Don't Dread the Prep: Real Talk on Colonoscopies and More!

Did you know that turning 50 isn't just about celebrating a new decade.

It's about getting a VIP pass into a whole new world of health screenings.

Except this isn't the kind of VIP.

Treatment that we dream about.

But listen, these tests aren't just the check the box doctor visits.

They are powerful life saving tools.

And today I'm breaking them all down.

The ones you need when you need.

Them, and what to expect so you.

Can step into this next chapter.

Informed, confident and in control of your health.

Living our best life.

It's good to be alive, but it's best to truly live.

Let your spirit fly.

Celebrate the journey every single day.

Aging with grace and stuff style in our own special way.

Welcome to Aging with Grace and Style, the podcast that helps you embrace the beauty of growing older while staying healthy, vibrant and fabulous.

I'm your host, Valerie.

If you're new, welcome.

If you've been rocking with me for.

A while, then of course, welcome back.

Today we're diving into a topic that's close to my heart and, well, my colon.

And I'll tell you why in a few minutes.

That's right.

We're talking about preventative care for women over 50 and why your next doctor's.

Visit just might be the most important one yet.

Now, I know what you're thinking.

Preventative care.

That sounds about as exciting as watching paint dry.

But trust me, this episode might be the most valuable 15 to 20 minutes of your week.

So grab your tea, your coffee, or.

Green smoothie, get comfy, and let's talk about how we can keep ourselves healthy and thriving well into our golden years.

Let's start with the basics.

Preventative care is your health's early warning system.

It's about detecting potential issues before they become major problems.

It's like having a crystal ball for your body, except instead of predicting your future, it helps you to shape it.

Regular screenings catch diseases early when they're easier to treat.

But it's not just about avoiding illness.

It's about optimizing your health so that.

You can live your best and most vibrant life.

Think of it as an investment in your future self.

Now, let's get into the specifics, the.

Screenings that every woman 50 and over should have on her radar.

Let's start off talking about colonoscopies.

I know, I know, not exactly dinner.

Table conversation, but listen, I just had mine today.

Well, by the time this airs, it will be last week.

So I'm giving you the real talk.

On what to expect.

Imagine this.

You're sipping on a Clear liquid that tastes like lemon flavored seawater.

Your stomach is not happy and you're.

Making more trips to the bathroom than.

You ever thought possible.

Nope, it's not a new fad diet.

It's a colonoscopy prep.

And trust me, it's a small price.

To pay for peace of mind and potentially life saving screening.

In case you're not familiar, a colonoscopy is a procedure where a doctor uses.

A long flexible tool tube rather with a tiny camera to examine your colon and your rectum.

It's not just about detecting cancer.

It can also identify and remove polyps.

Before they become cancerous.

Think of it as a deep cleaning for your colon.

If you're not a fan of the idea, and some people aren't, there are.

Alternative screenings like stool based test.

But the key takeaway here is to get screened, especially if you have risk factors like a family history of colorectal cancer.

So when should you get one?

The American Cancer Society recommends starting colorectal.

Cancer screenings at 45.

If you're at average risk, that means colonoscopy every 10 years until age 75.

And I learned something new there.

I did not know that at 75.

Technically you stop having colonoscopies.

But if you have risk factors, you may need to start earlier or get screened more often.

The recommended age has actually changed because.

When I got mine 10 years ago, the recommended age was 50.

So let's talk about the part that everybody dreads and that's the prep.

I'm not going to sugarcoat it.

Let me tell you, it is not fun, but I promise it's manageable.

So here's what my experience was like.

Three days before, I had to switch to a low fiber diet, meaning no whole grains, raw vegetables or fruit with seeds.

My colon actually said thank you later.

And then the day before, I was on a strict clear liquid diet.

So that was brats jello, but not red or purple sports drinks and water.

Here's a side note.

You know it's bad when chicken broth starts tasting gourmet and then there's laxative time.

This is where things really get real.

I had to drink this Prep solution in two doses.

I had one at 6pm and the other at 3:45am yes, you heard that right.

3:45am needless to say, I didn't sleep last night at all.

Literally, I did not sleep maybe about, I don't know, 30 minutes from about 11:30 to midnight.

And at midnight, until I got back home and took a nap, I was Awake.

Then there was the bathroom marathon.

So after I drank the stuff and about midnight when things started working, it really was a bathroom marathon.

So let's just say I spent a lot of time in the bathroom.

I even camped out downstairs so that I wouldn't disturb my husband with all.

The getting up and down and making trips.

My appointment for the procedure today was at 9:45.

I had to arrive at 8:45, you know, to do all the, the pre check in and all of that stuff.

And the key is, if you haven't had one and when you go is.

To make sure that you have someone to drive you home.

As a matter of fact, that's in the instructions.

And it can't be Uber, it can't be any public transportation.

Now the hardest part of the day for me was finding a vein for the iv.

They stuck me five times because I.

Was dehydrated from the prep.

I am a hard stick to begin with.

So when it's time for me to have lab work, I always have to make sure that I'm hydrated.

They always have to search for a vein because my veins roll.

So imagine I really was dehydrated because.

Pretty much I'm not trying to overshare, but everything you put in, you came out.

