The buildup

In the days building up to the actual prep, I started eating less, and trying to eat better. Fewer cokes, less red meat, more salads. At one point after I had joined the Y back in August, I had dropped from 238 to 203, but after that, I had lost my way, and went back up to 220. Since I knew I was going to have to go for food for a couple of days, well, I figured it would be better to ease into it.

At the first appt. with the GI Dr, he mentioned twilight sedation using Propofol, or Versed and Fentanyl. When he heard that I have Group Health, he responded "Well then you don't have a choice" and left it at that. At the time I didn't anything of it.

In an ideal situation, I wanted to do the 'scope on a Monday, first thing in the morning, so I'd only have one day (a Sunday) where I was on the liquid diet. The only thing that they could get me in sort of reasonable time frame is a Tuesday at 1:45. Grrrrrrrr. At this point I'm like ok, it's going to suck majorly, but ok.

So I get home and start researching colonoscopy and sedation, and come across SEVERAL pages describing the HORRIBLE experiences with Versed that people have. At this point, I'm already scared about the colonoscopy itself, to make no mention of the possible side effects of this drug. After researching this for a day or two (or 5 or 6 if you ask my girlfriend), I decide that if the insurance company won't pay for the Propofol, then I will ONLY take the Fentanyl. I figure if the pain is managed, why do I need a drug to make me forget? My Girlfriend then tells me to contact the billing department to get the straight dope on what is, and what is not covered by the insurance. I called the billing department, and they referred me to the company that provides the anestheologist. They assured me that Prophol was covered and it would be no big deal.

So the weekend before comes, and my wonderful gf supports me in any way possible. She has me run the riding lawnmower for her while she weeds (she has a big lawn) and it helped me relax a bit. We took several drives in my convertible with the top down, with no real destinations, just get out of the house and drive. She made me simple meals that we figured fit the bill for the list of "approved" foods for 3 days prior to the 'scope.  I had a simple meal of pasta, marinara sauce and chicken for dinner Sunday night.