Gentlemen et al,
Something you should consider when you hit that milestone is getting , by less than medical terms, an orifice scoping. I just got the results of my recent “adventure” and thankfully all was normal.
Many problems that these scopings reveal can be easily dealt with if discovered early.
BTW,the “cleansing” prep in the day before is a bit “tedious” but the proceedure itself is completely painless since it is done under general, mild, anesthesia. And they give you some great “stuff” to calm you before and after.
These proceedures, the annual “digital exam” and PSA blood tests should be done.
Remember, you’re only invincible on the waters.
Mark
PS: There WERE places in this post to insert humor but good taste prevailed.
I can attest to the importance of doing this early. Had I gone at 50, or 55, or even at 60 perhaps I would not have had to go thru all I have had to. As Mark said, it is completely painless. You will open your eyes and ask when are they going to start?..The prep? Just stay near the bathroom and wear sweat pants or pajamas , something you can get down in a hurry. No buckles or buttons etc…LOL>
I had my first scope 5 years ago (I was 35) because colon cancer runs in the family. I am scheduled to have another one done this year. All clear last time, proving that 5 years ago I was a perfect a$$hole (ha,ha). I haven’t changed much so I am hoping for the same results again this year.
“If it was easy anybody could do it”
Timothy S. Furey Sr.
According to my doc, all women over 50 should be getting the same orifice checked with the same frequency. Just in case you women out there were feeling all warm and fuzzy and lucky-not-to-be-a-guy.
Great advice! I got scared last year & had my 1st physical in 19 years, including the colonoscopy. All was well & I won’t be neglecting my health like that again.
Hey Mike…Set your recliner, library, & TV right by the “john” door!..but just for today! LOL!! Actually, as everyone else said, you’ll wake up & ask when they’re gonna start. Then you’ll want to go straight to a restaurant!
Mark…Good taste prevailed??..Nope!-I’m Irish.
Mike
Marco is right about getting the exam. My grandfather and two of my uncles died of prostate cancer and it is not a good way to go. One bit of advicer for those who work off shifts though; don’t try to work when prepping for the exam. I still hold the plant record for the forty yard dash from that night. Also second place, third place…thirtieth place. The only reason the boss didn’t send me home for lack of production is that he was laughing too hard to talk.
[This message has been edited by rainbowchaser (edited 19 January 2006).]
[This message has been edited by rainbowchaser (edited 19 January 2006).]
In my Army aviation days I used a bore scope on the aircraft. Now they use one on me. One thing I don’t miss about the Air Cavalry is the annual finger wave but back then I was getting paid for it. The things we endure for king and country.
Seriously, Mark, I am glad you got the all clear from your doc. We want you around for a long time. Good advice.
Vocelli,
Sorry to hear of your news. The upside is that prostate cancer is very slow gowing in older people especially and what you said about people dying with it and not from it is often true. Good luck to your dad.
Don’t give up on Garlic and Olive Oil, it may be that your daad would have developed prostate cancer at age 6 if he did not have it as a major part of his diet.
I whole hartedly agree on the nonalien probing. Wih I had mine a few years earlyer than I did.5 days in ICU following 17 hrs surgery followed by 16 days in normal room.12 wks of recovery.A scar that is scary OHHHHH did I forget the follow up GUTTING to re plumb me and REMOVE the colostomy and make every thing work again 9mos later.
TRUST ME get it checked cause walking around with a bag on your side is NOT fun.
Nor is a case of Paratinitus (SP)
This all happened in 98 and I get checked every 2 yrs now.
Keep tellin the DR I expect flowers and chocolates.
Dennis
Mark,
My landlord’s daughter inlaw has Crohns disease and was recently diagnosed with colon cancer. The cancer has spread to her liver and the out look is not good. The family are devoted Christians and we share a duplex with them. She is such a great person. It just breaks our hearts to even think about it. She has a great husband and two of the best teenagers I have ever known. We are not giving up hope but all of her treatment has stopped working. The family even left their Christmas tree up late this year. Very out of character for them. We didn’t ask but suspect they think this was her last Christmas with us. Well, if it’s His will, miracles do happen. If not then we know she will be with Him.
Actually it’s 50 (not 40) when everyone (both male and female should get their first colonoscopy (and Digital Rectal Exam - DRE). For men this also examines the prostate. The only indications to do these tests before that age are 1) a 1st degree relative with early colon cancer (before the age of 50, or 2) unexplained symptoms.
You all are very correct in pointing out the exams are not as bad as some would expect. They are saving lives.
The follow up should be every ten years if the doctor saw nothing significant. Every 3 to 5 years for repeat scope if they saw something suspect. There was an article published in JAMA w/i the past year (I think) that noted many Gastroenterologists are doing the 3 to 5 years f/u on folks with clean scopes (and they shouldn’t be). As always, if you have questions write them down and talk them over with your doctor. Congrats to all of you who followed through.
except in New Zealand where the time on the hospital waiting list averages 5-10 years, you get to sit on it while waiting to see a consultant. They say the NHS is diabolical, at least on the NHS there is some action and decent policies.
Thank heavens they changed the white drink to clear Gator Aid—My scope doctor is also a fishing buddy. He often asks while fishing 'Is everything still comming out all right"
