This month, I’ll have my fourth colonoscopy. A few of my close relatives had colon cancer. So, in 2000, when I was 43, my doctor recommended a screening.
That year and in 2010, nothing was found, and I was told to come back in 10 years. Due to my age, in 2020, when nothing was found, I was advised to return in five years.
The doctor doing my 2000 procedure retired before 2010. Dr Mastri did the procedure that year. In 2020, Dr Mastri was no longer in my insurance group, so Dr Smith with Pratt Medical performed the procedure that year.
Amazingly, Dr Smith will be doing a repeat performance this year.
Most people dislike colonoscopies due to the preparation required.
In 2000, I was required to follow a clear liquid diet for two days. The laxative fluid I drank the day before the procedure was not tasty. My suggestions for that last day are not to share a bathroom and get a good book. Be cautious about legs falling asleep.
I’m not sure what Dr Mastri prescribed. It was tasty and easy to drink. I only needed to follow a one-day liquid diet.
For 2020, I only needed to follow a one-day liquid diet. However, the laxative prep was 2 gallons of thick liquid that tasted like sludge, although I’m not sure what sludge tastes like. I can’t be worse.
When scheduling for this year, I asked if there was another prep after the customer service rep pointed to the gallon jug. The representative showed me the 2-day option with very little laxative to drink. I jumped on the option.
This week, my doctor called in the prescription for the preparation. I received a text stating that Medicare and my Advantage insurance do not cover the prep I requested. Oh, crap!
I found out the bad news at CVS yesterday. My first question is, “How much does it cost without using insurance?”
The nice young lady played with the computer terminal for a while and came back with the answer, “37.21”.
Will this be the best $37 I’ve ever spent? I’m looking forward to losing ten pounds in two days.