Priority #1: My Health

Remember when I listed my priorities a few months back (check it out here).  Anyway, the number one thing on my list is my health.  This is because without my health, I have no chance of happiness or a complete life. So guess what I am doing today?

Getting a colonoscopy!

You know you are jealous!  Due to the fact that my Crohn’s has continued to flare up once or twice a year, my doctors have wanted me to get a yearly colonoscopy.  Back in 2004, the doctors removed polyps, so they have kept a good eye on me.  I am hoping that if this one comes back normal, then I can start doing this every 3 years instead of every year.  So that is why I, a 29 year old, is getting a colonoscopy.

But more importantly, I want to use this post to urge every single person who reads this that is over 50 years old to get their routine colonoscopy.  If your parents are over 50, make sure they are up to date and have gotten their routine colonoscopy.

As I wrote on Monday, my father died of colon cancer.  As a quick recap, my father went in for his routine colonoscopy at age 59.  He had no family history of cancer and his doctor had never recommended that he have a colonoscopy.  Once he finally had it done, it was too late.  He was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer and given 3 months to live.  He never had any symptoms, never lost any weight and even his blood work remained normal.

While I do not live my life with what ifs, it is hard to not wish my dad had gotten his colonoscopy earlier.  He could still be here.  He could have walked me down the aisle.  So my way of handling this situation is to try and make sure everyone else gets their colonoscopy done. It is a very important exam, even if you think you have no chances of getting colon cancer (my dad definitely never thought he would get it!). If you or a parent is over 50, make sure they get it done! I can attest, the exam is not that bad.  The worst part is the prep.

So that is my public service announcement of the day.  Right now, I am exhausted because I didn’t sleep and I am STARVING.  I’m already dreaming of what I will eat after the test (I will have not eaten any food since Tuesday evening….nearly 45 hours ago).  Here’s to hoping today goes well!

To Smile.