7 Reasons for not being afraid of a colonoscopy: even a Panda can get it!

On may 1 (2009) Tai Shan, the giant Panda of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo was given a colonoscopy – an endoscopic exam was made of his upper and lower intestinal tract to check whether he had healed from eosinophilic colitis, a rare chronic inflammatory bowel condition diagnosed last summer. A colonoscopy can for sure save a life: even a Panda can get it! 7 reasons for not being afraid of a colonoscopy: • 1 – You can not feel a colonic polyps forming, and when you have the symptoms, it may already be too late. • 2 – The preperation on the day before may be inconvenient, but it’s certainly worth your life. • 3 – You will be positioned comfortably on your left side during the procedure, and the medical experts maintain your modesty and dignity as much as possible. • 4 – You will be asleep for the entire colonoscopy procedure – which will likely only take about 20 minutes (depending on whether or not you have polyps to be removed). • 5 – Recovery time is usually only about 30 minutes, and normally you will be able leave immediately… and enjoy a meal! • 6 – The best part – you will leave with peace of mind. • 7 – Colorectal cancer is often highly treatable: when found and treated early, the five-year survival rate is about 90 percent. Karen Smith (registered colonscopy unit nurse) says: “If you have any of the following you should check with your doctor for prompt diagnosis and treatment: Change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool, that lasts for more than a few days. Feeling that you need to have a bowel movement that is not relieved by doing so. Rectal bleeding, dark stools, or blood in the stool (often, though, the stool will look normal). Cramping or abdominal pain. Weakness and fatigue. So, please, if you are 50 or older, it’s time for a screening colonoscopy.” Source: Theledger.com