My Colonoscopy Journey

[@llamasugar5478]

Can we just take a moment to appreciate Penn cheering Kim on?!

[@tinaperez7393]

We can take more than one. 🤗 These people are role models in how to be there for one another. The Uranus joke was hilarious. She must've thought "okay, this guy is def marriage material" after that. 😂 A guy who can handle your ulcerative colitis AND make you laugh about it. That's a ten in any book.

[@doradennis2409]

That's why they won The Amazing Race!!

[@KH-vr6uf]

She is so lucky (they both are)

[@KH-vr6uf]

And I know it's not luck it's the work they put in. :)

[@CindyBrown]

it was the protective glasses in the bathroom that slayed me

[@MissLeighS]

As a gastroenterology nurse - THANK YOU for promoting the importance of screening colonoscopies!

[@irishrosa6115]

💓💓💓

[@cozy46]

I'm getting my first one tomorrow and doing my all liquid diet right now..... I start drinking the bowl prep in 3 hours....😜🤗

[@douglaswilkinson5700]

Getting my first one at age 70. My doctor of 20+ years said nothing about colonoscopies. He retired and his successor spotted this omission right away. The fact that colon cancer is on both sides of my family is noted in my file. I am thankful she spotted this and is having me get a colonoscopy, but I am livid at having to endure this procedure at 70 and then every 5 years thereafter!

[@DianaRodriguez-mr3vb]

@@Kalynn1 omg Im the same mine is next week I’m so anxious

[@Kalynn1]

@@DianaRodriguez-mr3vb you will have to keep me posted on how it all goes. 🙏🏻

[@tvinson39]

Thank you for normalizing this, my mom is a survivor of stage 2 colon cancer found at her very first routine colonoscopy. DO NOT PUT IT OFF PEOPLE. 👏👏👏

[@mykijiji1958]

This is SO important. My oncologist once said, “So many people avoid tests, because they think it’s too much trouble, or they are afraid of the results. But knowledge is our greatest friend. The more we know, the more we can do to treat it and prevent recurrence.”

[@kruddy908]

Thank you for doing this! My husband died of colon cancer at 52. It is a horrible disease and he fought it bravely for 3 years. What it does to your body does not compare to the inconvenience of getting a colonoscopy! Wishing you many years of great health! Your videos got me through some hard nights in the hospital with him so a big thank you for all you do!

[@melindabrock2275]

Kim thanks for sharing and championing the low residue diet in the days leading up. I’m convinced people make the prep harder on themselves by indulging in a steak dinner the night before, or at least that’s what they tell me. I’ve had 7 colonoscopies now at 46 yo (stage 4 rectal at 38), not hemorrhoids as I was told. Rectal bleeding urgency and severe constipation for months prior had me begging for my first colonoscopy. No family history, no lynch syndrome, I’m a unicorn. Switch to a low residue diet the final 3 full days of eating, you will have less stool to deal with in the prep. Also Aquaphor and Calmoseptine (over the counter/behind the counter may have to order ahead of time at pharmacy) can be applied ahead of time and don’t have to be completely wiped away each time, they will create a barrier to sooth and protect irritated skin. A bidet or a squeeze bottle on hand will be helpful. Cold prep is a million times better than warm. If you hate the prep you will hate cancer! Your prep is my Tuesday. Get your colonoscopies like your life depends on it. People always think I “caught it in time”, no stage 4 is not in time, the really scary part of it all is I had cancer for 2-3 years w no symptoms!! And that’s why screening is so important. Then once I did have symptoms I was told it was hemorrhoids and dismissed. I was the one who pushed for a colonoscopy (at that time 37 yo).YOU ARE YOUR OWN HEALTHCARE ADVOCATE… Don’t be afraid to be the squeaky wheel.

[@casalearning775]

Thank you for sharing.

[@kattilley2883]

People don’t tell you how to protect your skin. Even petroleum jelly! Bless you, bless you!!

[@ginarblank]

Thank you for these tips! First colonoscopy coming up. My diet is fairly restricted as it is, but I never would have thought of modifying it in advance of the prep. Makes sense. And the tushy self-care. And yes, four years into undiagnosed gut issues (and just as many specialists who have no clue), I am learning that I need to be that squeaky wheel; to poke and poke and poke at the system. Stay well!

[@powers1217]

Yes, THIS! I was diagnosed with “hemorrhoids at age 16! What 16 year old gets them unless they’re pregnant?! 🤦🏻‍♀️ I literally nearly died before getting diagnosed with Crohn’s disease…a year after I had all but 13 inches of my colon removed at age 31.

[@ahumanmerelybeing]

This is so important! My doctor told me I probably just had hemorrhoids, given my age, so I went two years before I went to a different doctor and insisted something was definitely wrong. Luckily, the new doctor took me seriously and ordered a colonoscopy. Turns out I had an adenoma that was close to turning cancerous.

[@tracyt6374]

I say each prep. “HOW?! How is this humane!?” Mom is a survivor of stage 4! I had first one at 36. Thanks so much for sharing this!!!

