I didn’t talk about this on Twitter or that much at all, but yesterday I had my first of what will be regular colonoscopies.
As many of you know, my dad was diagnosed with colon cancer at 45 (very young), and the rule of thumb right now is to start getting checked 10 years before the blood relative’s diagnosis (yes, I was overdue).
So Sunday I started my fast and cleans for the procedure yesterday afternoon (hence why I wasn’t at work). Like many will tell you it’s the prep that is unpleasant, the procedure is cake.
Yesterday I got to see what the inside of my colon looks like (pink and fleshy) and I also got to see why I need to get checked regularly: they found something.
That something was a small polyp. A quick snip and they removed it for analysis. From the size and looks of it, I was told that it will probably be benign, however it was there.
Because it was there, and polyps are one of those indicators, I’ll be back for another check in a while. Don’t know how often. I’ll find out in three weeks (also when I’ll find out if the polyp is really benign). I’m guessing probably about every three years or less.
So there it is. I’m in that class of people who are outside the bell curve for when to get checked, but … well I’m glad I did.
Scary? Yeah, of course it is.
So guys, if you have a family history, get checked. If you don’t ask your doctor for the signs to watch for.
Really.
No, Kris, I didn’t bring pictures back of my insides.
Tris Hussey is a writer, teacher, blogger, and speaker on all facets of Internet life, WordPress, and social media. He is the author of Create Your Own Blog: 6 Easy Blogging Projects to Start Blogging Like a Pro and Using WordPress.
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well, i never thought my first comment on your blog would be about ass but you just never know!
this is also a very big deal to me and im real glad you wrote this post.
my favourite (only member of my family i ever felt close to) died of colon cancer at 53 as well as both of my grandfathers and on my site you’ll find a category for ASS SURGERY all capitals like that too cause i had rhoid surgery it was A.W.E.S.O.M.E. so hey when we go for coffee we can talk about our asses!
here is hoping you have many more healthy years with your ass and your test is clear and all future ones.
gusgreeper´s last blog post..Mystery Break
Thanks Corina, I’ve always had this in the back of my mind (fibre is your friend!) and have donated for the cause often.
My dad passed when he was 56 (1992) so, I know that since he was so young I need to be diligent in my check .
Here’s to healthy asses!
*gulp* good for you bro!
kk+´s last blog post..Natasha Ruski [Flickr]
Thanks Kris. Really it’s not bad. It doesn’t hurt (no nerves in your colon) and I’m back to normal eating today.
Good for you. After all, how much can dignity can you really retain in a memorial service when you could be having a party?
raincoaster´s last blog post..Houston…
This is very true!
Thank you for sharing something that is so personal to you. Many people know of the risk factors and never go for a check up — this is especially true for men. So, it is nice to have guys like you advocating the importance of going for a check up. Your post could be life-saving for some people
Thank you May. Yeah guys don’t talk about this often (or the other part we have to get checked), and we need to.