Family History

"Family History"

It was barely more than three months ago that family medical history rocked my world when mom told me about her colon cancer... and too soon after that, she lost her battle with the nasty beast called cancer.

So, filled with sorrow from her passing, and with joy remembering her amazing life, it was time to get busy dealing with family history. I made an appointment to have my annual[ish] physical and seek a referral for the dreaded colonoscopy. My physical was overall fine; a few numbers I need to lower but no med's needed. Then the awesome Dr. Brown asked me where I wanted to go for the 'procedure'. I'm a Murray County guy and I've heard that we are in danger of losing our hospital so I opted for Dr. Rodriguez at Murray Medical Center - and I am so glad I did! Here are a few reasons why:

• Dr. Rodriguez was quick to get me scheduled and even quicker to ease my worry by letting me know that family history is a concern, but certainly no guarantee to get cancer
• I was able to get an appointment quickly
  
• At check-in I was warmly greeted and checked-in fast.
• I waited in a comfortable waiting room and found a magazine I found interesting, but I had no time to read it since within minutes I was escorted to my room.
• Nowhere did the hospital have an unpleasant odor - I CANNOT overstate the importance of this for me!
  
• The nurses were AMAZING. They made me feel so at ease and comfortable, even while wearing that stupid dignity-killing gown.
• I had my first "I.V." installed and the nurse got it done in one, practically pain-free[ish] try.
• While waiting my turn for the operating room, I was visited by the hospital administrator - who took time from his crazy schedule to hang out and pray with me
  
• A short wait later it was my turn - I acted quite brave but was pretty nervous. I was wheeled into the room, given a shot in my I.V. and that was it, I was painlessly out in a matter of seconds.
• The next thing I know Gail was waking me up to go home - nearly an hour ahead of schedule!
• Three minutes after climbing into our car, Gail had me in our bed for a very peaceful afternoon nap!
  
• And most importantly - I am all-clear!

Most people that had been where I was going told me that the worst part of the colonoscopy was the prep work the day before. I didn't much like not eating for a whole day but the drinking and pill-taking was truthfully a breeze - and the 'food-fast and prep-work' helped lower one of those numbers I mentioned earlier - I lost seven pounds! I have since found most of them.

All this to say two things:

• If it's your time, whether by age or family history, get the colonoscopy. It really is no problem and it could be life saving.
• If you're a Murray County person, my experience confirms that you can feel great about using Murray Medical Center