It was time for another colonoscopy so I spent 2 days this week in prep and procedure. It's one of the joys of getting up in years. But colon cancer is the third most prevalent cancer and it took a friend of mine - a Marine and Vietnam vet who probably didn't like the thought of probes being inserted into his nether regions. I know it's not pleasant to think about, but the procedure can be a life saver.
The worst part is the prep day. You have to go on a liquid diet and then drink a gallon of a foul tasting fluid which acts to completely (and I mean completely!) clean out your colon. You go in for the procedure the next day. You are under sedation during the whole thing and aren't even aware of it. The doctor will run a scope into your colon, and if he finds any polyps, he will remove them. Polyps can be potential cancer sites.
I happen to have a tendency to grow polyps so the doctor removed about a half dozen and told me to come back in three years. Usually, if you are polyp free, the return frequency is 10 years.
So if you haven't done it, have one done. If not for you, for your family.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
Is a virtual one not indicated for you because of your propensity to polyps?
Concur! And that reminds me, I'm coming due for a 10 year recheck.
Goat - Nope. Gotta remove 'em and send to the lab.
NFO - Don't forget. And if you find a way to make that stuff taste good, let me know.
Post a Comment