Thanks again for the information and encouragement, it's a real service.

Dear Kathy,

Just wanted to send a note to say how much I benefitted from your website and the "testimonials" as I anticipated my first colonoscopy (done on 1/31).  This site was by far the most helpful of any I found.  My thanks to you for such thorough details, and to everyone who wrote in and told their stories.  It helps a great deal to have a sense of what to anticipate.

I'm 51 and my primary care doctor kept telling me to go get the colonoscopy so I scheduled the procedure and then spent ten days in high anxiety and dread. Actually going through it -- even drinking the two doses of the Fleets and all that flushing out -- was nowhere as bad the worry I put myself through anticipating it. (Note: my G-I doctor prescribed the Nulytely but after research I realized I would have an awful time with it so I called him for another option, which is when he approved the Fleets phosphosoda -- so people should know that they can ask for alternatives.)   The medical team at the hospital were great and I was loopy for the rest of the morning thanks to the happy juice they drugged me with. 

Fortunately the doctor found no problems other than a few hemorrhoids so I feel really blessed.  Next time I will not over-worry the prep.  What's a day or two of discomfort, drinking a couple of glasses of salty stuff,  and a few hours of diarrhea compared to an extended illness and/or fighting for your life?  As to the procedure itself, the versed and other meds mostly did the trick. I do remember a couple of "pain" moments but the medical team was on it instantly and it didn't last.  Again, a small price to pay for the peace of mind I now have.

The only advice I'd give -- which is already on your site -- is to take care to stay hydrated during the prep, keep drinking those clear liquids (I found water the most soothing, but everybody's system is different).

Thanks again for the information and encouragement, it's a real service.

-Bonnie