I had to have a virtual colonoscopy recently. The virtual part meant that after all of the awful prep, I went to a lab and they filled my colon with air and took CT scans, instead of putting me under anesthesia and doing a more invasive procedure. The gastroenterologist was being cautious with me because I have Ehler’s Danlos (a genetic disorder that causes thin skin and loose ligaments and can make internal organs more prone to injury), and he couldn’t get a clear enough idea from the geneticist of which type of the disorder I have so he assumed that I was too fragile for the real test. Thank God. The caveat, though, was that if they found anything on the scans that needed to be addressed, I’d have to redo the prep and go back for a traditional colonoscopy, Ehlers Danlos be damned. Honestly, the idea of going through the prep again sounded much more frightening to me than going under anesthesia and risking bleeding out.
Before I went in for the virtual colonoscopy, the lab sent the instructions telling me how to prepare. First, I had to avoid dairy and high fiber foods three days before the test, and then I had to drink only liquids the day before the test, with no pulp or food coloring, and then at a certain time I had to take two Dulcolax pills and then drink a bottle of Miralax mixed with 64 ounces of Gatorade, and then take two more Dulcolax pills, and then drink two different kinds of unpalatable contrast to make the colon more visible on the scans. The endless trips to the bathroom were nothing compared to the horror of trying to swallow those bitter, chemical-tinged liquids of suspicious density.
The saving grace throughout all of that prep was Netflix. I couldn’t really concentrate, both because my tummy was rumbling and because I was anxious about the results of the test, so I distracted myself with hours and hours of Netflix shows: there was an Australian teenage surfing show called Surviving Summer, and an American show called Sweet Magnolias, but my favorite was a show called Mismatched, set in Jaipur, India, about two teenage techies named Dimple and Rishi who spend the summer at an app development course. It’s romantic and funny and silly and full of teenage drama and even a few Bollywood-style dance numbers, and by the time I’d finished watching the second season the colonoscopy was over and I’d forgotten that I was listening to dialogue in Hindi and reading subtitles.
Even a few years ago, I would never have thought that I would feel so connected to a show set in India, with teenagers who speak a language I don’t understand, but Netflix has opened up whole new worlds for me. I’ve binged shows in Hindi, and Korean, and Spanish, and Italian, and of course English, that I would never have seen otherwise.
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve found a lot of duds along the way, and I’ve had to watch the first few minutes of a lot of shows I wish I’d never seen, but the number of wonderful surprises has made it all worth the effort.
. With the writers’ strike meaning that there are no late night shows on the air, and now the actors’ strike on top of that probably meaning that the fall TV season will be delayed, or replaced with reality shows, it’s a relief to know that I can always find something I’ve never heard of, but will thoroughly enjoy, on Netflix. It’s ironic, though, that the strikes are very much about the compensation problems with the Netflix streaming model, and yet Netflix and other streamers are the ones who are benefiting from the lack of network shows. I feel like I should feel guilty or disloyal for watching Netflix, but instead I’m just happy that I get the chance to discover so many actors and writers from around the world who I would never have seen on network TV in the United States. And maybe the strike will lead to these hard working creators being better compensated for making all of these wonderful shows. I hope so.
And now that the colonoscopy is over, and I know that I don’t have to have another one for five years, I’ve already found new shows to help me get through all of the vet visits and doctor visits that seem to be my lot this summer. There’s a great show from England called Heartstopper, based on a series of graphic novels about LGBTQ+ high school kids in love, and a Korean show called Extraordinary Attorney Woo, about an Autistic woman who becomes a lawyer, and they are both sweet and quirky and smart and surprisingly insightful and compassionate.
I wish I didn’t need so many distractions to help me get through each day lately, but I’m grateful that there are such good distractions available, and I’m hoping that, maybe, they will inspire more of my own writing. At the very least, they make me feel more hopeful about the world around me, and that’s no small thing.
If you haven’t had a chance yet, please check out my Young Adult novel, Yeshiva Girl, on Amazon. And if you feel called to write a review of the book, on Amazon, or anywhere else, I’d be honored.
