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Colonscopy Patient Says, "Just Do It"
James Labadie was 66 when he had his first colonoscopy. It was better late than never. At the urging of his 84-year-old mother, James had a general physical. "I was thinking about it, but it's something you always put off," he says. During the physical, his doctor recommended a screening colonoscopy because of his age.
Dr. O'Loughlin performed James' colonoscopy at Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin this past fall. "It was easier than I thought it would be," James says.
During the colonoscopy, Dr. O'Loughlin found and removed a polyp, which was benign — good news for James. He'll get a checkup in six months to make sure everything still looks good.
His only trouble with the procedure? He arrived at his appointment minus a friend or family member to drive him home afterward. He knew about that requirement, but didn't take it seriously: "I was stubborn. A lot of guys figure 'it's just a simple thing.' Basically, it is. But your doctor won't release you without a ride home."
James' advice to people who've been putting off a colonoscopy is: "Just do it. You'll know there's nothing there and it will make you feel better.Your family will, too."
Source: Froedtert Today Date: December 2005 |