Just as a forewarning, this week's episode might be a little bit TMI, but I did mention it coming up in a recent episode – my recent colonoscopy! While I don't get into the especially gritty details, I talk openly with Jesse about my experience because I really wanted to share the full story. I kept hearing from people who were scared of the procedure or avoided it because of what they’d heard about the prep, and I was nervous too, especially after reading all the horror stories online, but I found that preparation and good guidance made a bigger difference than I had expected!

Listen in as I walk you through why I had the procedures in the first place, including my long history with chronic anemia and how my doctors wanted to look for possible root causes rather than just treat symptoms. A big part of the episode is the prep experience because honestly, that’s what people tend to dread the most. However, I talk about starting a low-residue diet days early, sticking to very bland foods, and what it actually felt like to move into the clear-liquids phase. I share how hunger, brain fog, and low energy showed up for me and how surprisingly manageable the laxative process was compared to what I feared. I also mention small practical things that helped such as choosing certain drinks and realizing that some flavors quickly became unappealing once prep started.

I then walk you through the procedure day itself - checking in, getting an IV, anesthesia, and what it felt like waking up after sedation. The sedation was so strong and peaceful that I can understand why people describe it as a really good nap. In fact, I kind of didn't want to wake up! I also reflect on how disorienting that it felt trying to talk afterward when my brain wasn’t putting words together correctly.

I also, of course, touch upon recovery, what my results looked like so far, and why I truly believe that these screenings are worth it, so if you have been afraid of getting a colonoscopy, I really hope that this episode with Jesse makes it feel a lot more approachable!

As always, please feel free to reach out! I would love to hear your thoughts!

In This Episode

[0:35] - This episode shares my colonoscopy and endoscopy experience, addressing fear, prep, and cancer detection.

[4:44] - Hear how I underwent procedures mainly because chronic anemia persisted since childhood and pregnancy complications occurred.

[7:16] - Hear how low hemoglobin and ferritin levels led my doctor to recommend colonoscopy and endoscopy for diagnosis.

[10:42] - I reflect on how I began a strict low-residue diet early, avoiding fiber, fruit, vegetables, and acidic foods.

[13:52] - Hear how the clear-liquid phase felt surprisingly difficult, causing intense hunger, weight loss, and constant emptiness.

[16:36] - I share how clear-liquid days drained my energy.

[18:39] - I avoided mixing Miralax with my favorite drinks because prep may have made those drinks unappealing later.

[20:32] - Preparing for laxatives, I found the worst fears exaggerated; one nauseous hour passed and then relief.

[23:49] - Hear how mixing Miralax with Gatorade surprisingly tasted fine, and calories plus electrolytes improved my energy.

[26:00] - I share how I chugged 36 ounces of prep fluid over two hours, experienced mild thirst, and slept mostly well.

[29:43] - I describe how the anesthesiologist warned of a “spicy” feeling before sedation, and I instantly lost consciousness.

[32:47] - Hear how I was completely out under propofol sedation, awakening groggy but unaware of the procedure.

[34:56] - Waking from propofol felt hypnotically peaceful, and my body stayed unusually difficult to rouse.

[37:18] - Hear how I wanted more sleep after waking, felt groggy, spoke coherently, but couldn’t fully process conversation.

[39:27] - Hear how, post-procedure, I was so disoriented that I dropped food in the car but still ate it!

[42:22] - Recovery was quick, and results looked good, although biopsies and stool tests are still pending.

Links & Resources

Crystal Paine

Crystal’s Colonoscopy Instagram Highlights

Social Media

Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom)

Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning)

Crystal Paine on LinkedIn

Crystal Paine on Twitter

Crystal Paine on Goodreads

Money Saving Mom

Money Saving Mom on Facebook

Money Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook group

[email protected]

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Armoire: https://armoire.style/CRYSTAL


Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands