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A little blog about my big loves; family, friends, stitching and yep, chocolate!

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Tuesday, February 23, 2010

If You're not having FUN, it's nobody's fault but your Own!

My dad started bantering this phrase about several years ago and I have sort of made it my mantra. I try to find a way to make my life, and the lives of those around me at least pleasant, if not always fun. Of course, there are many things in life that aren't fun, can't be made fun and no amount of effort will make them fun. I'm not talking about those situations. I'm talking about everyday life, everyday situations and those normal, kind of mundane things, that happen. We need to make those fun! Make the best of whatever situation you're in. Try your best to make life fun. I'm not just about talking the talk, I'm about walking the walk. Warning - this post may be a bit more graphic than you're used to reading on a stitching blog..... You've been warned.

I'm 50. It sucks. I hate the fact that I'm growing older and my body, right along with it. I hate that I have to work so hard to keep my weight where I want it when I used to be able to eat anything and everything I wanted. I hate that at 50 years of age, the magic age, you have to begin having certain tests so that you don't die prematurely. Not going to an early grave is a good thing, a colonoscopy, not so much. But, in my effort to make as much of my life as fun as I can, I decided to approach this event in my life the same way. Today, I got the two for one special. Scoped on both ends - one scope for my ulcers and acid reflux and another for my colon.

Prior to my appointment today, I saw my doctor at his office and we were kind if yucking it up about the whole thing - cause lets face it, what else are you going to do when your doctor is your age (maybe younger) and you're embarrassed about the whole thing? Yeah, make crude jokes. But, like he said, colon cancer is so preventable, it's silly not to have the test. We continued to tell some rather crude jokes (and he told me some funny stories about things people said while they were under)
and when I left the office, the nurse out front said, "I have never heard him laugh so much or so loud." I told her that with a colonoscopy, you have to either laugh or cry. I'll laugh. Make the appointment, sweetie. Besides, I told her, "My ass is not going to look any better than it does right now." Every day, every year I put it off is an increase in my risk for cancer and a much greater risk for a saggy, wrinkly butt!!!

Last night, the prep work for this thing wasn't fun. The clean out, if you will, is probably the worst part. I tried to make that fun but there was no fun to be had. So, this morning, before we left for the hospital, I had Rob write a couple of messages on my butt for the doctor. The first one, in permanent, purple, sharpie said "Back door guests.... not the best!" And, on the other cheek, he wrote ".... having fun?" I told the nurse that was prepping me that I'd left them all a message and she said she'd never seen anyone do that before. Really? Nobody? Nope, not one single patient. I must be deranged. If the sharpie faded or blurred, I'd look like I had a giant bruise on my ass. Butt, LOL, after the procedure was over, the nurses and the doc were all laughing and having a good time. I was the first of the day. I hope I made their day a little more fun, I certainly helped make mine fun. Thanks, Dad.

And, btw, it's not that bad, the colonoscopy, I mean. The benefit, besides not having colon cancer, is that I dropped about 5 pounds. I know, it'll all come back, but today, it's FUN. I think I'll go weigh in at Weight Watchers... shhh.... don't tell! If you're 50 or over and haven't had this important test; do it. It's not that bad. And, while you're at it, leave your doc a written message on your butt - he or she will have some fun and so will you.

Remember.... "If you're not having fun, it's nobody's fault but your own!"

Peace,
Terri

60 comments:

LiahonaGirl said...

Terri -- I can only imagine the reaction of the doctor and nurses when they read your "cheek notes". I need to go have my first colonoscopy and I keep putting it off (even though my mom keeps prodding me). I don't think I'd have the chutzpah to do what you did -- but congratulations on doing this good thing for your health! And, yes, getting older is a drag in so many ways (but good in so many others!)
Nancy

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness, Terri! You had me spewing my lemonade! I'm glad you had your test and you made it fun! Good for you!

Now, relax the evening away!

Big hugs to you!
Robin

Annie said...

You are too much! I can't imagine anybody doing that,but I'm glad it gave everyone a good laugh. Those tests usually don't provide a lot of humor!

Holly Hills Primitives said...

