Without too much TMI, I want to explain something that’s important to peoples’ health. I’m getting old(er) and the doctor insisted I had to have a colonoscopy. Colon polyps can be of several different kinds; some that never become cancerous, and some that have that potential. The cancerous ones take about 10 years to actually become cancerous. So, once a person gets old(er), they need to be checked out to see if they have polyps. Some people never have any, some do. You don’t know till you get tested.
So, I went to see a gastroenterologist that I had some expedience with, with the clients I used to work with before I retired. We made an appointment to have the test done. The test is done while you’re in a twilight sleep; out cold but still a light anesthesia that’s easy to wake up from.
The preparation for the test is where the TMI could come in. You need to clean your colon out so that the tube which is inserted to look around, uh, up there, gives the doc a clear field to be able to look for and remove any polyps he finds. If the colon isn’t cleaned out well enough, he could miss some polyps.
The cleaning out begins the day before with a liquid diet, and around supper time, you begin to use some products that remove matter from the colon. Different doctors recommend different products to do this, but all of them, well, resemble dynamite, later, when you’re in the bathroom for a while, reading a good book. OK, no more TMI. You got the picture.
Anyway, I had a number of polyps. Some were of the never cancerous variety, some were the ones with cancerous potential. After the test, the doc told me they all looked ok as his experience told him, but all would be biopsied. Then I waited about 10 days for the final word that none were cancerous. Now we will repeat the test in 3 years and remove any more that have occurred.
Why would I share this? Because it was a scare, and if your doctor has told you you should do this, you should. Colon cancer can be so lethal but can be avoided if you get tested, and treated if someone already has it. So, it is a worthwhile thing to do! Follow the doc’s instructions well and get the test, which is not a problem at all: go to sleep, wake up, go out for a well deserved breakfast, lol. No pain, no after effects at all. Then hear results that you didn’t have any, or wait for biopsy results that they were ok.
Really, don’t put it off if you’ve been advised it’s time to do it.
Sarasin's thoughts....... 
Alright, alright! Seeing as my doc recommended I get this done I will scheduled an appointment but I need to wait a few weeks before I do. The reason being I want to finish the physical therapy I’m going through right now and will be going through soon.
Waiting a few weeks is ok Jackie, but just do it. And if I inspired just one person to get it done as advised by their doc, then I accomplished something. I quibbled with myself whether to write this, but decided somebody out there might need to hear it from somebody other than their doctor. It’s a relief after it’s over to hear that everything is ok. I’m glad you’re going to go.
I learned the hard way that waiting is never a good idea! So no worries – I will make the appointment. Thank you for posting about it.
You’re welcome. I’m glad you’re going.
You’re courageous and set a great example. You, as I, come from the “Duck-and-Cover” generation, called “Boomers” for a different reason. While we grew up taught by our peers to never trust ANYONE over 30 and living in the perpetual shadow of the Bomb, I NEVER developed a life strategy that went beyond my thirtieth birthday. Then when I turned 31, I had to have a huge re-think. I’m not positive my re-think was entirely re-thunk right because until very recently, my attitude was “I don’t wanna know”. In the last year, which I consider now to be the beginning of the Autumn-of-my-life, I have come face to face with the reality that I’m not invincible. That’s right, apparently I’m mortal (much to my dismay). My 89-year old Dad, just successfully recovered from colon surgery. I knelt at his bedside while the priest prayed with him before his surgery I felt as hopeless as a bug just before smashing into someone’s windshield. I thought of my two angelic teenage daughters I’ve been charged with raising alone. I felt extremely mortal. I didn’t like it at all, but it’s real. So, to keep my deal with the Big Guy that day, I’ve been focused on making sure I’ll be around to change their children’s stinky diapers. I’ve given up the approach of preventative health I had which was “you-can’t-see-me-my-eyes-are-closed” to one of “Let’s stay ahead of this”. because if we don’t make that choice—Everybody Loses. Thanks Nancy for bringing it all home. May we all have happy polyps forever. -Gregg
Glad it made the right thoughts come up in your head, Gregg. You know, if you don’t have your health, it doesn’t matter what else you have. And I don’t mean I’m one to run to the doctor for every little thing, but some things make sense to attend to. I hope your dad is still well.
We’re all playing “Beat The Clock” whether or not we accept it. It’s how we approach that reality that will make a difference. You seem to be a lady that’s always made a difference, thank you. Do you mind if I post your article tomorrow on my blog?
Wow Gregg, sure, I’d be happy to have it shared wherever. As I said to Jackie, even if only one person needs to hear this from someone other than their doc, then it’s a good thing. I try to make a difference in many ways, some simpler to do than others. And we are all beating the clock, you’re right, but some sensible things to do along the way can make all the difference in the trip.
Done. And thanks. You DO make a difference.
I appreciate you saying that Gregg. We really are all in this together and if we can find ways to help another person, it’s a beautiful thing. You also make a difference in so many things you post. Enjoy your daughters’ kids’ stinky diapers!
I would not, could not enjoy that. I would not like them in a box, I would not like them with a fox, I would not like them here or there……but really, the girls and I sat down last year when my first grandson was born (got 2 sons from another egg donor) and calculated that between the four of them I’ve probably changed 39,000 diapers. I’ve put ALL the kids on notice that even tho I can do it with only one hand, I will resist EVER doing it again. Some talents are better left unused.
And you’re always funny Gregg and definitely have a way with words!
I guess great minds think alike. I had my first colonscopy this past Monday. The prep SUCKED but the procedure itself was a piece ‘a cake! No polyps. Maybe I’ll get to meet my great grandchildren after all. Thanks for this reminder for all of us!
Yes, our great minds do go along the same lines sometimes! Yea, the prep…..but the breakfast afterward was really good, lol! I’m so glad you didn’t have any! You’re welcome for the reminder.
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