Yeshiva Girl is about a Jewish teenager on Long Island, named Isabel, though her father calls her Jezebel. Her father has been accused of inappropriate sexual behavior with one of his students, which he denies, but Izzy implicitly believes it’s true. As a result of his problems, her father sends her to a co-ed Orthodox yeshiva for tenth grade, out of the blue, and Izzy and her mother can’t figure out how to prevent it. At Yeshiva, though, Izzy finds that religious people are much more complicated than she had expected. Some, like her father, may use religion as a place to hide, but others search for and find comfort, and community, and even enlightenment. The question is, what will Izzy find?
rachelmankowitz 
On of the good thing about getting older is that after my most recent colonoscopy the doctor told me that at my age and no polyps found. I would NEVER need another one.Yay!!
That sounds wonderful!
As I said there are some advantages to getting older!
Glad you got through that test!
Thank you!
Glad to know that u r fine.. Pl take care of your health. Its the most important one. If we r healthy we can do anything. Take care
Thank you!
Glad you’re through it, Rachel. And good you’re writing about your experience. Colon cancer is on the rise among younger people, and doctors don’t always consider it when confronted with symptoms. So raising awareness about this icky but important procedure is a very good thing to do.
Thank you!
It appears that what you intended as distractions, ended up becoming another way to expand your horizons and point of view.
I love when that happens!
I don’t have Netflix, but I love the channel MHZ. Lots of murder mysteries in beautiful locations around the world, with subtitles. Sounds really ridiculous, but as you say, it is so interesting!
P.S. Yup, the colonoscopy routine–I can relate to every bit of that. Sigh……
Murder mysteries are awesome!
Ahhh colonoscopies. I had 3 in 18 months a few years ago and another last year. I really hate the taste of Peg-Lyte fruit punch. Glad you don’t have to do it again for 5 years Rachel. Have a good night. Allan
There has to be a better way…
I also had a colonoscopy this summer. The 2nd drink brought on the worst of it at about 3 a.m. I’m so glad yours turned out well! At least it’s done now! I’ll head back in 3 years just for monitoring. It sounds like you found lots of good stuff to watch! And don’t feel guilty! 🙂
Three years sounds way too soon!
It really does. I had a few polyps, but no issues. The gastro doc told me 3 years. We’ll see what insurance says!
Oh ick! Colonoskopys are awful!
Glad you found amazing shows to watch!
Me too!
I could relate, I hate the preparation. I just blogged about my visit to a gastroenterologist yesterday🥰
Isn’t it awful?!
Oh boy makes me glad i can do cologard at home
So lucky!
I have had only one colonoscopy and have done everything possible to resist a second (stool cards, for one). My husband and I just watched the last episodes of a Netflix Original, “The Diplomat.” It was very good, but it ended in a bit of a cliffhanger, so I was reassured to hear that there is to be a second season.
I would love to never have another colonoscopy!
I can see you’re really having fun, Rachel.
I’m trying!
Feeling more hopeful has got to be a great outcome
Definitely!
😎
I’ve had two colonoscopies and the only good thing was the anaesthetic because I woke feeling like it was the best sleep ever. The preparation while uncomfortable, at least gave me a sense that I was “clean” inside.
I’m just glad it’s over.
I’m pleased about the colonoscopy. That is such an expressive photograph of the two dogs
Dogs wouldn’t never put up with the prep for that test; I should be more like a dog.
We love Heartstopper! Season 2 became available beginning of August and we enjoyed every minute of it. Take care.
That show is addictive!
Glad to hear you don’t have to do that again for 5 years. I have watched subtitled films since I was a teenager, and never been bothered by subtitles. In fact many of my favourite films are in foreign languages. You might enjoy this one, if you can find it.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0961066/
Best wishes, Pete.
I remember when I forced myself to get used to black and white movies, because I was missing out on so many great musicals. Subtitles have been a little bit harder, but so worth the effort.
Yuk. Not fun, but at least it’s over for another five years. Hope the discomfort didn’t last too long.
I hope I will forget how uncomfortable it all was before the next one comes around.
Like you, “I’ve binged shows in Hindi, and Korean, and Spanish, and Italian, and of course English, that I would never have seen otherwise.” And what a treat they are, huh? Sorry you had to go through all that prep stuff for the colonoscopy, but glad the results turned out so well. My husband had to go through that same procedure a week or so ago, so we can sympathize!
It’s amazing to me that we all put up with these tests. Cricket would never agree to such a thing.