Oh my gosh, I have been laughing like crazy. I can just see you doing this! Good for you, life should be fun. Dawn

Myra said...

Terri, this cracked me up and I am sure it did the same for your doctor. I love your sense of humor and you might have made someone look forward to 50 just so they can do this too!

Gayle said...

Terri - Your attitude is totally awesome! I had my first colonoscopy last week and I didn't have NEARLY as much fun with it as you did yours! I felt exactly like you did about the weight loss - but mine was only 3 lbs overnight - and it all came right back. I've lost 50 lbs with WW over the last 9 months and it's been so rewarding. Thanks for your good example.

Carol said...

Aww, you're still a baby at 50, Terri! I've got 5 years on you! I just had my first colonoscopy in January. As you say the hard part is the prep, the test is nothing! I'm sure you're the talk among the doctors with your funny notes :)

jayne@~an eye for threads~ said...

Notes on your cheeks eh? Wow, the only thing funnier than that would be if the Sharpies were permanent ones. Now I would spew my icetea on that one. :) :) :) and I tend to use a sippy cup so's to avoid those types of mishaps and god help the one with highlighters anywhere near me...
Hope you have a fun night stitching.
Be always in stitches.

Melissa said...

Well, please thank your Dad for such a wonderful saying, and well taught to his daughter!

I cringed than laughed. You're hilarious. Good for you for approaching this in as fun a way as you can! I am giving you a virtual Olympic gold medal! ta-da!

Kellie said...

What a great attitude to have about life. Love it!
And the whole butt message thing is hysterical! I bet the dr. office talked about that the rest of the day! :)

MyLifesAStitch said...

Oh. My. God. ROTFLMAO!!!!

Terri, you are just the BEST!!! A note on your BUTT to the doctor and nurses??? LOLOLOLOLOL!!!!!!

I love the outlook on life!! I try to laugh as much as possible, which can come off as flip to some folks, but hey - at least I'm not bogged down in the muck and mire of every day life, right?

Awesome post, girlfriend!! Not just for the laughs, butt also a great way to get the message out!

Deb said...

Well, this is definitely funny! Only you, Terri, with your great outlook on life would do that! ROFLOL! I'm sure they're going to be talking about this for a long time. It's hard to imagine that no one ever thought of doing that before. I just hope they didn't take pictures!! ROFLOL

JOLENE said...

I couldn't help but giggle as I read your post....sounds like YOU made your Dr.'s day!!!!! You made a very good point about your butt not looking any better than it does today. I will keep that in mind when I have mine. My mother past away with colon cancer, so it is definitely something we all need to keep tabs on. I am still giggling......

Margaret said...

ROTFL, Terri! How fantastic are you! What a wonderful story! I've been bugging my husband about getting a colonoscopy -- he turned 50 in September. I'd better bug him again. Thanks for the reminder. I'll ask DH if he wants me to write anything on his behind when the time comes. :D

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

LOL!
I have to laugh because that is so funny about your purple sharpie messages :) FUNNY!
That's the way to look at it though positive, like my Granny always told me, "honey attracts more bees than vinegar" and I sincerely try to be like honey. It's just easier and better for the constitution :)
Go weigh in - I won't tell....maybe I need to go get some prep myself before Friday.....

Lana said...

My mother's saying is "Pain's inevidable, but misery is optional" You have to make the best of every situation....your post made me laugh!!

JillMN said...

This post is AWESOME! OMG, you made me laugh--I needed that. I love he writing on your backside. I am going to pass that on. I just turned 50 in October, so several of my friends along with myself are facing this right now. And yes, I will be having the test.

Jane said...

Terri, I'm glad you made this experience as fun as you could! If not for yourself, at least the medical staff would have got a laugh out of it. I'm not quite there yet but it's one of those things I guess I'll have to look forward to. Thanks for the run down on it in the most hilarious way you could!

Anonymous said...

I enjoy reading your blog and was glad to see you brought up the subject of your colonoscopy. I too went in only I waited till I was 52. With no family history, I thought I was safe but they found a polyp and referred me to a surgeon. I was lucky in that I was stage one cancer and hopefully I will be around to stitch may more years. The test isn't bad and the good news is most people are just fine. You'll have peace of mind and won't have to go back again for 10 years.

