I received the best birthday present ever this week and could say I invested in them for myself. It was my first colonoscopy, the disruptive, yet critical study of the large intestine or colon. The results were negative. No cancer, no polyps. Clean as a, er . . . whistle. Sorry, it's hard to write regarding it. As you can imagine, I've only talked about this topic with a few close friends.
Now that contend is over, however, I feel sense of obligation to talk about it. I imagine it's the same type of obligation Katie Couric felt when she lost her husband to colon cancer years back. Couric wanted to help educate folks by having her next colonoscopy done on live computer.
The least I can do is post a blog about my experience.
ct colonoscopy Communicating about my colon is accomplishment easy, but dying of colon cancer is much less easy. The colon and rectal area is a difficult topic of conversation even under the best circumstances. The large intestine is the darkest organ in it doesn't receive the copious amounts of attention we give other body parts such as soul or stomach.
We worry with what our hair looks like and whether have got circles under our eyes. We're wary of the extra flesh at our waistlines, if not concerned enough to take action. Few of us think about the colon, however, much less talk about understand it. But, if you really want to take care of yourself, keep tabs on the darkest body organ.
Colon cancer usually develops from polyps, so the goal is to discover and deal the particular polyps earlier than later. Over 90% of people who get colon cancer are over 50. Many have neglected themselves by developing a sedentary lifestyle or bad eating inclinations.
In general, cancer occurs when healthy cells become altered, but that's not what causes most of these same to finally speak about their colon. In fact, many striving colon cancer for a long time before they have any idea. Eventually, changes in bowel habits, bloody stool, persistent cramping, gas or abdominal pain sends them together with doctor, who typically has to bite his tongue, knowing that colon cancer is quite preventable with early detection.
"How do experience? A little dehydrated?" Nurse Angie of the Rochester Medical Clinic was getting me situated for the audit. The clinic has seven doctors who see ten to fifteen patients any day.
"How could I be dehydrated?" I teased. "You forced me drink 64 ounces of Gatorade." The Gatorade was along with 238 grams of Miralax powder. I want to go on record as saying absolutely nothing is "lax" about Miralax. It was a little Fleet Phospho-soda, however, that really cleared the pipes. Attached to is to notice the colon clear completely clear of solid waste material, so the doc can everybody knows a good look.
"How much a person weigh, Michael?"
"I weighed 163 before yesterday, but I've been through a lot in then everything else 24 hours."
The day prior to an exam I was allowed to eat breakfast, but that's all. I had nothing to eat or drink, but water and some chicken broth for 25 hours or so before the evaluation. I never got hungry thanks to the distracting effects of the laxative.
Nurse Betsy seemed very pleased we was getting a colonoscopy only days before my 50th birthday. "You're right on schedule!" she beamed. Whatever makes her happy.
Dr. Dennis A Dahlstedt's business card shows that he's an M.D. of Gastroenterology, but he could also be a stand-up comedian. I met him about 30 seconds before we became, er . . with. intimately acquainted. Sorry, this is hard to talk about.
Have you seen the funny prostate exam in Fletch where Chevy Chase interrupts himself to sing, Moon River, when the doctor slips him a digit? Well, Dr. D. is apparently fond of the Damon Wayans/(Dr.) Lou Rawls TV skit because Dr. D. actually sang, You'll Never Find (Another Love Like Mine), as i was going still under. I swear to you, it's the do not want I heard before I was put to sleep.
So, while some folks have trouble referfing to the colon, many enjoy singing about this.
The anesthesiologist put me out using a terrific drug called "Propofol." I was unconscious very quickly and recovered faster than I do from Dramamine, so later, I applied for a six pack of Propofol to try.
I caught a glimpse of the colonoscope, a lariat made from black plastic that looks a bit like PVC tubing. The tube is about as thick as an index finger, if you'll pardon the assessment. The hose was approximately four feet extremely.
Talk about an all-in-one tool! The Swiss Army knife has nothing from the colonoscope. The business end of the tube is a camera. A dial at the opposite end makes the camera move. The tool has the power to irrigate the . It has a forceps, if you can believe it, with a snare or "noose" to clip and collect polyps. The colonoscope also has a light to illuminate what might as the darkest human appendage.
I'm told the colonoscope is sterilized for about one hour after every need.
After the procedure, Dr. Dahlstedt discovered see me inside the recovery area. He was quite happy my test results and my compliance as a enduring. "Great prep job!" he exhorted. "Like Artesian well water inside!"
Struggling with the analogy, I asked Dr. Dahlstedt what he thinks of colonic cleanses and etc. "Ridiculous!" he said. "Totally abnormal! You don't hear about squirrels in the woods giving themselves enemas, do you have?"
He had a significant point, but Much faster . never heard of one's squirrel paying $1,000 to have someone shove a camera up his back. That's not exactly natural, either.
"One more question, Doctor, what's you'll do it . best thing I will do to cure my colon?"
ct colonoscopy "Eat vegetables," he said. "See you in about ten numerous."
In ten years, researchers may perfect the new "virtual (non-invasive) colonoscopy," but don't postpone your exam. If you're over 50, schedule your exam right away. Share this article with someone over fifty %. I know it's hard, but talk in it.
Socrates said that the unexamined life isn't worth living. Well, a colonoscopy a good examination that helps to ensure a person keeps going living.
I'm going out tonight to celebrate. Gonna have a cocktail. And vegetables. Maybe a mojito.