And so the trick though, I think.

Where maybe I could have done better, I'm not sure, to drink extra water leading up to the prep.

Now as for the procedure, it was quick.

You're sedated, and let me tell you, that is some of the best sleep you'll ever get.

One minute I recall the anesthesiologist telling me what he was doing.

So he's like, I'm putting lidocaine in.

Here and then I'm putting the anesthesia in.

That's all I remember, was that he's.

Telling me what he's going to do.

And then the next thing I'm waking up in recovery blissfully unaware of what just happened.

So my results, the doctor comes in, you know, after, when you're in recovery, to immediately give you results.

And for me, thank the Lord, everything looked good.

He said he removed a small polyp.

And he sent it for biopsy.

So depending on those results, I'll be back in seven to 10 years.

So that's done.

And honestly, it wasn't that bad.

I know it's easy to say after the fact because I was not saying.

That about 2:00 this morning.

It was truly worth it from a.

Preventative care knowledge standpoint.

All right.

We spent a lot of time talking about colons more than you probably expect it when you hit play on this episode.

But hey, it's important.

And now you know exactly what to expect.

If you've never been through it before, and if you have been through it.

Then you know that when it's your time to have your colonoscopy updated to.

Make your appointment and to get in there.

So now let's move a little further north and talk about something just as important, and that's our breasts.

Because while we're making sure things are all good below the belt, we also need to be checking in on our girls.

Yes, it's time to talk mammograms.

Annual mammograms are recommended for women 40 and older.

And don't forget, we should also be doing regular breast self exams.

Again, get to know your body, it could save your life.

And moving a little south, we have PAP smears and HPV tests.

Women 30 to 65 should have a.

Pap test plus an HPV test every.

Five years over 65.

I've actually heard that if you've had normal results for years, you might be able to stop getting these examinations.

But don't take my word for it.

Please don't always check with your doctor.

And then there's bone density screenings.

Osteoporosis is real.

A bone density test is recommended at.

60 earlier if you have risk factors.

It's quick, it's painless, and it requires no prep, unlike the colonoscopy.

Actually, I had my first bone density.

Last year and things were fine.

As my mother says, we have strong bones.

I don't know if that's the case, but mine was good.

Then there's cholesterol, blood pressure and diabetes.

Those are crucial for overall health, especially.

If you have risk factors like family history or lifestyle concerns.

Don't skip these.

Don't say no.

These are minor and I'm just not going to worry about them.

Don't worry about them, but don't skip them either.

And then finally, immunizations for women over 50, there's the flu shot that we should get annually.

There's the COVID vaccine, obviously is your choice if you want to get a Covid.

COVID vaccine.

But if you are getting them, make sure that you stay updated.

There are shingles vaccines.

Those come in two doses.

They're recommended at 50 and over.

So you get a dose and then.

I think it's three to six months later.

Then you get a second dose and then there's pneumococcal vaccine and at 65 or with certain conditions is when you.

Are eligible for that.

Now I'mma make a shameless plug only because this is where I go and it's convenient.

Pretty much all of my vaccines I.

Get at CVS Pharmacy.

It's close to the house.

You can make your appointment online if you want to schedule.

And I don't like to wait.

So I usually will make it online.

Except one day, I think it was.

Earlier this year or last year.

There was something I needed and I was already in the store and so I went to the counter and they set me up then.

And so I just got it while I was there.

But it's really convenient to get it at the pharmacy.

I know Walgreens does it.

Probably most pharmacies do.

And then of course, your doctor's office, they do do some vaccines.

So let's recap your 50 plus health checklists.

Write them down.

There's a colorectal screening Starting at 45.

There's your annual mammograms, cervical cancer screenings, bone density test, cholesterol and blood pressure checks, and immunizations.

So there you have it.

Your roadmap to staying on top of your health after 50.

I know it's a lot, but here's the thing.

You are your best advocate.

No one else is going to prioritize.

Your health the way that you can.

These screenings and immunizations, they're not just checklists.

They're powerful tools to help you live.

Longer, to feel stronger, and to show.

Up fully this next chapter of life.

I get it.

Trust me, scheduling these appointments isn't exactly thrilling.

But you know what is?

The peace of mind that comes with knowing that you're taking care of yourself.

The confidence in knowing you're doing everything you can to age with grace, strength and vitality.

So my challenge for you this week, pick one health screening or appointment that.

Maybe you've been putting off and just book it.

Even if it's just a simple checkup.

Even if it's just going into the.

Pharmacy to have your blood pressure checked because you don't do it at home.

Take that step, because the best version of you, well, she's counting on it.

As for me, I'm just glad my colonoscopy is in the rearview mirror.

Literally.

I've had a good meal and hopefully I'll get some sleep tonight.

Stay fabulous, stay healthy, and keep embracing the beauty of every age.

I can't wait to chat again next week.

Take care.

Thanks for hanging out with me today.

If you love this episode.

Do me a favor, share it with a friend and leave a quick review.

You it's a small thing that makes a big difference.

Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

And hey, let's keep the conversation going.

Join me@pod.agingwithgraceinstyle.com for more tips, stories, and.

A whole lot of connection.

Until next time, keep shining with grace, style and a touch of sass.