Yeah, I’m talking to you. I’m talking to the construction worker, the plumber, the installer, the accountant, the race car driver, the race car mechanic, any mechanic. I’m talking to you, sailor, soldier, airman, marine. I’m talking to you preacher man, politician and administrator. Yeah, I’m talking to you biker guy, cyclist, and go cart racer. And you, fishermen, hunters and cowboys. I’m talking to all you men. I don’t care what your religion is; I don’t care what your gender preference is; I don’t care what gender you used to be. I don’t care what your job is or your hobbies. What I want to know is, are you man enough to undergo a colonoscopy? You heard me, a colonoscopy. You know, where they check inside of your colon to see if you have colorectal cancer, or possibly, pre-cancerous polyps.
I’ve heard some pretty lame excuses from men of all walks of life. One of my favorites was a guy who said, “If God wanted me to have someone looking up my ass, he would’ve put a window in my back.” That would be interesting on many different levels.
I truly believe that most men avoid the doctor and procedures like colonoscopies because they are actually afraid…afraid that the results will be bad and they may have to deal with other procedures or even their own mortality. Get some facts here (http://www.cancer.org/cancer/colonandrectumcancer/detailedguide/colorectal-cancer-key-statistics) such as, Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States when men and women are considered separately, and the second leading cause when both sexes are combined. It is expected to cause about 49,700 deaths during 2015. Why do I think more men die from colon/rectum cancer? Probably for the same reason they die of heart attacks and strokes — I’m only guessing here, but it may be because THEY DON’T GO TO THE DOCTOR AND GET THE CHECKUPS THEY SHOULD. There are symptoms that can give you an idea that something might be wrong. Many years ago when I was in my late thirties, I had blood in my stool—yep, you’ve got to be aware of stuff like that. The doctor found nine pre-cancerous polyps and they were easily removed. So, tomorrow, I go in for my fifth colonoscopy in 20 years. The last three were negative for polyps. Today, I am preparing for the procedure.
What to expect. Well, it all starts with your annual physical, or in some of your cases, an actual visit to the doctor. If you’re over 50, I hear they recommend a colonoscopy anyway. The doctor should ask you some questions that will determine if there is a problem, assuming you haven’t already discovered something. Then you will be referred to a digestive specialist. You will have an appointment with the digestive center (specialist) who may do a little checkup depending on if you have any problems. In my case, they had a nurse come in and explain the procedures and give me a printout stating the preparation procedures–it took about a half hour. Follow the instructions. Get the proper stuff for the prep. Make plans to take a couple days off. Ensure that you have a person who can take you and drive you home after the procedure. I have a really cool wife who does things like that for me. If you don’t have a really cool wife, find someone who can assist you. Maybe you can make a pact with one of your buddies…he helps you and in return when it’s his turn, you help him.
So, you’ve got to be on mega laxatives all day – don’t plan on leaving the house. This is your day. Let’s evaluate the positives in what would otherwise be a real “crappy” day.
For me today: I’ve been able to spend the whole day with my two loving dogs; I got a load of laundry done; I got to catch-up read on FB, G+ and many of the posts of my fellow bloggers on WP and others places; I got to make somewhat asinine comments where and whenever possible; write this blog post (should’ve written more on my book but didn’t), paid bills, watched tv and gave myself a haircut. The haircut part only works if you really don’t care what other people think about the way your hair looks. 😉 (If you cut your own hair it would be a good idea to get out the vacuum to get up all the little hairs—I know my wife expects appreciates it.) Notice that you didn’t see me mention anything strenuous like yard work. Trust me.
By now, you’ve probably figured that I’m not embarrassed to talk about this subject. Not much embarrasses me—I’m the guy who sings karaoke without having alcoholic drinks first.
In reality, I want to encourage men to get their checkups. There are so many silent killers out there that ensure we men die so much sooner than women. Why? I think, for the most part, we’re just as smart as women but we have something that gets in the way of us being man enough to take care of ourselves. If you’re just waiting to get out of a bad marriage and you think that colorectal cancer is just a good a way as any, I say, “NO!” If you really want to make a point, outlive her. That way, you get to decide where the bodies are buried.
I hope this gives you at least a small amount of encouragement, I hope. Otherwise, maybe this will give you something to think about. Do some research, find out what is involved. Find out your family’s medical history and research other things, as well. Also, encourage your sons and daughters; encourage your relatives and friends. Encourage each other to do what it takes to live longer. Don’t wait until you’re ill. I’m sure you know someone who “died unexpectedly” and it turned out to be something that could’ve been taken care of if caught early enough or even prevented. Start up a relationship with your doctor – take care of the whole body. Know your body. Lose weight – heck, I’ve already lost three pounds since yesterday. 😉 Know your cholesterol and triglyceride levels, know your blood pressure and heart rate; know your exercise routine; know your wife, kids and grandchildren. And, as a Christian, I say, “know your God.” Reduce your stress and do your best, in a cold cruel world, to enjoy your life.
Any women out there reading this, get your checkups and persuade your men; and your sons and daughters to do the same.
Oh…Sorry, gotta go.
Jay 🙂
And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.
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