[@katherineg9396]

It's not about being humane. It's about colon cancer. 🤣

[@emilybear4832]

26 here. My dad has serious issues so I have to keep an eye on mine as well.

[@lauritag]

You should look up prep with Dulcolax and Miralax. The days of having to drink nasty solution are over. The prep instructions came straight from my doctor with same results and much more humane :-)

[@karens8633]

My mother survived stage 4 also! They do need to find a better way to prep though, I get sick every time! I’m on the Autism Spectrum and my stomach is VERY Sensitive! 😬

[@juliekline2871]

You were very lucky to a dr to give the ok. I had symptoms for over 5 years but my drs refused to do colonoscopy referral because i was so young. They tried to claim i did not have enough family history even though my grandmother died of colon cancer at 50. By the time i was able to get a colonoscopy i had a 9 cm mass that was stage 2 cancer.

[@lyndiwilson2334]

What a wonderful message. I'm a hospice nurse and it's really heartbreaking when a patient is dying from colon cancer as it's one of the most easy to remove/cure IF caught early. And it is the prep that's the worst. The actual procedure is no big deal at all. Thank you for sharing this, and best wishes for you and your family's health

[@strangedazey546]

This is so true! The prep just sucks, but they knock you out cold for the actual colonoscopy.

[@lainey7985]

For me, the prep was tolerable, if not exactly fun, but the part where they blow up your colon with CO2 (I think?) REALLY hurt! But they don't put you all the way out in Canada. They say most people fall asleep, but I didn't. And then I was screaming and trying to crawl away from the hose or whatever with that pain. But they gave me more sedative and I calmed right down, and we got on with it. I got to watch the whole thing.

[@emmel4fun]

@@lainey7985 That sounds horrible! I hope I'm out completely. I definitely would not want to watch.

[@lainey7985]

@@emmel4fun Watching was so cool! I was utterly fascinated. Talk about navel-gazing, lol.

[@deedeewilliamson4162]

This is SO wonderful! I am a medical assistant for our general surgeon and she does LOTS of colonoscopes. I know it’s important and no one wants to do it, but being healthy is important! Thanks for sharing your journey!

[@johnruffing7422]

Yeah that’s so true! My family has a history of polyps so even though I’m 29 never to early to get the screening done!

[@leannekelly8116]

As a GI nurse, thanks for this video. Hopefully many people will see this and realize they can get through the bowel prep. and as a fan of the Amazing Race, mad props to you for running and winning with UC.

[@snowwhitepeak]

Colon cancer survivor here, the prep is nothing compared to chemo and the surgeries to get rid of it! I'm glad you are sharing your journey as more people need to get tested. Know the symptoms and get tested no matter how young you are as there are children with colon cancer!

[@davidmarlajurek5038]

Kim, we lost my father in law to colon cancer, my mom in law has IBS (possibly UC as well), my own mom has diverticulitis and IBS… AND my teenager daughter was diagnosed with IBS at 16. I have to say that I SO appreciate you sharing your own journey with UC. I grew up watching my mom doing colonoscopy preps since I was very young, and now I am caring for a teenager who had her first (probably the first of many) colonoscopy recently. Not a fun time with the prep but so important. I pray your health continues to be manageable and that nothing more serious than polyps are found. Our family is now very proactive regarding our health and managing our inherited predispositions. God bless you and yours! 🙏 And, I love hearing about Penn’s space joke when you guys first met!!! I pray our teen is just as blessed when meeting her future spouse 😁.

[@justjenn1345]

Oh my goodness! That was adorable 🥰 who could make pooping and colonoscopys look so endearing other then Kim and Pen :)

[@PatMcFadyenGrowingGradeByGrade]

I know, right? Health care with humor! I love it!

[@pattymls7384]

Kim, right there with ya!!!!! Every 2-3 years. The prep! Why can’t they make it better. Also, coming next on the Amazing Race, colonoscopy for an express pass!

[@AnnePusateri]

Yep I need to get mine done yet again... I have had three different prep types. I wish it tasted like a good fruit not salty lemon or lime. They actually told me to pick a Gatorade I didn't like because I would never want to drink it again lol

[@shannonmackenroth4011]

I love this. :)

[@emilybear4832]

Right! It’s 2022 for crying out loud 🙄 we have cars that drive themselves and we can’t come up with a better way to do a colonoscopy? 🤦🏼‍♀️

[@emilybear4832]

I swear on everything I said that about the self driving cars before i got to the part where she said it 🤣

[@Damon970]

Actually, don't let them fool you. There is a single pill that you take the morning before and you end up on the toilet most of the time. I have had it, my wife has had it. The doctors told us it worked great. The next time they are trying to give me that whole nasty BS. I refuse to.

[@anniecoughlin7142]

You may have saved alot of lives with this vid- glad everything turned out ok with you Kim!!

[@theholdernessfamily]

thank you!

[@chelleann74]

Kim -- there is a new product called Sutab that is a pill option for the prep. My almost 24 year old with high functioning autism had his first colonoscopy this year (he also has ulcerative colitis) and so the liquid prep was not an option. These pills were a life-saver!