Try some of the Turkish shows. If you like quıirky mysteries watch 10 Days of a Good Man and another comedy about an actress caught in a shampoo commercial and forced to live in that life then watch O Belinda.
I will look for them! Thank you!
I just had the real deal colonoscopy and binge watched Sweet Magnolias during the prep. It was my fourth one and this time I learned that Miralax in water is much easier to take than Gatorade which I hate. Sadly although I am 76 my doctor says I need to keep having them every five years until it is clear I won’t survive another five years. Ugh.
Gatorade is freaky!
And a terrible invention. I can see why sports players dump it over their coaches’ heads.
Ha!
Figured that a good colonoscopy joke would appeal to you!
So glad to hear you made it through the colonoscopy. ❤
Thank you!
Thank goodness for Netflix.
Amen!!!
Ewwwww – colonoscopies! One of the worst procedures ever! The prep is brutal, as you well know! Glad it’s over and everything worked out for you. Have a great day!
You too! Thank you!
Tests are worth going through to make sure you are okay. I’m glad you are okay.
Thank you!
Ahh I loved Extraordinary Attorney Wu, great show. 🙂
I love just watching her face!
I know exactly what you mean. X
Ugh. That prep is not fun! Glad you got through it unscathed. And glad you were entertained. Have you ever watched the Brene Brown special, A Call to Courage, on Netflix? One of my faves:).
I’ll have to look for that. Thank you!
It’s sooo good!
I am a KDrama addict and I don’t know what I’d do without Netflix. These are hard times and distractions? Bring ’em on!
I loaded a whole bunch of Korean shows onto my watchlist. I am ready!!!
I did the same 5 years ago when preparing for the same procedure. I made sure I had all my Kdrama favorites ready.
It’s always good to have distractions. I know the best distractions for me are always books and movies and TV shows.
Me too!
Oh Wow! This is the first I ever heard of a virtual colonoscopy! No fun either way, I am sure! Glad you made it through!
The attorney woo show was surprisingly entertaining. I’ll have to check out the others you mentioned in your blog
There’s so much great stuff!
I have a friend who has EDS. It is very complicated. I love finding forensic or profiler dramas from around the world. I have watched shows in French, Russian, Dutch, German, English (of course) and prolly a few others! It is very hot or miss but when you find a good one, you don’t want it to end!
I love getting to see how people live in other countries!
Yes!! I love seeing all the signs and stores and such. Oh one show I adore that is on Acorn is Love and Murder it is set in South Africa.
I just saw recipes for love and murder. It was wonderful!
Yes! I have rewatched a ton because I love to cook and the food looks so amazing! I am not so patiently waiting for season 2.
I hadn’t heard of the virtual alternative but I agree it is a horrid process. I’ve had both colonoscopy and endoscopy
Oy. I’m so sorry!
I hope you and your pups have good insides and outsides, given all your recent medical experiences. I appreciate vicariously your review of Netflix shows. I never seem to know what to watch.
I’ve seen a few writers say that you definitely shouldn’t feel guilty about watching shows right now, the more you watch, the more leverage they have to say “look, people are watching my stuff. You need me”.
Also yay that your procedure went okay and is over now!
That’s a relief about the writers!
Aie !🖤
I remember having to go through that prep several years ago – I also thought I’d post up with Netflix, but found I couldn’t stay seated on the couch long enough to actually watch anything…
Oh no!
I am glad you are trying to find the less serious side of life through foreign movies.
Me too!
Sorry to hear about your medical drama – they can be unpleasant. The Netflix show ‘Mismatched’ is an adaptation of the YA novel ‘When Dimple Met Rishi’ so if you enjoyed the show, you might get a kick out of the book? I also loved ‘Heartstopper’ and want to to a re-watch soon. But I found a Taiwanese paranormal comedy called ‘Marry My Dead Body’ which I had never heard of and turned out to be hilarious… and had me bawling my eyes out. There wasn’t an English dub, so it was all subtitles – your blog reminded me because you mentioned you were watching a lot of shows from other countries. I like to do that every now and then.
I’ve also has a couple of projects I’m involved in screech to a halt due to the writers strike. Having to switch to copywriting for a bit to keep an income, but also having more time to focus on my own writing is a positive.
Hope your feeling better and give your puppies a cuddle on me! 🙂
Thank you! Good luck with your writing!