Originally, I didn't plan to post today, 1) it was Thursday, 2) I didn't really have anything to say about this procedure that I'm having.
But then I changed my mind.
In 2011, I turned 50. In America, most doctors want their patients to have a colonoscopy when they turn 50 to detect colorectal cancer. I saw my doctor and we set up an appointment--today is the day.
Personally, I'd rather find out now if I have cancer than waiting until I show the symptoms of cancer, by then the prognosis is poor and the treatment is far more drastic.
It happened to one of my husband's employees. She was 43 when she died. Cancer ran in her family and she had a colonoscopy. The first doctor found cancer. She had a second opinion, the second doctor said she had diverticulitis. She opted for the second doctor's opinion and treatment. A year later, she found out that doctor was wrong. Two years after that, she died.
If I can live with a little discomfort during the preparation for this test then I will. Cancer doesn't run in my family, diabetes does, but that doesn't mean I couldn't be the first.
Yep, I'm not looking forward to the prep--*looks at watch* due to start in five minutes. But I will be looking forward to the peace of mind I'll have when it's over. If cancer is found, then we can address that issue, but I'd rather know . . .
Wouldn't you?
My sister died of colon cancer, so I have it done. Definitely worth it for the peace of mind.
ReplyDeleteOne of my husband's best friends died of colon cancer. It ran in his family, for heaven's sakes but he was too embarrassed to tell anyone when he started having symptoms! He misses David TO THIS DAY, and David died maybe 10 years ago. But it make hubby and believer. He (and I) do our "butt tests" on schedule.
ReplyDeleteThe test isn't a problem. I think many people are embarrassed by the idea that someone will see their butt and that a camera will be going in an "exit"...here's my advice...GET OVER IT!
Have fun today! hee hee
Did you know there is now preliminary testing they can do (involving a stool sample - sorry for TMI) to determine if you should undergo the whole colonoscopy or if you can skip it for now?
ReplyDeleteAlso, for anybody who just wants to sleep through the whole procedure....you CAN request to do just that!
Totally agree, Edie. It isn't that bad of a procedure.
ReplyDeleteActually, Cyndi, when set up my colonscopy, I was asked about what type of prep I wanted. The liquid or pills. I chose pills because I could choose the clear drink of my choice to take the pills. Now there were 4 pills to take each time I had to down 8 oz. of fluid, er, 8 TIMES. I alternated water, apple juice and lemon water, and had yellow gatorade sitting in the wings just incase.
Jods--Nothing is ever TMI to me. Remember, medical background, family of nurses, etc? I failed the occult blood test, but that didn't surprise me. A large portion of the population has hemorrhoids, which can bleed at the drop of a hat . . . or poop, that is. I got them during my pregnancy.
You're knocked out during the procedure, so that's not the problem. The problem is what Cyndi pointed out--The PREP. You have to eliminate everything from your colon and make sure it's super clean to see anything, thus the numerous, and unexpectedly rapid, visits to the toilet.
I found the prep for the test much worse.
ReplyDeleteI will not fear taking it again in 9 more years.
I liked knowing.
The prep was . . . explosive at times, but it wasn't nearly as bad as I expected. I'm with you, Meg, knowledge is power, which is why I'm so open about things.
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