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• Monday, March 13, 2006 12:07 PM

  Try the double-decker

  Just wanted to add my two cents for those out there waiting in fear of the colonoscopy. Last fall, as a 34 year old woman, I had what my GI doctor called a "double-decker" - and endoscopy and colonoscopy at the same time. I have been previously diagnosed as having Celiac's disease (autoimmune disease where your body attacks your small intestines and neurological system when you consume gluten, which is in wheat, rye, barley, and oats) and was still having gastrointestinal issues. Endoscopy with biopsy is the gold standard. The colonoscopy was for the IBS symptoms I have.

  I was knocked out pretty well for the colonoscopy (they did that first) but I woke for the end of it and saw them zap a polyp on the video screen. That was interesting, and then they knocked me out more for the endoscopy (goes down your throat). Later I woke up fine.

  The worst part of the colonoscopy is the "clean out" the day before - drinking the solution that makes you hang out on the toilet a lot - that was not particularly fun, but since I also have problems with hypoglycemia, the fasting wasn't great either.

  Before the procedure, my mom told me it's like getting a couple of really good martinis and I'll have to agree. It was a cake-walk. If you are the age (is it 50?) for screening, or have colorectal cancer in your family (as I do) then you should absolutely get this done. There's nothing to fear.

  Stephanie

  —wilbird Read wilbird's other letters
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