[@bknylaw]

Thank you for sharing. You help the world by sharing your journey. Thank you for cheering us up before, during and after the pandemic. Wishing you and your wonderful family good health and happiness. Like!

[@theholdernessfamily]

Thanks for being here with us

[@rnunez6398]

Kim for the win on The Amazing Cleanse! Glad to hear it went well and you may not have to go back for 3 years. You are great for always advocating self-care, from the head down to your bottom. :) Could you ask your doctor why that prep versus the powder in Gatorade or the Dulcolax/Miralax combo? Maybe it could be an interview on one of your media channels.

[@ljgriffith100]

I did the Dulcolax/Miralax combo and it wasn’t bad. The second colonoscopy I had done was with Half-Litely. The Miralax was way better.

[@claireboltjes7646]

I woke up from mine saying, "I'm so comfortable," over and over again. It really is the best nap of all time! Hang in there, Kim! ❤🙏

[@ChereeLS]

Thank you for sharing this and for encouraging us to stop AVOIDING getting the preventive measures!!

[@kristysingletary9432]

I feel you! I also have UC so am unfortunaty very familiar with the prep process. Prep sucks, but YES the actual procedure is great, best nap ever. I know it's weird but I love when they give you the heated blanket and the meds and you just drift off and then you wake up and it's all over.

[@theholdernessfamily]

yes!!

[@billythekido1414]

I was thinking exactly that! the best sleep!

[@mollypapazian4423]

Hey, no fair, I don't get the blankets! Etc...🤣

[@loyeschulthess2269]

THE BLANKET!!! Yesss!!

[@bethhubbs9937]

I'm 46, on the 5 year plan due to family history and am due this year. Gotta get that scheduled. Yeah, the prep isn't delightful but the actual procedure is super easy and comfortable and nothing to be afraid of. I appreciate reading all these comments about how helpful this is to so many people. Good job turning a negative into a positive! :)

[@PsalmS-vi8zl]

Oh my word - this is the first video that ever made me want to do a colonoscopy! I had one, maybe 10 years ago and told my college age son I was having a test done and would need a ride. Afterwards, on the ride home, he said he had not expected to see me so out of it in recovery. "Mom! Your eyes were rolling into the back of your head!" Anyway, thanks for sharing!!!

[@farshaddailami4549]

My son was diagnosed with UC when he was 9, very young to be diagnosed. He's almost 17 now. Had the "procedure" last week, his 2nd. All good and clear for now. Interestingly, they did not give him the nasty stuff, like the first time. They had him use an OTC laxative and LOTS of fluid. Worked great! Hope you and your kids can stay healthy!

[@jrebecca0195]

I turned 50 a little over four months ago and still need to schedule my first colonoscopy. Recently, a high school acquaintance of mine died from colon cancer, so now I know I REALLY need to schedule one ASAP! Thanks for taking us on your journey with you, Kim. ❤️

[@karenwagner6880]

Great video. I’ve been through three kinds of cancer (daughter asked if there was some sort of Bingo card I was filling in, and reminded me there’s a free space on there 😆). Plus , my grandmother died very young of colon cancer, so this is one I definitely don’t skip. I tell myself that colonoscopy prep is way more pleasant than cancer treatment! So glad you’re keeping up with your diagnostics, Kim, and bless you for sharing. 🤗

[@angelajanusauskas5078]

Kim, I thought of you as I persevered through my first colonoscopy last month. Truly, you were an inspiration. My prep was a miserable process as my in-laws spent the night in my little house the night before, and everybody enjoyed Aurelio's pizza for dinner while I drank my special Gatorade. Oh, and I had broken my foot a couple weeks prior so I hobbled to and from the bathroom in my boot. But thinking of you doing this - while somehow looking gorgeous still - and being willing to video it made the whole event less weird and gross somehow. Thank you so much for making these videos!! I am sure that they give people reassurance and strength they need to take the right steps.

[@purple4relay727]

So glad you posted this. They found cancer during my first colonoscopy, and I've been a colonoscopy advocate ever since. It was interesting what you said about your kids needing to get checked at 37. Wow. Impressed that they recommend that... instead of typical insurance responses making people wait until it's too late. Good for you. Thank you!

[@kristanricketts]

I'm a chronie myself and just leaving this comment to say thank you for this video and out there hilarity to the scope. I tasted each sip of prep with ya. Absolutely love men like Penn (that rhymes) and him cheering you on. Thank you for reminding people.... YOU'RE ASLEEP when they tube your bum 🤣

[@ladygrndr9424]

Suprep is the WORST. They gave me the jug stuff this last time and it was so much better. I have to thank you SO MUCH for your video on this process three years ago--that inspired me to actually call the doctor and get a GI referral. I was at the point of being unable to spend more than an hour off the toilet and was secretly so afraid it was cancer I was in denial that anything was wrong at all. I watched and rewatched your video as I did my own prep, and found out that I was having a severe Ulcerative Colitis flare-up. Got medication and a new diet, and a year later I am almost all healed up! Doc says he doesn't want to see me again for 3-5 years :D Thank you for your openness in sharing your journey and spreading the word on how VITAL it is to get issues looked at and routine checkups done, and your bravery in filming the whole process. No lie, you probably saved my life.

