I am just feeling very frazzled right now and need some feedback from sane, normal people.
I'm scheduled for both a colonoscopy and endoscopy on Tuesday. The first one is because I'm now 60, and my grandmother died from undiagnosed colon cancer at 73. The second one is because I have a fatty liver and learned in recent years that my non-drinking father and uncle (on that grandma's side) both died from liver issues. My problems were discovered a couple months ago after complications from gall bladder surgery when I turned bright yellow with pumpkin-orange urine and was hospitalized for a few days. This is my first time for either test, and I don't like anesthesia at the best of times.
Well, family and friends alike are all telling me that this is an insurance grab and I don't need those tests. They have been very intense about telling me that I should cancel the appointment because none of this is necessary. Further complicating matters is that my son and sole driver has now backed out of the deal because "something important" has come up. My only other option is my 82-year-old mother whose driving has scared me for years and who can't be out after dark. The appointment isn't until lunchtime, and the distances we'll be traveling mean there's a good chance the sun will set before either of us gets home.
My stress levels at the moment are off the charts. If I reschedule these tests, there's going to be a 4-6 month wait because I've already been waiting since October. I just want it over with, but I'm about ready to scream at people to just shut up and leave me alone. Can I have a hug?
Written by
NorasMom
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
I am also sorry no wonder you are frazzled. Would you feel better about having the test if you got a second opinion ? Do you have a friend or a neighbor too take you?
Hugs are coming you way and prayers are going up to God.🙏🌹
Yes! 🤗🤗🤗 it is hard to be dependent on others for transportation, I know.
Do these friends and family have an MD after their name? or experience the symptoms you are having? I had a few well meaning relatives tell me that there was no reason for a DMT after my MS diagnois because they knew someone who...blah, blah, blah...🙄
My mother's an RN, but she did her nurse's training back in the Dark Ages when they relied on smoke signals and had to carry patients to the outhouse. lol. She doesn't realize how far medicine has come in the last 60 years, so she tends to think that every diagnosis is fatal and there are no suitable treatments for anything. I'm usually able to just tune her out.
No taxis, my last IRL friend died a few months ago, and I foolishly have not signed up for our county's disability transportation program. Looks like I'm going to have to reschedule everything and hope there's nothing wrong with me.
NorasMom Can you reach out to the transportation program on Monday? Explain the situation and see if they can arrange anything on short notice. Or maybe call some local churches/religious organizations and see if they have anyone who can drive you?
I would try that before cancelling since it takes so long to get appointments.
First of all, big hugs. I understand/empathize the transportation issues.
Next, get the colonoscopy. With a family history of colon cancer, early treatment of any cancerous cells has very positive results. The worst part of a colonoscopy is the prep. Perhaps reschedule the endoscopy to a better time.
And last, if your mother will drive, and you are caught out as the light begins to fade, you can help by watching for what she struggles to see. I'm a few years older than your mom and I don't like to drive at night. Oncoming car lights blind me...but I will drive at night when I absolutely MUST and have learned how to look away from oncoming lights (briefly), slow down (very annoying to anyone behind me), and pull off if necessary to rest/reset my vision, so your mom may be able to drive safely with your assistance and support.
Do get that test. Be safe, be healthy and take care! Big hugs dear friend.
NorasMom, I have a family history of colon cancer on my dad's side and esophageal cancer on my mom's side. I've had many colonoscopy and two endoscopy. I'm fine and it's better to make sure than to be caught off guard. I'll keep you in my prayers.
I agree with the others. Get the tests. You’ll be able to rest easy and have a baseline for future testing if all is clear. If not, you’ll have new info and be able to make informed decisions.
I’ve had both multiple times and on the endoscopy, the first time they found polyps in my stomach and a duodenal polyp. Those shouldn’t be there. It’s just better to check.
On the anesthesia, it’s just a bit of propofol so you aren’t under much and you wake up quick and not groggy.
The disability transportation sounds great. If you reschedule, can you get on a cancellation list? Or call back frequently to check for cancellations?
Just don’t panic or get too worked up about it. You’re taking the right steps so be confident in that. These are YOUR choices so others need not share their opinions. 😁
I'm so sorry to hear your so stressed out and not getting the support you need. That really sucks that your son backed out on you. Go ahead and let your mom take you. I had to do that a couple years ago when I had nose cancer and had to have surgery when I was on my own. My mother is 86 but I had to ask her. I had to ask a friend to take me for another surgery. Never in my life have I had to ask people in this way before but I had to do what I had to do. And that was stressful having to ask. I say go ahead and do the endoscopy and colonoscopy. You know your body. And if you're wrong isn't that better than not doing it and have been right. For all the naysayers that are telling you you're overreacting ask them if they are not doing their mammograms and such because it may also be an insurance grab?
