Now, Aren't WE Special...?

Ladies, yes; we have yet another reason to feel "special": according to a report just published in the November issue of Harvard Women's Health Watch, a new study indicates that women may have a harder time prepping for colonoscopies, than men.

Apparently, this is largely because women are more likely to suffer constipation and/or irritable bowel syndrome, resulting in gas, bloating, abdominal pain or spasm.

Since patients must empty their colons to increase the rate of success in the procedure, Harvard Women's Health Watch advises women:

* Receive and completely review your colonoscopy prep instructions well before the procedure date. Generally, the instructions will require that certain medications and foods be stopped up to a week ahead of time.

* Block out time, and arrange for privacy to complete the prep with as little stress as possible. Clear your schedule, be at home to start your prep, and stay close to the bathroom.

* Improve bad-tasting liquid preps with non-carbonated soft drink powders (such as Crystal Light or Kool-Aid, but not any that are colored red, blue, or purple). Drink the prep chilled through a straw, so the liquid lands far back on your tongue, or hold a lemon slice under your nose while you drink the prep.

* Keep a variety of clear liquids, in addition to water, on hand to drink before, during and after your bowel prep.

My thoughts?

First of all, the above advice is probably good advice for anyone, of any gender.

Secondly, did we really need that "study," to begin with...?

Eeesh. Write to me privately, and I'll send you tons of better ways they could have spent that study money. (I know-- 'cause I'm special!)

Princess Hope