“Dignity shorts”! I love it! We just get hospital gowns here. I’m going to ask for that next time lol
This was a great article and a wonderful way to help people prepare for various procedures that they might be anxious about. Too often we’re shy and afraid to talk about poop and our bowels - but they’re so important!
I wanted to add - if you have POTS - and especially if you have low blood pressure and are prone to fainting - it’s worth talking to your team about doing the prep in hospital. I missed a colonoscopy because I passed out on my bathroom floor 🤦♀️
Now we have a procedure where I’m admitted 24 hours before and put on IV fluids for the prep - and kept 24 hours after for more fluids and monitoring. I’m an extreme case - but it’s worth asking the question to make sure you’re safe.
PS - did you design the first two graphics in this article?
Haha I know, it did make me laugh when they called them dignity shorts. It did make me feel less exposed though so worth an ask!
Thank you, i'm so glad you mentioned about the POTS! That is a very useful thing to add and could save someone a lot of issues. That must have been so scary for you!
Great question, as I always wonder what everyone else does for their pictures. I actually create all my pictures on the Bing AI copilot app. I wish I was a whizz and could design my own. I also looked at sourcing digital illustrations from designers, but I can't afford them right now 😔 x
It was really scary. Plus you would be surprised how many GI doctors I had to go to before I got one who would actually admit me for the prep (it helped that my cardiologist said it was necessary).
I also want to source from designers but can’t afford it…. it breaks my heart because I have absolutely no design OR photography skills.
I’m working on a pots piece that will include a photo or two of me…. but they’re terrible and probably blurry haha
Great article, Amanda! Informative and empathetic, with resources interwoven! Everything you've shared makes a lot of sense, esp. because there are 3-monthly CTs, the odd colonoscopy and various poop discussions like the Bristol Stool Scale - colour, frequency, consistency! I have the added bonus of having worked in the pharma industry before being a carer so I learnt all about GI, Bone and immunology therapies!.
For the colonoscopy prep 'drinking' we alternated between the prep-solution and honey dissolved in boiled water. It helps with the weird taste
Thanks Victoria 😊. Ah yes the famous Bristol stool chart, us nurses love that one. That's a good tip about the honey drink too!
Your experience in the pharma industry must come in useful. I feel lucky I have my background knowledge in nursing. It makes navigating all this chronic illness information that bit easier at times x
Yes, I keep stressing I'm not a doctor and I need to double-check my facts, but yes my very old medical microbiology degree from waaay bk when, and pharma therapy knowledge have been VERY useful. However, I think what we lived through with Dad —given his litany of health issues, was the more important lived-experience...Tena pads and poop clear-ups are the other end of all that knowledge (pun intended) ;-)
“Dignity shorts”! I love it! We just get hospital gowns here. I’m going to ask for that next time lol
This was a great article and a wonderful way to help people prepare for various procedures that they might be anxious about. Too often we’re shy and afraid to talk about poop and our bowels - but they’re so important!
I wanted to add - if you have POTS - and especially if you have low blood pressure and are prone to fainting - it’s worth talking to your team about doing the prep in hospital. I missed a colonoscopy because I passed out on my bathroom floor 🤦♀️
Now we have a procedure where I’m admitted 24 hours before and put on IV fluids for the prep - and kept 24 hours after for more fluids and monitoring. I’m an extreme case - but it’s worth asking the question to make sure you’re safe.
PS - did you design the first two graphics in this article?
Haha I know, it did make me laugh when they called them dignity shorts. It did make me feel less exposed though so worth an ask!
Thank you, i'm so glad you mentioned about the POTS! That is a very useful thing to add and could save someone a lot of issues. That must have been so scary for you!
Great question, as I always wonder what everyone else does for their pictures. I actually create all my pictures on the Bing AI copilot app. I wish I was a whizz and could design my own. I also looked at sourcing digital illustrations from designers, but I can't afford them right now 😔 x
It was really scary. Plus you would be surprised how many GI doctors I had to go to before I got one who would actually admit me for the prep (it helped that my cardiologist said it was necessary).
I also want to source from designers but can’t afford it…. it breaks my heart because I have absolutely no design OR photography skills.
I’m working on a pots piece that will include a photo or two of me…. but they’re terrible and probably blurry haha
That's such a shame you had to fight for it. I really wish it wasn't so hard to be listened to. I'm glad your Cardiologist backed you though at least.
Oh I'm sure the photos will be great. I think people just appreciate the authenticity. I do any way ☺️ I look forward to your pots piece x
I swear they thought I just didn’t “like” the prep and would be more comfortable in the hospital. Like anyone wants to be in the hospital!
😒 argh!
Great article, Amanda! Informative and empathetic, with resources interwoven! Everything you've shared makes a lot of sense, esp. because there are 3-monthly CTs, the odd colonoscopy and various poop discussions like the Bristol Stool Scale - colour, frequency, consistency! I have the added bonus of having worked in the pharma industry before being a carer so I learnt all about GI, Bone and immunology therapies!.
For the colonoscopy prep 'drinking' we alternated between the prep-solution and honey dissolved in boiled water. It helps with the weird taste
Thanks Victoria 😊. Ah yes the famous Bristol stool chart, us nurses love that one. That's a good tip about the honey drink too!
Your experience in the pharma industry must come in useful. I feel lucky I have my background knowledge in nursing. It makes navigating all this chronic illness information that bit easier at times x
Very welcome!
Yes, I keep stressing I'm not a doctor and I need to double-check my facts, but yes my very old medical microbiology degree from waaay bk when, and pharma therapy knowledge have been VERY useful. However, I think what we lived through with Dad —given his litany of health issues, was the more important lived-experience...Tena pads and poop clear-ups are the other end of all that knowledge (pun intended) ;-)