[@clairhamill5804]

Also, YAY on the good news. I'm now on the 5 year program after a few pre-cancerous polyps were found. Hopefully you'll be better and better as the years ago by. Ask for the Miralax and Gatorade regime next time!

[@deniseweinke9929]

I lost my baby sister to colon cancer. It could have been prevented. Thank you for sharing how important it is to get screened. I get mine every three years. The prep never get easier. Thanks again.

[@pjl2963]

I've been on the same "journey" ever since I was 35 myself, and now I'm 60. And you're absolutely right...the actual procedure is the best part...it's the prepping that's miserable! Good for you, for being proactive with your health.

[@jeanlanz2344]

Thank you, Kim, for making yourself vulnerable to help protect others' lives. God bless and heal you completely and Penn and your precious children.

[@amyoung101]

One of my favorite videos! Thanks for the relatable content and wise words for those hesitant about getting a colonoscopy. I’ve had several due to IBS-D/BAD and made my husband get one too. His first one was a bust because of inadequate prep and by the time we had his second, (which I supervised prep) they found and removed several polyps and he was happy to have had the work done! Great job to your family for their patience 🥰

[@melissascoti]

Kim I appreciate you. My mom had crohns and just hated prep. hated it. I'm 31 now and appreciate videos like this that make it less terrifying. Thank you!

[@dawntreader2420]

I'm back. Omigoodness gracious. The nonsense that starts coming out of my mouth at the end of the prep process... I'm glad that I'm not the only one. Thank you for this!!!

[@JSSBBB]

Thank you for doing this video. I turned 50 a few months ago and have a doctors appointment in 72hrs to get one of these scheduled. No family history of colon cancer for me, but I don’t want to be the first either. I really like you both and when you give your insight like this, I trust you. You have great credibility with me and you have made me feel so much better. You made a difference for me. Thank you.

[@kristenbrock3115]

Thanks for sharing your journey, Kim! I have Crohn’s disease, so also get to have colonoscopies every 2 years. For anyone who hasn’t done this before, each prep is a little different depending on your doctor. For the last few years mine has been an entire bottle of miralax that I mix into Gatorade. I recommend going straw only and stick that sucker behind the taste buds. “It’s the best nap of your life” is so true 🙌🏻 If you don’t do the prep well and they can’t see, then you might have to do it all again, so better to get it right the first time!

[@cristydeming1465]

Clear/flavorless miralax is the easiest prep I've experienced (I also have ulcerative colitis)... But I have to say my body feels like I'm trying to poison it every time I have to prep, regardless of which one I'm doing

[@pattyfoster5953]

I totally agree with you Kim on why can't they make the prep taste better? Kudos to you for getting it done and sharing so others can see how important this is.

[@bethannslusser4254]

You are a brave woman to drink that stuff on camera! Kudos to you for raising awareness! My Dad and sister both had colon cancer but early detection saved them! Thanks Kim!

[@vickijohnson2389]

Yes!! You WON!! Thank you so much for this important message!!! I'm an endoscopy nurse and totally appreciate your message to everyone. Thank you for doing your part in an excellent prep(it really does make a difference). Thank you for getting checked-- especially with your history. You ROCK!!!!

[@sarah-phillips]

Thank you for sharing this! It's so important to get your "well colon" check and just talking about routine medical procedures normalizes it all and makes it less scary. And Kim, you most definitely won the colonoscopy.

[@donnacalhoun724]

Kim, so glad you are faithful in taking care of yourself and glad they gave you a clean bill of health. Love you guys.

[@darbymori350]

I got lucky: my prep was 4 Dulcolax, a ton of water and then a 32oz Gatorade with a whole bottle of Mirilax mixed in. It worked for me. It was eye opening for sure. Thankfully, my colonoscopy was good and all clear. I'm on the 5 yr plan because colon cancer is in my family.

[@27ab9651]

Same here.

[@danaking3568]

Same for me minus the dulcolax. Didn't need it!

[@lindahschumacher]

That’s the prep I do! So much more pleasant than what Kim is going through.

[@shirleyq3023]

Same prep but every 2 years

[@tiffanymichaels2429]

Yes, easiest prep by far.

[@angelizramos88]

Thanks for sharing your journey! I had my first one at 29 after they found a tumor in my appendix during an appendectomy. The booty check naps are my favorite part too!

[@elizabethlangheim7214]

When I got a colonoscopy my “clear out” regimen was Miralax in Crystal Light lemonade. (Have to use the yellow lemonade can’t use the pink lemonade). I don’t remember the quantities but the doctor said it cleaned out as well as other prep. I don’t know why more doctors haven’t changed to it because drinking Crystal Light lemonade was tasty and Miralax doesn’t have any flavor. You still have to stay close to the bathroom because you will get cleaned out.

[@Wychwood]

I was told any Gatorade except purples and reds, but it was an 8 ounce bottle of Miralax dumped into a 64 oz bottle of Gatorade, and consumed the day before. Also I could have things like jello (again no reds or purples), so I didn't starve.

[@gypsybelle4757]

As a former GI lab PACU recovery nurse, I am SO proud of you and your awesome prep!! It is Not easy but it makes such a big difference! Yay, Kim!! Well done! 🙌🙌So glad your procedure went well.

[@ReenyJW]

I got my first colonoscopy a few days after I turned 45. I have family history of non-cancerous polyps. Because I throw up on a dime - they gave me the pills instead of the liquid prep. I got the first set of 12 pills down and when I did the 2nd set of 12 pills - I threw up. I was crying and throwing up at the same time. Thankfully since I was "running clear" - they were able to do the colonoscopy and I had 2 "friends" instead that they removed. I go back in 2 years. And you were right - best sleep ever. I felt a weird taste in my mouth and then lights out. :).

[@belovedbrat]

I turned 35 this year and I get to have my first Colonoscopy this year, as I have a family history of Colon Cancer and already no the prep is the worst part. Thanks for sharing this journey. Awareness is always a good thing.

[@victoriadell614]

So glad they got that "bad one" outta there! Yay! I've had 3 of those. I asked my friend if we could go to a movie one time. She said, "Sure, let's do 7:00, I just have to do this colonoscopy prep, but I'm sure it will be fine." Oh, I never laughed so hard. "Honey, you aren't going anywhere. Set up a space in your favorite bathroom and just hope you don't see your socks come out the other side." Great video! Cheers to good health!

[@Valesnc]

Thank you, I am immunocompromised with permanent nerve damage, and I often have so many things happening I put off things I know I need to get done. I have been having issues lately and watching your video reminded me just how important getting our colonoscopy really is. Thank You!

[@amandagreenway941]

Thank you so much for posting so openly about your journey. I remember your last one was so funny and honest as well! I would also add for your viewers to advocate for this procedure if they are having gastrointestinal issues - even if they are under 45 and have no family history. It took years for my brother’s doctors to order a colonoscopy for him because he was in his 20s with no family history, and was otherwise healthy. They kept testing him for different allergies and having him tweak his diet in all sorts of ways. When he finally had his colonoscopy he had a tumor so large they couldn’t even get the pediatric scope past it and it had spread to his liver. His death from CC could have been prevented if he had known to be more proactive. If caught in the early stages, it is one of the easiest cancers to recover from. There is no cure for stage iv, just treatment.

[@hollyheikkinen4698]

Crohn's Disease here, so I get to experience the gallon of nastiness every 2 years or so now - I didn't know how much I would miss the 10 year rotation. Unfortunately, I have had to go on the liquid diet for up to two weeks in the past - thankfully, they have now have the low fiber diet for that time with Miralax each day so I usually clear out before I have to drink the whole gallon of prep nastiness. People who get to drink the regular mix in the Gatorade don't realize how lucky they are! Sorry, I saw the Gatorade in the video & got jealous that I have to drink a gallon. The gallon jug can have flavoring packets, but sometimes the flavoring is worse. I do like that you have a helper - I don't have a significant other to cheer me on while I chug. I watched my first colonoscopy, but I ended up wide awake when they got to the Crohn's area & before they were done but I still had jello legs for quite a while- they knock me out now 🤣 The best part is the end!! I woke up from my last colonoscopy & I could hear my OB/Gynaecologist in the recovery room - he's in his 80s & he delivered me 5 decades ago & my son 3 decades ago, so I was quite confused by his voice (he doesn't deliver babies anymore, but he does some GYN procedures still). Turns out they had computer scheduling issues so he was in the recovery room fixing his hospital schedule. Pro tips - the prep info for a liquid diet states you have to consume clear liquids & can't drink/eat anything with red or purple colors because people then panic that they are bleeding when it comes out. Darker colors can also disrupt the vision when the scope is happening if it's not fully cleared out of the system too. - because they fill your intestines with air to do the scope, it helps to lay on your side & change sides every little while so the air can escape from your body easier.

[@marthastone415]

My son is 16 and was diagnosed with Crohn’s at 12. He’s had 4 scopes. My first one was last month and he had no sympathy for me! 😂 I drank the Suprep through a big straw and I had refrigerated it. Still the vilest concoction! One polyp found and removed. Yay!

[@flamingpieherman9822]

Try for two weeks taking keifer with kale and blueberries...as a shake. It will help!!

[@sburris65]

My niece was diagnosed at 8 and has already had 3. So I feel for uour son.

[@annjames1837]

Remove all grains and and dairy from his diet...It will go into remission!!

[@livingandlearningeachnewday]

This was amazing to read! I was a later in life diagnosis of UC at 39 and have had it five years now with multiple flares. It changed my life and brought a whole other host of issues including debilitating anxiety, especially with going out (if you know, you know!). But to know that you have UC and competed on the Amazing Race has kinda floored me. I know we all have varying states of this disease but just to know you managed that has given me hope. You are a true inspiration and you have given me pause for thought on how I might live a more courageous life. IBD gets so rarely talked about, to hear from someone in the public eye discuss it is refreshing and for the first time in a long while, I don't feel so alone. Thank you Kim.