Laurie

~Tonya said...

That was hysterical!! I honestly do not think I would have the "b@lls" to do what you did, but it sounds like you gave them some good laughs.

I just had to have a biopsy and an ultra sound (downtown), two weeks ago and cringed the whole time. I am only 36 and now I know what I have to look forward too ;)

I did manage to "crack some jokes" thou, I was quite scared for the biopsy part.

In the end, it was a piece of cake. I worried for almost a month for nothing and I am happy to report, all GOOD results!!

Have a great day, Terri! Thank you for the laughs.
Blessings,
~Tonya

Nan ~ Threadwork Primitives said...

You are such a hoot. Thanks for the good laugh.
Smiles,
~Nan

Cari said...

Terry...with that sense of humor, you'll live to be 100. I am laughing my ASS off...and honey...it's a big one. I'm going to use your technique when I get my next one!! Thanks for sharing. You are the BEST!! Hugs

Andrea said...

Girl, you are a MESS! I love it! Glad you got good results and I'm sure your doctor and his nurse will talk about what you did for years and years! Who else has ever brightened their day like that?! You're one of a kind, love you!

xoxo

Michelle said...

You made me laugh when I read your notes to the doctor! That is so, so funny!

Good girl for taking care of yourself..

Linda said...

Terry
Thanks for the laugh. Our hubbies would get along so well, he'd do the same thing, he's so bad!

Catherine said...

I can't stop laughing!!! I will remember that one for that day when I have to go for that type of test!

Your Dad should be very proud of how you are living his mantra!

Sherry said...

Best post I have read in a long time on any blog, Terri! I know exactly what you went thru too! LOL. Not fun. But the good news is there are alot more of those neccesary test once you turn 50! Hope I gave you something to look forward to. lol.

DebbieSFL said...

When I had my first colonoscopy, I had the best sleep I have ever had---wish they could put me under like that at least once a month!!! You definitely have guts, girl!!

Ann said...

Terri - You are too funny! I'm just a little younger than you and am dreading that wonderful test. It will make the PAP test a breeze. Glad everything went ok. ~Ann

Vinniey said...

Oh Terri, I always love reading your blog! What a wonderful post and I love your positive attitude. Your humorous made my day. :)

Paisley said...

Wonderful post, Terri! I'm 49 and was told at my last annual I should schedule a colonoscopy sometime this year. I won't dread it so much now. (Maybe!)

You need to design a sampler with your mantra!

mainely stitching said...

You rock, Terri! Thanks for keeping us all in stitches (LOL) while reminding us of an important health check.

Unknown said...

Terri - you are just a wonderful lady and what a great, positive outlook you have on life. I love your sense of humor and I am so glad that you so graciously share it with all of us!

You didn't say, do you get the results right away, all is well?

Loraine said...

Only you could think of that Terri! Oh, my goodness, I'm having a real laugh! I'll have to tell my mom what you did, as she just went through that last month, and thought it was the worst experience in her life!
You are so much fun! I bet you made your Doctors day!
BTW, I think you look fabulous!
Many HUGS!

Cathy Lloyd said...

ROFL! Oh Terri...puhlease...you are just too stinkin' funny! Thanks for the laugh today. I'm going to remember your words. I'm just a thinkin' bout gettin' my colonoscopy this year!

lynda said...

Thanks for bringing a smile to my face...I wish I had thought to do something like that when I had mine done!

Felicity said...

Thanks for the lesson. 50 sucks, huh? Oh dear!

Meadows08 said...

I'm my mom's DD when she has this test done. It's hilarious...she makes inappropriate comments about my husband and such! Gotta laugh, right???

I'm going to suggest the Sharpie for the next time!!! LOVE IT.

Lois said...

Good for you going in being so positive. I love that your DH wrote a couple of messages! That certainly will have made their day. You'll be one of the stories that's told to future patients! Glad it all went well.

Hazel said...

Oh my goodness! That made me laugh. I know it shouldn't have really being such a serious topic and all but you made me laugh out loud! btw - you do not look 50 by any stretch!!!