Same, normal people? Here? Hahaha!😂 Seriously, I am sending you lots of hugs 🤗. I love this forum. People here are incredible and so kind. I hope you can find a good answer for this dilemma. Maybe Uber?
I also recommend getting the colonoscopy. Family medical history is very helpful in knowing what preventative measures to take. I had my first at age 54 a year and a half ago and they found precancerous polyps (one quite large) that were very concerning. If I had waited it would have been worse and having cancer on top of MS is not something I would want to go through. I have now had 3 colonoscopies in the last 2 years (not fun) but the last one I got a clean bill of health and won’t have to have another for a few years which is a relief. A little peace of mind goes a long way in battling MS. I know this may be stressful but you have this community in your corner. Never feel guilty for advocating for your own health and I hope everything works out for the best. And my vote is you are definitely not the 🫏🕳️ 😎
Sorry that you had to go through multiple colonoscopies, but I'm so glad that you took care of yourself and you have a bit of breathing room before the next one!
Oh my yes you need a break, take a deep breath and let it out now do it again. Her comes my hugs. What can be more important than his mother?
I am so sorry you have to deal with all these people who don't know there heads from a lump on a log. I am sending prayers as I type.I can not advise you on your procedures as do you need them or not BUT neither can they! Check out aarp as they have some different programs & maybe they can help. Or MSSA.. Mary
I'm kicking myself for not signing up for the transportation company, but it involves a 3-page application that then has to be signed by my neurologist followed by a several-week period while they decide whether to approve me.
Unfortunately, all of our local hospitals notify us in writing before big tests or procedures that we cannot use any type of Uber, public transportation, etc and MUST have an adult driver who's willing to swear to providing 24 hours' care afterward. They apparently think that they're helping the patient, but all they're doing is complicating things for those of us with limited family. We're a rural area with few options.
I know a dozen people who'd gladly drive me to the ER for an emergency, but I don't know any of them well enough to require them to sit in a waiting room all day or discuss my health with my doctors. I just went ahead and requested that they reschedule everything. Now I have to keep my fingers crossed that they don't charge me for the canceled appointment!
Hugs. Please keep reach out for transportation help. Whether it be a church, local senior center, a friend of a friend. Both me and my significant other has to have these tests for 2 different reasons. They are important. Fun, no.
I'm so sorry that you're going thru these concerns!
When things seem impossible you need to worry only about yourself. Everyone else can go to hell. Your health is worth fighting for...
Take an U-ber to the appointment. Take care of your health, you only have 1 body! You'd never forgive yourself if something it found and you didn't go.
Please remember you're never alone. Put your self FIRST!
NorasMom I'm sorry you are going thorugh this. I would call the county's disability transportation program Monday and see if you can sign up and schedule a ride on short notice. If not, at least get signed up and then reschedule your appts and then you can schedule a ride to your appt.
Luckily in our town the Transportation Department here has a program called 'Reserva A Ride' where you can schedule a ride to and from appts. Depending on financial situation and location is what a person is charged. Because I'm on disablility I qualify for their low income program and becaus of my location it costs $3 each way and they only do Mon, Wed, Fri rides because I am just outside of city limits. If I still lived in the city and not just outside of it, it would cost $2 each way. I call 2 weeks before my appt as that is the earliest you can call. I let them know what time is my appt and where. They schedule a driver to pick me up and I let them know how long my appt will be and then a ride to pick me up is scheduled.
I read through all your responses and see you've postponed the procedures. The last time I had a Colonoscapy they did an endoscopy as well. I have had Colonoscapys before and fortunately the prep is a lot easier to take. You put powdered Miralax in Gatorade. No more of the nasty stuff from the pharmacy. That stuff was horrible! My difficulty with the whole thing is getting the IV. I'm a hard stick. Once that's in, the rest is easy. What they give you to knock you out is much different than before. I saw someone mention that earlier. It used to make you really woozy afterwards and this time when I woke, I was awake! I heard and understood what the doctor said!
It's rather embarrassing to have someone dealing with your behind. But these people do this all the time. You don't have anything they haven't seen. Mine Colonoscapy was clear of issues so I don't have to do another for 10 years. My endoscopy showed my esophagus narrowed right before my stomach. They stretched it somehow and that was done. Terrible heartburn the next day, but that's all.
Now I don't have to mess with it, or worry about it for 10 more years! It's nice to get it over with and off my mind. There are enough other things, with health, family, and the world! I hope you get it done as soon as you can and get it off your mind!!
