Monday, June 4, 2007
ONE FOR THE BOYS
June is Men's Health Month.
June also brings us Father's day, my father's birthday and my father's death day. They come one right after another. And 10 years later, my only question about my father's passing remains, "WHY DIDN'T HE EVER HAVE A COLONOSCOPY?"
Actually, it's been the only question I've ever had. He was a healthy guy who got his annual checkups. But for whatever reason, his doctor never said, "get a colonoscopy." So naturally, he got colon cancer, and it spread quickly, and that was that.
I don't want to go all Katie Couric on you, but it's really a dumb way to die. So very preventable. Since then, my brothers and I have had several colonoscopies (not together and not at the same time, of course.)
If you have your doubts about this procedure, let me assure you it is not unpleasant. The day before is no walk in the park. It's more like a walk to the bathroom. A brisk walk. Several times, as a matter of fact, as you clean your system out.
But the day of...no problem. They put you under, you don't feel a thing, and then your designated driver picks you up to take you home, because you'll be floating like a balloon. High as a kite. And happy. Especially after hearing the doctor say, "You're clean" or "We got a couple of polyps out of there."
Go ahead, just do it...especially if you're 50+ and have never had one.
By the way, my father's name was Mel. Good thing I wasn't a "junior."
June also brings us Father's day, my father's birthday and my father's death day. They come one right after another. And 10 years later, my only question about my father's passing remains, "WHY DIDN'T HE EVER HAVE A COLONOSCOPY?"
Actually, it's been the only question I've ever had. He was a healthy guy who got his annual checkups. But for whatever reason, his doctor never said, "get a colonoscopy." So naturally, he got colon cancer, and it spread quickly, and that was that.
I don't want to go all Katie Couric on you, but it's really a dumb way to die. So very preventable. Since then, my brothers and I have had several colonoscopies (not together and not at the same time, of course.)
If you have your doubts about this procedure, let me assure you it is not unpleasant. The day before is no walk in the park. It's more like a walk to the bathroom. A brisk walk. Several times, as a matter of fact, as you clean your system out.
But the day of...no problem. They put you under, you don't feel a thing, and then your designated driver picks you up to take you home, because you'll be floating like a balloon. High as a kite. And happy. Especially after hearing the doctor say, "You're clean" or "We got a couple of polyps out of there."
Go ahead, just do it...especially if you're 50+ and have never had one.
By the way, my father's name was Mel. Good thing I wasn't a "junior."
Posted at 9:55 AM by Gerry
2 Comments:
I bet your Dad would have enjoyed reading your words. And I echo your thoughts....the dreaded "day before" is just that....more fiction than reality. Just keep the bathroom door open! And the day of the procedure, literally 1 hour of your life, is easy. And it can and does change EVERYTHING. Thanks Katie.....err.....Gerry. You did a good thing. Peter N.
Gerry
I agree that the day before the procedure is the worst part of it. You don't even know it was done until it is over. Half awake trying to put your clothes on are funny or so I have heard.
Hope others get it done. Those few hours of discomfort are better then the alternative.
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