[@tngirlz4622]

Thank you for directing attention to this topic! I’m so sorry you have to get colonoscopies so frequently, but kudos to you for taking your health seriously!👏👏👏

[@helent1835]

Thank you Kim for taking all the unknown fears away from this procedure. You are terrific!

[@beckyunderwood4220]

I often start the liquid diet portion early, so there’s less to clear. The last few times I was able to use an alternative to the magnesium citrate. The procedure is fine, but the prep is rough. I’m on the 5 year plan, so I get more time between. Yay!

[@vectoraerialimaging774]

You're amazing. I'm prepping right now and you make me laugh, so....I'm subscribing - I have no idea what you're channel is about but you sold me :)

[@ginarblank]

Strangely, thank you for this. I have a consult for my first colonoscopy coming up. As yet undiagnosed collection of gut issues ("maybe IBS") is finally "bad enough" to warrant it. However, the only other video procedure I watched was from the 90's, and they had to drink a LOT more of the prep fluid. A coworker said that had changed, so I was glad to see this. Surprised you didn't plug your nose earlier. I would love to see more videos of how you live with a gut disorder. What steps do you take when traveling, knowing that toilet access is a must? What foods do you find help or hinder your gut? What is your best self-care for flare-ups? Other life hacks? Stay well!

[@PlatinumMyst]

Just so you know, there are different preps out there, and I'm not sure how they choose which one to give you. It looks like I had the same one Kim did, with less horrid tasting prep fluid to drink. However, my mom just had hers done by the same doctor and had the old fashioned huge jug. Mine was called SUPREP, so you could potentially ask for that.

[@mahochberg]

I'm with you, Kim. The prep isn't fun but the procedure itself is easy and so relaxing.

[@wendyzuckerman553]

Thanks, Kim! I'm here to tout prep with MiraLAX (which I chose to add to lemon-lime Gatorade) to anyone for whom that's an appropriate option. I had a very slight sense of the texture of the powder, but *it has zero taste.* A vast improvement over the prep that I'd used previously.

[@ljgriffith100]

I did the Miralax also, but mixed it with Crystal Light. Much better than the Half-Litely that I used for my second colonoscopy.

[@taralanning6350]

You've done a great public service in being so open about the process! I'm 40 and had my first colonoscopy last year after some concerning symptoms. Thankfully, all was well, but they did find 1 polyp, and it was the same type you had - a sessile serrated adenoma smaller than 5mm. As you said, these can turn bad, so I'm on a 5 year follow-up plan (and truthfully wish it could be 3, just for peace of mind!) I was terrified of the procedure, but seriously - it was SO EASY. So many commenters have lauded the Miralax prep, and I'm going to be one of them too. It wasn't gross to drink, tasted fine, didn't make me vomit, etc., and the doc even commented on how perfectly clean I was. I did do a low-residue diet for a day or two beforehand. Tip for others: I mixed the Miralax with water and packets of Hydrant brand Hydrate powder (lime flavor) for half of the volume, and just used iced tea for the other half. The Hydrate has enough salt to make up for the tea having none. Prep was so easy, and the procedure itself was nothing. Hardest part was not eating, but well worth it to be safe!

[@mercedes6881]

Having my first one on Monday after Easter... that will be my Easter dinner 🤣🤣 Thank you so much for sharing 😊 I don't feel alone now on this journey.

[@beeherehomehomeschool]

Good luck!

[@emonroe26]

I just had my first colonoscopy at 25 and I LOVE your story about being young and having to explain to a date that you are having the fun autoimmune moment of having to clear your system. HUGS!

[@JesusIsLord-4ever]

I'm 34 and had to have upper and lower done this year. I had to mix clear Gatorade and miralax. I was so dehydrated though when they tried to do the IV, it was bad. But I do have a hiatal hernia. And I still have all the issues going on that made me get the procedure done! 🤦‍♀️ Prayers going up for you!

[@happycommuter3523]

Thanks so much for sharing this important message. I had mine as soon as I turned 50. No putting it off. I didn’t bother with much food on prep day and just fasted. Definitely refrigerate the solution (and put a gallon of water in the fridge as well to mix it with). I started the prep early because I had an early morning appointment and wanted to be done using the toilet by then. The second dose was much harder to tolerate than the first, and I could barely keep it down. But I did. The procedure went fine-the drugs are awesome, it really is the best nap ever. I’m blessedly on the 10 year plan. Five years till my next one.

[@misterhot9163]

Thank you for sharing your journey, you’ve saved a lot of lives. PS, I had my first colonoscopy last year 👍

[@annmariewhale941]

Thank you Kim for doing this video! My husband went through stage 3 colon cancer. He had to have a section of his colon removed and started on chemotherapy. He was one of the rare people who had a horrible reaction to his chemotherapy, which nearly killed him. It’s been a year later, and so far all his test results have come back cancer free. ( thank you Jesus) He’s due for a follow up colonoscopy, which I’m setting up for him now. ALL of this could have been avoided with a SIMPLE routine screening. I’ve had it done twice now. And hands down, I’d rather take the colonoscopy prep than have a Covid or Influenza test ( where they shove that swab up your noses and scrape your BRAIN CELLS) any Day! Oh and yah, it is the best nap you’ll ever have.

