The first Monday of the New Year and I was back in the hospital, this time of my own accord, on January 6th for a Colonoscopy and EGD.
I worked at Olympus for five years in the Medical Systems Group. Olympus has roughly a 80-90% market on the colonoscopy equipment used in these procedures. I’d not personally seen one performed, but I had used the equipment in our training center and was well versed on the benefits and low risk of the procedure. I had no problem having it done.
I had put off having a colonoscopy when I turned 50 only due to my shifting healthcare coverages due to doing the contract work. It was a challenge to schedule the colonoscopy far enough ahead and still have insurance when the appointment rolled around.
Having the health issues coupled with working at the school encouraged and allowed me to finally have it done. The EGD was added because there were occasionally issues related to my conditions that could impact the esophagus so it made sense to get my throat scoped while I was out.
The night before I had to drink the liquid. It wasn’t as bad as many people say, though the last couple drinks are tough because you are so full. After my first round of liquids I went to bed and had set my alarm to get some sleep in between.
My mom took me to the location, which was close to my home. I had the first appointment so there were no delarys getting started.
They prepped me and next thing I knew it was over and they said I was good for ten years.
There are many options today in addition to a colonoscopy, but in my non professional opinion, it remains the best because the GI can take samples and snip polyps while they perform the procedure. If you opt for mail in testing you run the risk of false positives and vice versa and if anything is found you still have to do the colonoscopy.
If you go with a pillcam, which is very cool technology, again you still have to have the colonoscopy if anything is questionable.
Today, I believe there is a push for having one done at 45 as opposed to 50 and it is important to catch anything as early as possible, so regardless of how you get it done, get it done and the sooner the better.
Question For You
Have you had your colonoscopy screening? If not, plan to do it. It is painless and could save your life.
Ross Raymond Nunamaker 