Warning: this post may contain TOO MUCH INFORMATION for those of you with a, shall we say, ''weaker" constitution!
Oh, the joys of growing older. At my last routine physical in January, my doctor recommended that I schedule a colonoscopy. This procedure tests for colon cancer and other diseases by allowing the doctor, using a colonoscope, to look inside the colon (part of the large intestine), take pictures, and take samples of any abnormal areas. And after age 50, people should have a colonscopy every ten years. Well, yesterday was my day.
The preparation for the procedure is pretty crazy. It involves fasting for almost 48 hours prior to going to the hospital, drinking a LARGE amount of vile, oily stuff, taking pills to "empty" you, and - bonus! - an enema. Mark was very supportive (he'd been through the procedure several years ago, so was very empathetic), and yesterday he drove me to the hospital for my appointment with destiny.
And, actually, once the prep was completed, the rest was easy. The reason is that I was "put under" for the procedure. I'd read a lot about what was going to be done to me, and the doctor explained it to me as well before he did his thing, but I remember nothing after I was given the sedative via my IV portal. Next thing I knew, I was back in the recovery room. The doctor came in soon afterward and told me I have an "excellent colon". And then he said the five most welcome words I'd heard all day: "See you in ten years."
Regardless of the discomfort of the prep for the procedure, I would encourage everyone of a "certain age" to be diligent about getting a colonoscopy. No one ENJOYS a colonoscopy, and I can definitely see where someone might put it off because of the preparation for the procedure, but it could save your life. Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of death (next to lung cancer) for both men and women in the United States.
And that's the end of this public service announcement!
7 comments:
Our friend John just had his first colonoscopy too. Although, apparently, while under the sedative, he became a swearing, rude, crude, inappropriate person. He has absolutely no recollection of it, but his wife said he was cursing like a sailor. Happy to hear that your experience was much better!
Glad you have a beautiful colon!
Mom. Bad topic.
Jd
Yeah, well, Jake... your time will come... don't say I didn't warn ya. :-)
Hahahaha....congratulations on the healthy colon!
Here's to healthy colons!
Congrats on the results! Thanks for bringing this test to everyone's attention. A certain older woman (I won't mention my mom Myrna's name) finally got her test at 78 and sure as shootin' she had colon cancer! They got it all but that is way to long to wait for the test!
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