I decided to book my colonoscopy through Dr. Leon's office in Ajijic. Remember him? He was the same doctor who booked my "lady parts" checkup for me the previous fall (http://freetirement.weebly.com/blog/ladies-health-package-exam-in-mexico).
I really appreciated the fact that my procedure would be done locally rather than having to take an hour long taxi ride to Guadalajara. I was informed that the total cost of my colonoscopy would be a mere 5,800 pesos ($330). This would be completed by a gastroenterologist who travels to Ajijic twice monthly from Guadalajara. I would also have an anesthetist and two nurses (one who spoke fluent English) to care for me. Any biopsies would cost an additional 400 pesos each ($22).
The first liter of the Nulytely drink was not too terrible. I actually expected it to taste much worse. It basically resembled the flavor of a slightly salty, flat Sprite. Drinking it cold and using a straw helped to avoid most of the unpleasant flavor and I managed to guzzle it during the required 15 minute time span. Then, I waited.
I waited to be called back to the pre-op room and once I was gowned up and my IV was inserted, the nerves really started to set in. I was hoping I would receive some kind of light sedative to help me remain calm, but no such luck. Randy was a huge help during this jittery waiting period. He rubbed my feet and distracted me with his wit and humor.
The nurses came to wheel me into the procedure room, where the gastroenterologist and anesthetist were waiting. I had to lay on the table and roll over to my left side. They must have seen the terror on my face because they both reassured me that it would all go very smoothly and be over with before I even knew it.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the anesthetist administer the "magic drugs" to my IV and without even feeling myself drift off, I was out!
Once we arrived back at our villa, I slept off the lingering effects of the anesthesia for a few hours. I woke up hungry so I ate a light snack of saltines and cheese just to test how I'd feel with solid food in my system after three days of practically fasting. That snack tasted like absolute heaven to me!
All in all, I had made a huge mountain out of a molehill in my mind. I visited Dr. Leon's office a week later for my full results and pictures of my colon. My colonoscopy experience was not nearly as bad as I had previously envisioned. That being said, I am super glad I won't have to do THAT again for another five years.