Your 10 Years Are Up! -- Time To Schedule That Colonoscopy | Health In Retirement

There are two different approaches to the screening. You can select a virtual screening in which you don't have to be sedated. You have a 3D imagery done. However, this won't allow for doctors to remove any problem areas if discovered.

The other option is that you can elect to have evasive surgery as shown in the image above to the right in which you are sedated and must submit to an outpatient procedure in a hospital or clinic. This is the option both me and my husband chose. We wanted a full scale procedure just in case any issues were found.

The full-scale invasive procedure will give your doctor the opportunity to examine the large bowel and the distal part of the small bowel with a CCD camera or a fiber optic camera. The camera is placed on a flexible tube that passes through the anus. The camera can provide a visual diagnosis and provides the physician a chance to remove any issues found, then send the tissue to a lab for biopsy. ²

The colonoscopy will give you the opportunity to undergo treatment as soon as possible. I know it's a lifesaver. It helped save the life of a family member.

Beginning at age 50, our doctors recommended the procedure. They advised that we make sure to get screened every ten years, unless problems arise before that time. Since we both didn't have a history of ulcers, colon or rectal cancer, we remained on our 10 year schedule.

Since we both didn't have any indications of problems, we were told to always be mindful of situations that arise which may indicate you should seek immediate advice of your physician.

What Are Some Risk Factors?

According to the NIH, you are at an increased risk for colorectal cancer if you:

-are male;
-are African American;
-have had polyps or colorectal cancer;
-have someone in your family who has had polyps or colorectal cancer;
-have a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease;
-have Lynch syndrome, or another genetic disorder that increases the risk of colorectal cancer; or
-have other factors, including excessive weight or you're a smoker.¹

So last week, I accompanied my husband to the clinic for his consultation. He hates doctors and hospitals. However, he knows that he has to take care of his health even more so at this stage of his retirement life.

We checked in; then waited for his appointment time. As you can see, masks are required to enter the clinic and must be worn throughout the visit there.

While waiting, I took the opportunity to capture images of some awesome artwork. I think clinics and doctors officers have amazing photographs to surround you with a sense of calm.

When his turn came, we proceeded to the examination room. The doctor then advised us of how the procedure will be conducted. Since we've undergone the procedure before, she just made sure we knew about the new changes in the prep procedures.

Preparing For the Procedure

According to the general instructions given to us at the clinic to take home for a colonoscopy, he is to eat reduced fiber three days before the procedure.

On the day of the procedure, you can't eat any solid foods. Only a liquid diet is allowed that consists of:

• Flavored bouillon cubes;
• Water, tea, or coffee (no cream);
• Sprite, 7-Up or Ginger-Ale;
• Apple juice or lemonade;
• Sports drinks such as Gatorade. Must be light colored;
• Jell-O; Kool-Aid or Popsicles (orange, yellow and peach color only).

The key is to drink only clear liquids the entire day (no red, green, purple, or blue).

Also, the key to a complete bowel cleansing is to drink two. 16 ounce glasses of water after digesting the bowel prep. This must be completed in one hour. Of course, you'll have diarrhea. That's expected until your stool is clear.

However, it's the affects of the prep that my husband doesn't like to go through. You may experience bloating. Other symptoms I had were mild cramping and nausea. The key is to keep close to the facilities. That may mean not leaving home.

Finished with the consultation, we proceeded to the pharmacy to pick up the bowel prep medication.

What an eventful day. Now were ready for the big day in two weeks. He's promised himself to eat all his favorite foods before his 3-day reduced intake begins. As though the food won't be available after the procedure. He's truly a lovable character.

On our way home, I was able to capture some nice flowers that are prevalent this time of year.

A final note. His doctor advised him that this is the last Colonoscopy he's required to undergo. It's recommended individuals age 45 - 75.

Good news for me also as I'm scheduled to undergo the procedure in the next two years. Then it will be the last one for me.

Thanks for visiting today and viewing the information for a Colonoscopy and the preparation for the procedure. If you have any questions, or would like to leave a comment, please do so below.