Time to get a Colonoscopy
In 2002 at age 53 I was diagnosed with colon cancer. Colon cancer is a disease that doesn't present symptoms until it's too late. I was fortunate in that I had an intermittent strange pain in my stomach. It happened a few times and I thought I was getting an ulcer. After having an Endoscopy which didn't show anything, my doctor sent me for a Colonoscopy. The result was finding a lemon size tumor and they wouldn't let me leave the hospital, scheduling me for surgery the next day. I'm still here because the tumor was removed early enough.
At the time I was active on a few forums and I made some posts about the experience. Two people contacted me to let me know they had tumors which had been found in time. And after I put up a web page about it, someone called me because he had been diagnosed with inoperable colon cancer and just wanted someone to talk to who understood.
I'm writing about this now because there is a renewed interest. Recently Dr Oz had a series on getting a Colonoscopy and one of the prime time sitcoms had a Colonoscopy theme last week. I was contacted by a company doing some background work for the Dr Oz show to interview me on Zoom about my experience because I had created a page on my web site titled "A Colonoscopy Saved My Life".
https://bermangraphics.com/about/medical.htm
Bottom line is that if you're over 45/50 and have never gotten one, get a Colonoscopy because it could save your life.
Larry Berman
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
Comments
I
also meant to say that the prep is no longer terrible
Thank you, Larry. I just got the colonoscopy after a friend told me that at 38 years old he had one based on stomach issues and the doctor found suspicious polyps and removed them My friend is now 49 and would not be alive today if the stomach issues had not been checked out.
Yes! Take care of your health. Jean took care of usual female doctor appointments but neglected general physicals. Short version of long story was stage 3 colon cancer diagnosis after stomach problems, surgery, chemo, but now 16 years cancer free. Post cancer surgery 2004, no one would insure her, but some business by hook or crook in CO got her covered at around $30K per year total expense. That depleted about $500K retirement savings and almost loosing house. Another long story and corporate acquisition, but at point of desperation I became a Chevron Oil retiree with full medical benefits. Working on rebuilding my "fortune" now. Get those medical exams and colonoscopies. Ha Ha I have aged out of getting them. Wont miss the prep.