My mom lives 4 states away. I go and visit her 1nce a year, at least for the past few years. She was advised by her doctors a few years ago to have a colonoscopy and she did not. She calls me a few days ago crying and upset because she feels she doesn't have anyone to go with her, no one that cares about her, except my 80 year old grandmother, and she is scared that she will go into the office/hospital and "not come out". Her brother died a few years ago from internal bleeding, he went in and didn't come out, his problems were way worse than hers. Anyway, it is very difficult for me to get away from my life and responsibilities if my mom is freaking out for no reason. All the pages I've read on the internet don't seem too scary. Is she overeacting or could there be a big scare that could happen to her during the procedure that I should be there for?
2007-10-21 15:08:48 · 8 answers · asked by chic 2 in Health ➔ Women's Health
Does your mom have any close friends? Maybe you could call one of them and ask them to take her.
I think that traveling four states to go to a colonoscopy is a bit much -- it's a routine thing, and she's an adult.
2007-10-21 15:14:23 · answer #1 · answered by bibliophile31 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like she is scared. It is a minor procedure and the drugs they give you during it make you feel really relaxed and loving life. It is probably not something you need to be present for normally. The point is that she is scared. That means that she might not understand the procedure fully or that she hasn't dealt with the death of her brother. Sometimes people get scared about nothing. The point is that families do things that seem silly to make their loved ones feel safe. Have you ever helped a todder with the monster in the closet? I know that you might be very busy and might not want to go be with your mother while she gets a camera shoved up her you know what, but she is scared. Maybe you should find a way or at the very least try to make her not be so scared anymore. Help her to find the humor in the situation. Like...Mom, picture the tech in his underwear. I don't know but I'm sure you could think of something.
2007-10-21 15:23:34 · answer #2 · answered by Danette T 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not a big deal tha exam. I am a Mom and passed through it. Of course the hospital ask somebody go with her, as a ntural procedure. Cause they inject some anethesia. It s unconfortable, the exam, but not dangerous at all. It s not the most pleassant exam, i asure you. But anyone can go with her, even grandmother. She has to wait outside only .
Can imagine she is traumatized for what happened to her brother. It s a natural fear. But I think she must afford this. An no need you go. It s no even a surgery. And ask if she can take a tranquilizer to relax.
2007-10-21 15:20:37 · answer #3 · answered by nikkita 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The main reason you need someone there is to take you home. You're not allowed to drive after being under the anesthesia, and you certainly don't want to be commuting home by yourself when you feel woozy and lethargic.
My Mother went with me to get my endoscopy (and she'll go with me for my colonoscopy), and I definitely needed her there.
Whether or not something is seriously wrong with your mom, her fear and worry are very real and legitimate. She's a human being with fears, concerns, and anxieties.. and they're no less valid just because they may be unfounded. Not that she needs a reason to be concerned about her health, but the fact that her brother died from internal bleeding alone helps to explain why she's so anxious about this procedure. My advice is to be there for her, or help her to arrange the presence of someone caring and comforting to take your place if you can't make it. She does need someone there, both for physical reasons and emotional.
Take care!
2007-10-21 15:19:12 · answer #4 · answered by Kelly 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The preparation for the procedure is definitely worse than the procedure. She will be groggy after and because of the medication given will need someone to drive her home. They will not do the procedure without a driver. If she is so troubled by it and you are able to be there, it would be very caring of you to be with her. If you are unable to do so, is there someone you can call (a neighbor of hers, church member, etc.) to be with her and drive her home? Send her flowers after just so she knows you are thinking of her.
2007-10-21 15:13:50 · answer #5 · answered by Rita D 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's a very minor procedure, not something I would feel the need to be present for if someone else could do it more easily. There are always risks, but the odds are greatly in her favor.
2007-10-21 15:11:13 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Wow..after all that your mom has done for you..you can't make it to one appointment..maybe you need to just find a way to get there...My mother died from colon cancer...and if she needed me..I was there..I moved from Georgia to California..to be with her the last six months of her life everyday!....You make it happen..because maybe she is right and she won't be here...and you'll regret not being there for her.
2007-10-21 15:11:31 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is a very safe procedure. There is a very slim chance of bowel perforation, but there are risks with any procedure.
2007-10-21 15:12:32 · answer #8 · answered by RadTech - BAS RT(R)(ARRT) 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