Marion said...

Terri....you made my day! LOL
And not to worry, I will be 52 this coming Monday...with a young family...somedays I feel like 92.
And even worse when my youngest has friends who have mom's that could be MY daughter! ACK!!!!!

Great find in your previous post by the way...and Great finish!!!

Take care...enjoy the rest of your week.......

Marion

Anonymous said...

LOL great post. I wish I had thought of that when I had a colonoscopy last year, but will definitely remember it for next time!

Isabelle said...

I love a lot your attitude about life and you are totally right :-)
I really laughed a lot when I was reading your message because I also had a colonoscopy the last year and it was really a mess when I read everything I had to do before the test...not very funny ... !!
Have a great day,
Isa

Giovanna said...

Well that made my day - waaaaaay funny :-) :-) Thanks for proving to me that you can reach 50 (next year, eeeek!) and still have fun.

Marjorie said...

Terri, you are the only person I know who can make a colonoscopy funny! I have to schedule one this year so I was thinking about borrowing your idea and writing "you're going to put that WHERE?"

Peonies & Magnolias said...

I love your comments on 50. I go to the doctor once a year for allergy meds and this year he told me I was past the 50,000 mile checkup point since I am turning 52 and enough was enough. He mentioned all the tests needed to keep me going and told me I need to quit ignoring him. Yeah right.

Sandy

Rachel S-H said...

LOL. You handled your doctor visit with more grace and humor than I managed to handle my visit. Love the cheek notes.

woolwoman said...

AWWWWWW Terri - you are hilarious! I got such a charge out of your notes to the doc and nurses LOL - tooooo cute GF - you are just a trip! I've been avoiding that test - I keep saying no family history and yadda yadda - maybe you have given me courage to pursue this year. Mel

Mylene said...

You are too funny! As always i enjoy reading your post.

Kajsa said...

It sounds like your approach to the whole thing is pretty good. Really, sometimes we just don't have a choice right?

I bet the dr and nurses will never forget you!

Shelleen said...

thanks for the laugh of the day hahaha

Roberta said...

OMG, you are hilarious!!! I will remember to make notes for the Doctor the next time I go for my test.

Love the little bird on the oil can, very cute. I have several oil cans and still haven't put birds and things on them yet - but then again I haven't made them either!!

Keep laugh it definitely is the best medicine.

Blu said...

Wow Terri! What a great story. You've such a wonderful sense of humour~

Jeanne said...

Oh my gosh Terri - congrats to you facing up to the big test! I am a couple yrs older than you and so far I've avoided having it - I know I know I need to get it done. I do hate getting older but try not to dwell on it - after all it's better than the alternative of NOT getting older! It's just weird since I feel pretty much the same mentally as I did 30 yrs ago. I only worry about living long enough to do all the stitching I want to do. :)

Anonymous said...

hee, hee, hee... hee, hee! You are too funny. I just love your attitude, and yes, I about choked on my lunch when I read your post! I'm glad everything went okay and it's so fun that you shared that!

Annemarie said...

You're mad, woman!

So 50 sucks, does it? Shoot, this year will be my 40th, and I'm not particularly looking forward to that one, either.

Anna van Schurman said...

Although I am MUCH younger than you (not really) I have had several colonoscopies and it has never once occurred to me to write on my ass. And I have the gastroenterologist who calls me "girl" like he is a sistah from West Philly. At least your next scope won't be for another 10 years. Mine...much much sooner. I do keep my sense of humor about it. Remind me to tell you the story about my first time...

Missy Ann said...

And this is why I love you. Messages for the doc on your bum. :D

bea de caracas said...

Trop rigolo!!!
Too fun!!!
I'm glad for you, Terri, for your health...
I'll be 50 too, in April...and, sure, I'll think to you!
Kisses...

Patricia Lessell said...

Congrats on doing this. Me? No way Jose! I have had enough tests to last me a lifetime. The good news was when I went to the doctor a month ago all my tests came back brilliantly and I am now off of all my meds!!! Yay me! Okay YaY you too!
Lots of Love
Patti xxx
P.S. You are just way too funny anyway.