On having a colonscopy

I had my second routine colonoscopy today as this is a preventive medicine measure that makes great sense. 

I blog about this because I hope that will encourage others to undergo this procedure.

For those who do not really understand the procedure, I will explain some of the details.

Yesterday was all liquids (clear liquids) and then a strong laxative.  This part is a necessary evil.  Even if we move to virtual colonoscopy, we will still need the prep.  No magic here, just a crude uncomfortable day.

Today I was fortunate to be the first patient of the day.  The procedure is "simple" – you just lie there and allow them to shove a long thin flexible tube throughout your colon.  Fortunately, you are pretreated with Demerol and Versed.  Thus, you have minimal pain, and even less recollection.

I did have one somewhat expected side-effect – bloating from the air used to inflate the colon.  I did have some discomfort for a couple of hours after the procedure, but now I feel well.

Oh, and my colon was clean, without polyps.  So that is all until 2018.

Once you reach 50 or have a strong family history of colon cancer, you too should have a colonoscopy.  You owe to yourself and your loved ones.