Passing the Test of Good Health

As I sit here in the waiting room waiting (duh) while my husband undergoes his very first colonoscopy I am thinking about the different medical tests we all should have as we age. Well…ONLY if we want to age well-or at least minimize whatever has the potential to ruin the quality of our lives!

And, yes, I know tests/doctors don’t catch everything, but I’m a firm believer in taking full advantage of what the medical field can offer. And, of course, we all know many of the tests are uncomfortable. Really… does anyone know woman who actually enjoys having her boob smashed in a machine!?!  And the prep for the colonoscopy….yikes! But we do it anyway because it’s important! From what I know <insert smirk here> just look at how many cancers are now treatable, if not cure-able ! 

This might be a good time to state that I DO know what is called my “Scope of Practice”, meaning I am fully aware that I am a Fitness Professional and not a doctor!! So whatever I say here is drawn from my simple, sometimes naïve, view of life :) 

So….my husband gets an excellent report, (YEA!) and since the doctor is right in front of me, I figure here’s my chance to glean some accurate information-or at least back up what my doctor has told me-haha! Yes, if there is no family history then having your first colonoscopy at 50 years old is fine. (YEA!) Plus if all looks good-and stays good- then you won’t need another one for ten years! (YEA! again) I thought that was pretty standard, but sadly, I know waaaay too many people with family histories who must do this procedure pretty much every year. (Thanks, Mom and Dad, for that genetic advantage)

BUT! What I didn’t know was that colon cancer can be prevented by these screenings. Along with the possible removal of polyps. According to Dr. Berger at Midwest Endoscopy, this is the only procedure that can actually prevent cancer! He explained that with other tests for cancer you either have it or you don’t, but with colon cancer they basically “maintain” the colon so the environment, if you will, is not “cancer friendly”.  So….we put up with some discomfort-isn’t it worth it?

My intent when I began this blog post was to talk about the different types of preventative medicine, but I ended up talking too much about colons! WhooHoo! Next time….. 

“Butt” to leave you on a lighter note-let me tell you a little story…

I was in the waiting room today by myself for at least a couple hours (LOVE my little red laptop!) The nurse comes out and calls “Sue”.  So I grab my “temporary office” and head back to an area that looks just like an emergency room. I tell the nurses, yes, I’m Sue-which room is my husband in?  I don’t know who was more surprised when I whipped open that curtain-me or the strange man in the hospital gown! Awkward. I’m chuckling even as I write this!!

Apparently there was supposed to be another wife named “Sue” out there, (I must be the more obedient wife...ha!) It was just me and 2 older gentlemen. I had so many comedic thoughts running through my head as I headed BACK out to wait! Besides the fact that my husband is much better looking-even in a hospital gown!- I also wondered who got the better deal? MY husband or THAT husband?

I know MY husband absolutely got the more expensive, higher maintenance wife-hee!hee! Although, I would guess I’m the more fun wife, or at least the more interesting wife. Yeah….yeah….that’s the word…. )