saturday mornings in March taking a CPR class and a first aid class, and now I am ready for an emergency. I hope I never have to use this training, but if I have to I can. I am absolutely thrilled to find out that there are special masks you can use to give mouth-to-mouth that will prevent any passage of germs/etc. from one person to the other. I have a mask in my car and I carry one in my purse, just in case. The CPR guidelines are now simplified and straightforward. I would highly recommend taking one of these classes. You just never know when you will need it.

Reflections on a colonoscopy

If that title doesn't pull you in, I don't know what will! Yes, after putting it off for five years, I finally faced the music and had a colonoscopy. I'm here to tell you that I lived to tell the tale (no pun intended), and it is definitely do-able. Not fun, but do-able.

The day before the procedure, you have to switch to a clear liquid diet, but it is easier than fasting, because you get to drink. So for those of you who fast, you know you can handle that. The worst part of the experience is drinking the 'moviprep' solution and the subsequent two hours spent in the bathroom dealing with the after-effects of that drink. Suffice it to say it leaves your digestive system sparkling clean!

I had the option to remain awake, somewhat awake, or completely asleep during the procedure. I chose 'asleep'. I remember seeing the nurse putting the sleeping stuff in my IV, and then I remember waking up. The procedure was over. I felt a little sleepy, but that was it. The whole thing was behind me (no pun intended).

So all you twenty-something and thirty-something's out there, you can do it! When you turn 50, be brave! Schedule that colonoscopy and go forward, remembering that I blazed the trail for you. If I can do it, anybody can do it!