I hate hate hate transportation issues. It is one of the worst issues with MS. I don’t know where you live but here we have Hopesource which can sign people up with one phone call for transportation if you are on Medicare or Medicaid. Our senior center has been known to help people out too. If you’re healthy at the moment I would think rescheduling to a later time would be ok but with your liver troubles in the past I hope you don’t wait too long. Both those tests are important, but could you just do Cologuard home test instead of colonoscopy until you can get transportation for fancier test? I am sending you a big virtual hug💓. It is THE WORST when transportation doesn’t work and you are Very Important! I’ve had an endoscopy and it was easy and almost fun for me to get anesthesia. It put me in a dreamlike place with no pain and no worries and then I woke up and it was like nothing happened. I hope it will be the same for you. Best of luck with what you decide. Know you are cared about😊
Hugs and prayers 🙏 🙏 Did you get a second opinion, and have you discussed all of this with your Primary? That’s a lot at one time. Does the hospital provide transportation? Some do…. talking to the hospital social worker might help coordinate some transportation options. Praying for the best for you! Blessings and Peace 💐❤️
Sorry for all the drama! Not driving in a car-centric society is really difficult. Having procedures is nerve-wracking enough without family trying to talk you out of getting them! But they're potentially life-saving procedures, and I know you know that, so I feel pretty good about your decision making.
I'm a 30 year survivor of colorectal cancer and have had more than 2 dozen colonoscopies. Many times during the procedure they removed polyps which can turn into cancer. Polyp removal is, of course , infinitely easier than dealing with cancer (a lesson I learned way too late).
Your family and friends are trying to be helpful but the decision is yours and your doctor's. Assuming you are confident in your doctor of course. You are dealing with enormous stress and pressure. What makes you most comfortable both with treatment and travel arrangement. Make your best decision and don't look back. Remember, you can't ever really know the outcome of the road not taken.
Best of luck to you and thanks for all the support you have given me and others on this forum.
NorasMom Sending you lots of hugs 🫂 I hope you are able to find a way to get to your appointment!Uber or... There is a service I heard of that takes insurance, I'll see if I can look it up again... You are not the A for needing these things! Recently, my MIL decided to be against Big Pharma and stop taking all her medications... and it was right at the time I was doing my first Ocrevus infusion... and that did not go over well with hubby or I with things she was saying in our general direction. It is crummy when the people we depend on for support and rides and such decide that they should also have a say in how we go about our own medical care. Nope. Boundaries are there for a reason. I'm so very sorry. 🧡🧡🧡
Check out Care Companions by Papa Pals. They are even in my tiny town, so who knows, they may be where you live! Some insurances cover them, I don't know which ones. But it might be an option. Go to papa.com/ (I don't know how to make that a clickable link, so I hope that pasted correctly - if not just search for Papa Pals, and the site should come up). Some Medicaid plans even cover them! So, there may be an option, if you need it. 🧡🫂
Like others have said, don't cancel the appointments! Find other ways to get home from the hospital if needs be. You're a strong woman. A warrior battling MS. Please don't forget it. Don't listen to people telling you to cancel because it's a "money grab." They don't know the medical history of your family members. It's better to be safe than sorry if you were to have cancer, because they'd be able to treat you faster. I know you don't want to worry about it, or what other people say, but it is in YOUR best interests, not theirs. Be a little selfish when it comes to your health, as you're looking after YOURself.
Hey NorasMom.. I am with the rest for you getting your procedures done. The anesthesia that they give is lovely… It’s truly a delightful nap without any hangover or nausea.. I have seen where patients can bring a family member or friend… your mom and use an Uber to go home. The hospital from what I understand doesn’t really care who’s driving you home… Just that there’s a responsible person that’s gonna be with you for the next 24 hours just in case you were to have some sort of a complication.. sending you big giant hugs!!🤗 you are definitely not the a hole! I’m really glad to see you being an advocate for your health!
I was just thinking maybe your mother can go with you but you both can take an Uber. And then call the Uber when it's time to go home. That way you don't have to worry about your mother driving but yet you have someone there that will say that they will stay with you for the 24 hours even if she can't really do it.
I actually thought of this after the fact, but thank you. I think we'll try that when there's a next time, although I don't want to think about the cost! It all worked out well due to the weather, though. We got several inches of fresh snow yesterday, sub-zero temps today, and flood and blizzard warnings all around us! I've just spent the day curled up with the dog and a good book.
Sounds like the perfect weather to just stay in and relax. It does sound like it worked out for the best this way and then you can reschedule. I hope you can get on that transportation list so when you need it or if you need it you can use it. And if your mother's on the list too then maybe you can both ride together in it.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Lady DI - I am new to this site .
Update