[@Hope-Ann]

I was literally on my way to my GI specialist when I watched this Friday and I felt solidarity sister haha and the nap is awesome

[@kareng164]

Kim, I have to thank you. You inspired me, and I had mine done today! It was so much simpler than i thought. The prep was gross, but doable, and the procedure was quick and painless. Thank you!!

[@aetolle]

Thanks for this. My dad just had one of those polyps removed and called me to let me know, but I didn't realize it was an age 40 thing, so I guess I have that to look forward to this year.

[@wandaanderson2643]

So important!! Thanks for being real about it. We need to share so people can understand that it is doable!

[@mandeem1253]

My stomach tried to revolt in solidarity with you LOL! I wish this was out before I did my prep, nobody warned me to have a bucket nearby and I threw up all over my floor. 🤣

[@strangedazey546]

The prep has me puking and pooping like I've been out on a bender in college. So nasty

[@victoriakefer9863]

Great that you shared the good and bad of colonoscopies. Some folks avoid this brief preventative event as overwhelming. IT IS NOT A BIG DEAL! And it is LIFESAVING! JUST DO IT... and you get the greatest nap out of it ever!

[@anniehale5507]

Hi Kim. I have Ulcerative Colitis and go to Children's Hospital Of Philadelphia ( that place Is the Best) I appreciate you making this video to spread awareness. I have had Colonoscopies and Endoscopies before because of this disease and I hate the prep my first time having to do the prep process was a struggle because I was newly diagnosed and this video is great because whenever I have to do the colonoscopy or endoscopy again I can watch this video and know I'm not alone, I easily feel alone and like no one understands me on what I go through with this disease, it's very hard. Can you please make more videos about your journey. Thank you. You made my day. Please.pinn? Although I doubt that anyone will like or see this but that's okay. 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@Treyintrovertliving]

Thank you for this video! I have U.C. it’s a struggle and sometimes lonely journey with U.C. Ppl don’t understand or know the disease. Glad to see others know the journey with the disease and colonoscopy procedure.

[@hollymck2256]

Kim- Thank you for sharing your story and encouraging people to take care of their colon's. I, sadly, am no longer a candidate for the magical nap. I have UC with complications leading to a ileostomy, so my remaining segment doesn't require anything for GI to take a look-see. Well done staying well and finding the humor 😅

[@hollymck2256]

@@Kalynn1 Good job doing difficult things! The unknown is a challenging venture to be sure, but as long as you have a ride home, the procedure is easy-peasy. I wish you well.

[@science2action693]

Thank you for sharing this part of your life and encouraging all of us to take care of our health!

[@alexandrablack17]

I’m literally watching this while I myself am prepping for a Colonoscopy that I will be having tomorrow!

[@davidnewcomb2700]

I agree with the favorite part; close your eyes, open your eyes 'cause it's done. Now to eat! That prep -- the first swallow, "Hey, this isn't so bad," and it goes down, figuratively and literally from there.

[@suzannehribal4117]

Oh goodness thank you for this. I’m over 50 & need to do this. Being a baby about scheduling it, baby about prep, colon cancer in my family too. I’m going to call and schedule. Thank you!

[@tinaperez7393]

I'm over fifty and haven't done this yet. I don't have colon cancer in my family that I know of but i know I need to do this being over 50. I've been putting it off because I don't have anyone who lives near me who can be there at the hospital with me which is a requirement. I'm literally thinking of hiring someone on something like task rabbit or hiring a hospital volunteer or something. I mean there's got to be a way to find someone who can be your person when you have to have someone there before, during, and after the procedure and to help you get home but when you don't have anyone who can do that.

[@danceandmore88]

I had a colonoscopy in my twenties because I had some issues, probably just stress-related, but my doctor wanted to be on the safe side. It's really not that bad. The prep is the worst part, I binge-watched tv to distract me (it was the time before streaming services). The procedure was ok, I didn't get full anesthesia, just a tranquilizer, but I fell asleep anyway. My mother picked me up at the doctor's office and we went to lunch. Best meal of my life, I'll never forget it. So good luck for yours, you'll be proud and relieved afterwards.

[@thegracklepeck]

Not to scare you but definitely do it soon. My mom went from jogging and feeling great one day to suddenly throwing up, couldn't keep anything down. She had a blockage that turned out to be cancerous. It's not a fun way to find out that something is wrong. Definitely better to get checked early.

