| | |  Health & Beauty | July 2009 
The Abdominal Journey Continues... The Colonoscopy
 Pamela Thompson - PVNN
| HealthCare Resources Puerto Vallarta
Website: HealthCareResourcespv.com
Email: info(at)healthcareresourcespv.com
Tel: (322) 222-9638
Mobile: 044-322-107-7007
Nextel: 145-6912 | |
I know. I know. The thought of having a Colonoscopy done is not pleasant. It is not something folks look forward to doing. No grand anticipation of the big day. But honestly, it's not THAT bad! The prep part is the worst part of all.
I have now experienced four of these in the past couple of years and the main lesson learned is that it is important, no, it is mandatory, that you are very close to a bathroom (preferably your own with some good reading material,) as soon as you begin the preparation the afternoon prior to your exam.
The first time I began the prep (which BTW has to be some of the foulest tasting stuff in the world,) I was at work, thinking "Well, I'll start it now and finish up when I get home." BIG MISTAKE. Trying to figure out how to dash from the restroom at my office to my home put me in quite a quandary and some perfect timing. It begins to take effect nearly immediately!
The article below was originally written a couple of years ago, but basically remains the same with no changes!
The Abdominal Journey Continues....The Colonoscopy!
Arriving to the gastro's office feeling like I must have lost 10 lbs from drinking (and passing) the preparation brew, and feeling cranky from not having my morning coffee, I was ready to get this procedure done and over!
At 9:30 promptly, I was taken into a spacious, clean and very modern office. The very fresh, clean scent was a pleasant sensation. The lights were dim, soft music playing, I felt quite cozy even though my back-end was flashing in front of three doctors that I know quite well, and now, they know me even better.
The IV was easily started by the nurse, which I guarantee is no small feat. I was told to turn on my left side, which was a nice surprise. I figured I'd be in stirrups like in the GYN's office! (I am assuming that this is to get a better view of my not very small behind.)
The anesthesiologist leaned over, said "Good Morning, Pam." As I started to ask him to tell me when he was going to knock me out, I was! The next thing I knew, I awoke from a sleep so wonderful that I probably haven't had one like that since in the womb! "No," I thought "Please, let me sleep some more!" Looking at my watch, thinking I must have been in a coma for nearly a year, I realized it had only be 20 minutes!
No snickers or giggles from the doctors that I pass in the halls each day. Just pleasant smiles and "see you tomorrow." Feeling only a tad woozy, 30 minutes later I was driven home by my son and despite my craving for three Big Macs, I had a glorious 4-hour nap. I expected to be sore in a couple of places, but nothing. I swear!
According to the NIH (National Institute of Health) in the United States, in 2009 there were 106,100 new cases of colon cancer, 40,870 rectal cancer cases and 49,920 related deaths (colon and rectal combined.)
Definition of Colon Cancer: Cancer that forms in the tissues of the colon (the longest part of the large intestine.) Most colon cancers are adenocarcinomas (cancers that begin in cells that make and release mucus and other fluids.)
Definition of Rectal Cancer: Cancer that forms in the tissues of the rectum (the last several inches of the large intestine closest to the anus.)
Age and frequency recommendations vary but basically, it is advised for people with no risk factors to start testing at the age to 50. People with a family history of colon cancer should have a Colonoscopy at the age of 40, or 10 years before the age that the relative was diagnosed with the cancer.
At Healthcare Resources Puerto Vallarta, we are offering a "summer special" price for a Colonoscopy. Think about it. Then just do it! It really is not that bad!
 Pamela Thompson is a registered nurse who has lived in Puerto Vallarta for over 17 years, 10 of them in health care. Pamela now leads HealthCare Resources Puerto Vallarta, a local healthcare resource network. Her years of experience and expertise are available to you by emailing your questions to pamela(at)healthcareresourcespv.com or by visiting HealthCareResourcesPV.com.
Click HERE to learn more about the health and well-being services offered by HealthCare Resources Puerto Vallarta. |
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