Did you know that when you have CF, you’re due for a colonoscopy much earlier than the general population? Kind of shitty, right?
The reason that’s the case is because there’s an increased risk for colorectal cancer in the CF population. I know… I know… it sort of feels like we keep losing the lottery with health complications, and I know it’s not the most fun thing in the world to think about, but being proactive is the best way to tackle any and all complications.
I am actually screening even earlier than the guidelines suggest because after a conversation with an older friend with CF, she encouraged my to get screened young – the younger, the better for screening – and, embarrassingly enough, I have a history of hemorrhoids, so I want to get those checked out. I attribute the later to my feeding tube because I poop a lot when I do my feeds.
Now, to address the elephant in the room, the answer is YES, I have already begun the bowel evacuation process and am writing this under a degree of gastrointestinal distress. This is my first time taking laxatives, and believe it or not, they do, in fact, work very very well. It honestly feels a bit like magic. I just shoot the medication down my feeding tube (you damn well know I’m not drinking that crap if I don’t have to) and before I can say, “man it really feels like I have to poop!” I am performing the half clinch, half run on the way to the bathroom to relieve myself.
The prep process is really really really crappy is actually a multiday journey for those of us with CF. So, to answer your next question, YES I have been pooping my brains out for quite some time now. In fact when I was playing Fortnite last night with the boys, it was a challenge to make it through an entire game without making a mad dash to the bathroom. It was a hurdle my squadmates had to overcome while I was AFK.
I am happy to report, however, things are moving along quite rapidly just fine in the rectal highway!
Anyway… off to the bathroom! I’ll report back tomorrow after the giant colonoscopy camera exits my ass.