[@MotherKnowsB3st]

Thanks so much for sharing. I related to this video so much. I’m a 46 year old mom with UC who also happens to have the same last name as you. Everything you said is so true!! I hate Suprep so much and every time I take it I say the same things. Why hasn’t someone invented an easier prep drug? 🤢 Taking Zofran helps me stomach it. I can’t look at the box of Suprep without gagging! I’m glad I came across your video tonight bc I’m also supposed to be getting colonoscopies every 1-2 years, but since the pandemic I’ve put it off. My past 3-4 colonoscopies showed no signs of active disease, but your video reminded me that I do still need to take this seriously bc even having milder UC puts me at greater risk for colon cancer. I’m so glad your polyps were found early enough to stop them for worsening. Thank you again for sharing this important reminder! Colonoscopies aren’t that bad. I always tell everyone the naps are amazing, and it is nice to have an excuse to do nothing but sit on the toilet all day. 😂

[@paigebelt9778]

Thanks for sharing! I do have a question: is Penn wearing safety glasses while he cheers you on? 🤣🤣🤣

[@jcmdavison]

I did not know you suffer from UC! As someone who got her first colonoscopy at age 28, I concur that it is the best nap ever and also that prep solution is the nastiest stuff I have ever had the misfortune to drink. Sorry you have to do them so often but hey, thanks for inviting us into that journey - it’s amazing solidarity for those who KNOW, and a great opportunity to normalize digestive health issues for those fortunate enough to not know yet.

[@palexander2288]

Kim! Thank you, thank you, thank you. I have been giving anesthesia for 32 years now and a lot of it has been for colonoscopies. I can’t tell you how many times I have taken care of patients that put off their screening colonoscopies for years and years out of fear and/or embarrassment . Many people who do that are lucky and their colon is healthy but there are also many where we find large aggressive cancers inside and it is heartbreaking. We can pretty much prevent colon cancer by catching those polyps while they are still small. And yes patients wake up saying it was the best sleep of their life…especially Moms who really enjoy and need the break. You are an awesome ambassador😎

[@jayserio9772]

Heck of a thing to share, but thanks. I'm 62 and scheduled for my first one May 18. Appreciate your candidness and humor.

[@LynnHavenAloha]

Team UC here, too!!! I just had my 10th scope, and I wore a tiara. Told my doc I was crowning myself Colon Queen!!! When I came out, I still had my tiara on! Hahaha! This disease is no fun for people to hear about but for us it's totally part of our life. Gotta laugh about it... the scope waits for everyone eventually!!! 😀

[@hander2005]

Thank you so much for making this video! I had my first colonoscopy at 36 because of blood in my stool, no family history of colon or rectal cancers. I had stage I colon & stage I rectal cancers (both) and was diagnosed with a genetic condition called MAP. I grow polyps by the hundreds. I had surgery to remove my colon & the affected part of my rectum. I now have a jpouch, instead of an ileostomy. I have to have an endoscopy & flexible sigmoidoscopy (the "short scope") done every year to make sure we stay on top of any new growths. Having your screening done is SO important. Thank you for taking us all along with you!

[@hander2005]

Also, wanted to add - it is the best nap ever! My favorite part is actually the IV with the saline. Having no colon means I have a harder time staying hydrated. An IV day is a day I know I will definitely be hydrated!

[@williamgullett8071]

She's right..it really was an amazing nap. It's like getting a whole night of sleep in an hr

[@paulhaag3926]

The Bridgerton comment hit home. When I was doing prep, I watched The Lord of the Rings and told my wife, I could not do anything else. It was so relaxing, as long as I don't remember the trips to the bathroom. Great video and I hope folks aren't scared and get their butts checked!

[@juliej02]

I feel they have actuality made the preps taste slightly better than they used to or I've just gone numb to it 🤷 also good to know maggot cheese isn't that bad haha

[@KristiWilson]

I am glad it’s no longer an entire gallon of Go Lytely. That was brutal.

[@pambronson4467]

Aside from the maggots living parasitically in your digestive system afterwards, it's not THAT bad.

[@juliej02]

2nd thought perhaps the polyps that they found were from the cheese

[@TheOppie89]

I'm a pre-op and PACU nurse. We do A LOT of colonoscopies. She's right, the prep is the hardest part, the procedure itself is a good nap. THANK YOU for showing everyone this and encouraging everyone to have their scope done!

[@Kalynn1]

Hearing this makes me feel a bit better. I had an alarming (tmi) thing happen yesterday and now I have to have my first colonoscopy asap. I am so scared. Scared for the procedure, scared of the anesthesia and scared of what they might find. 😞

[@lolabear6788]

This is an example of why I say real life IS the amazing race. It’s just a challenge, Kim!

[@debbywhaley6845]

Thanks for keeping it real! I'm 45 and due for a check-up colonoscopy. But I actually had one when I was 20 and it was a terrible experience! Awful prep on an emergency basis, rude nurses and doctor, terrible pain--they started the procedure before I was asleep!! Your account has really made me less anxious. Thank you!

[@MGK-je8lf]

I had my colon removed 17 years ago, and I’m STILL telling people- it’s almost worth it because I’ve never had to do another prep… good job, Kim! Stay on top of it, sister. Edited to add: my colitis was really unusual, so my outcome is the exception, not the norm. Which pretty much sums up my medical journey. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@irishrosa6115]

💓💓💓

[@kristinek2916]

Thank you Kim for sharing and educating us 👍. So happy you are ok.

[@adriannefluet5980]

Hi Kim, I was diagnosed last yr with overian cancer I completed my last treatment Dec 21st and am healing still but with support of friends and family we can do this your going to get it done I'm praying for you God bless

[@ta9143]

This is The Best video you’ve ever made. Most helpful and vitally important. I hope you stay well and healthy!