marklewismd.bsky.social @marklewismd.bsky.social · 14/12/20245) talk to your doctor about your gut health (a diagnostic scope to work up symptoms is *different* than screening), know your family history (who’s the youngest relative affected by colon cancer & at what age?), and choose the approach that’s right for you Wishing you the best! m 140
marklewismd.bsky.social @marklewismd.bsky.social · 14/12/20244) all in all there is no substitute for embodied experience — I can now better counsel my own patients on what colonoscopy entails; keep in mind, though, that many modern stool tests aren’t “just” looking for blood but precancerous DNA too (albeit not with perfect sensitivity)media.tenor.coma man is standing next to an open toolbox with a cartoon character in front of himALT: a man is standing next to an open toolbox with a cartoon character in front of him 140
marklewismd.bsky.social @marklewismd.bsky.social · 14/12/20243) there is obviously a much larger debate around where to set the appropriate time of first screening, e.g. 50 or 45 for average risk? At age 45 I had five polyps removed (which will now be examined by pathology to determine if they had any malignant potential but *probably* better out than in) 120
marklewismd.bsky.social @marklewismd.bsky.social · 14/12/20242) similarly sedation makes the whole procedure more comfortable but a “propofol nap” requires additional recovery time afterward — I was certainly in no state to drive myself home, for instance, nor could I work today as I usually would 120
marklewismd.bsky.social @marklewismd.bsky.social · 14/12/2024First colonoscopy done so finally this minister’s son can practice what he preaches! My impressions: 1) there’s definitely opportunity cost when it comes to the prep (for me MiraLAX + Dulcolax + simethicone + Gatorade) but there’s no way around needing to clear the lumen for the gastroenterologist 1143
marklewismd.bsky.social @marklewismd.bsky.social · 13/12/2024Hello Bluesky! Rather than dipping my toes into new waters I am going to dive right in Tomorrow I’m having my first-ever colonoscopy Along with my gastroenterologist I am going to document the process to allay any fears or questions others have about the procedure See you in the morning! mark 0100