Pajama Pundits

Unbelievable that anyone is offended by the mere mention of a the name of a medical procedure.

Reynolds says:

...there aren't many simple safe procedures that can absolutely prevent cancer, and this is one. Don't forego it because you're squeamish.

He is correct, but doesn't mention that this test also catches cancer before it's too far along to treat effectively and easily. Easily, to me, means surgery without chemo or radiation. Chemo and radiation are never easy, and they generally last much longer than the recuperation period for major abdominal surgery.

I think he's not giving a good picture of the sedative, often Versed, given for this procedure. Not only is it very relaxing for the recipient, it can be fun for whoever gets to accompany the patient. The patient has little or no memory of the events of several hours, is extremely cooperative, and can be very amusing. Precautions after getting Versed include:

Midazolam may cause some people to feel drowsy, tired, or weak for 1 or 2 days after it has been given. It may also cause problems with coordination and one's ability to think. Therefore, do not drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert until the effects of the medicine have disappeared or until the day after you receive midazolam, whichever period of time is longer.

Ability to think is required for blogging? Damn, somebody should have told me!

In 1992, the doc found a cancerous polyp during a colonoscopy on my husband. Surgery followed - a colon re-section (without colostomy) - and no signs of cancer have been found since. This is a very good thing.

He had yearly colonoscopies until 1997, then a 3 year follow-up, and after finding no polyps this year, he won't go back for another for 5 years.

So, listen to the Instapundit: Don't forego a colonoscopy because you're squeamish.

Or too easily offended.