Cancer is a leading cause of death, and colon cancer is one of its more fatal forms. Many physicians recommend that a patient undergo a colonoscopy at the age of 50 (and periodically thereafter) as an "early warning" test for detecting colon cancer.
I turned 50 this summer. And I underwent a colonoscopy this morning (anything to avoid grading exams, right?). Most folks warned me that the prep would be worse than the exam itself, and they were right. Even so, I handled the prep better than I had been led to believe. (Nevertheless, I'm glad that the last 24 hours are "behind" me.)
So if you are 50 or older and have yet to undergo a colonoscopy, make that a priority on your to-do list in 2010. You owe it to yourself, your family, and your friends.
And there's the indescribable pleasure of that first real food after the procedure. I recommend the Zingerman's brisket, red onion, and schmaltz on rye, with a side of greasy cottage fries.
I want to point out that my excellent university health insurance does not cover this procedure so I had to pay for it out of pocket to add insult to injury. It's not fun AND I had to pay for it…
I'm scheduled for one next week. Dreading it. My imagination is in over-drive about how it might go. Not worried that they'll find anything. Just the procedure itself. I hated being sedated. And prepping sounds like a nightmare.
After drinking the liquid All-Bran, will I retain any control over my bowels? Or should I just park myself on the can and wait?
I turned 50 this past summer, so this was my "present" to myself.
I discovered much later that you need to make sure your doctor "codes" the procedure correctly. My HMO pays for "preventative" colonoscopies at age 50 (and thereafter) but whoa unto you if your doctor gives the procedure any code or comment that "smacks" of a symptom of trouble–a diagnositic procedure costs (here in sensible Minnesota) over $2500.
I didn't enjoy it, but I understand the importance after having friends who had early diagnosis. I just wish they would come up with mojito flavor for the prep mix. (And a little rum would certainly help move things along)