For years, my parents have been pressuring me to get a colonoscopy. My feeling was I’m fine. Every time I visit the doctor, I’m diagnosed as being in “perfect” physical condition (except for my vitamin “D” levels). Plus, the thought of getting a colonoscopy just didn’t appeal to me.
Yet, I finally scheduled one. I go thru the preparation. The day arrives. My wife drives me to the hospital. I check in. After de-clothing, the doctor discusses all, which will occur.
In a confident manner, I ask the doctor, “When all checks out, when is the next recommended time I need to get rechecked? 10 years?” The doctor said, “Yes, assuming everything is perfect.” But she cautioned me; the average recommended recheck time is 5 years.
They took me in the operating room. Put me to sleep. Performed the procedure.
When I woke up, and became coherent, I learned of some startling news! I had 5 polyps (growths on surface of colon and large intestine)! 4 were small. The 5th one was large and pre-cancerous! Wow!
All polyps were removed, sent to the lab, and were determined to be benign! Phew!!!
I was told had I NOT had this procedure, those polyps could have very well become full-blown cancerous!
By the way, the doctor tells me I must get a colonoscopy every 3 years, not 10 or 5 years as I had hoped, or they recommended!
Why am I telling you this “very” personal story? Simple. If you’re in your 40’s (or beyond), and have yet to get a colonoscopy, do so as soon as you can!
Why? Your kids desperately need you! As you already know, we must make decisions based on the greater good of our families versus what’s palatable to us personally … even if we don’t like it!
Vow to yourself (and kids), you’ll do everything in your power to be there for them (physically, mentally, and spiritually).
