Moms are you doing all these health maintenance things?

[Anonymous]

Someone posted on another thread that if your not having sex you don't need paps and they're not doing them as much in Europe...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The people not getting colonoscopies, you are flat out dumb.

Colon cancer is very common and also so preventable. It's the second leading cancer killer.

They should make the screening easier. I need to do it but I am deterred by the prep and the need for general anesthesia.

You're being a baby. Is this all because it's about butts?

The prep is nbd. Moderate your diet the day before, drink the powder mixed with Gatorade, have a couple liquid BMs and that's it.

General anesthesia is never used. It's twilight sedation or, if you want, something lighter. Or you can choose to be fully aware like Katie Couric.

My colonoscopy was under propofol, which is deep sedation. I had no memory of it whatsoever. No breathing tube and not general anasthesia, but most people are not conscious.

It is the combination of the sedation along with it being "about butts" that stresses people out. It is scary to have someone scoping your body in general, doing it in a sensitive/personal area makes it feel worse, being sedated means loss of control. It can be hard to overcome the psychology of that.

Your approach of calling people babies and saying it's no big deal is not the effective inducement to get them done you think it is. That kind of aggressive pitch will turn off people who are already afraid. People refuse needed surgeries for the same reasons, you think a little bullying will get them to do a preventative screening?

Mammograms and Pap smears are a much easier sell because mammograms aren't invasive and you're standing up and have some control. Paps are more invasive and vulnerable, but it's done by your regular gyno generally, someone you likely have a decent relationship with (hopefully). Also more gynos are women, which a lot of women feel more comfortable with. Gastro is male dominated and that can stress people out further.

What I would say as an incentive for getting it done (I was also very uncomfortable and really didn't want to do it) is that it's much easier/better than you imagine. The doctor is a total pro, your body will be dressed in a way that actually preserves some modesty, and people at the hospital know how to set people at ease and ensure professionalism. I can't say if deep sedation or something lighter is preferable. I think it's nice to have no memory but it might have contributed to embarrassment? Maybe being more awake would normalize it and reduce that. Ultimately I went with deep sedation because I thought it would be easier to pull the trigger on doing it if I could remind myself I'd be knocked out. Next time I do it I might make another choice.

The biggest reason to do it is that when you are done, you have a great feeling of relief and satisfaction because it's over, you don't have to do it again for years, and you can feel more confident in your gastro health. I find ultimately it's more stressful to postpone this sort of screening than to do it, because when you postpone it just creates this obligation in the back of your head. Once it's done, it's over and you don't have to think about it again for a long time.

Honestly, yeah, I think telling people to cut the BS is often successful. And I think having to hear yourself say "I won't do cancer screening because butts are embarrassing" is a useful exercise.

At minimum, they need to stop repeating misinformation, e.g. that general anesthesia is needed. Not only is propofol not GA, as you note, but you can raw dog it with no drugs if you want to or you can choose a midpoint with conscious sedation. So sedation is not a reason not to do this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The people not getting colonoscopies, you are flat out dumb.

Colon cancer is very common and also so preventable. It's the second leading cancer killer.

They should make the screening easier. I need to do it but I am deterred by the prep and the need for general anesthesia.

You're being a baby. Is this all because it's about butts?

The prep is nbd. Moderate your diet the day before, drink the powder mixed with Gatorade, have a couple liquid BMs and that's it.

General anesthesia is never used. It's twilight sedation or, if you want, something lighter. Or you can choose to be fully aware like Katie Couric.

My colonoscopy was under propofol, which is deep sedation. I had no memory of it whatsoever. No breathing tube and not general anasthesia, but most people are not conscious.

It is the combination of the sedation along with it being "about butts" that stresses people out. It is scary to have someone scoping your body in general, doing it in a sensitive/personal area makes it feel worse, being sedated means loss of control. It can be hard to overcome the psychology of that.

Your approach of calling people babies and saying it's no big deal is not the effective inducement to get them done you think it is. That kind of aggressive pitch will turn off people who are already afraid. People refuse needed surgeries for the same reasons, you think a little bullying will get them to do a preventative screening?

Mammograms and Pap smears are a much easier sell because mammograms aren't invasive and you're standing up and have some control. Paps are more invasive and vulnerable, but it's done by your regular gyno generally, someone you likely have a decent relationship with (hopefully). Also more gynos are women, which a lot of women feel more comfortable with. Gastro is male dominated and that can stress people out further.

What I would say as an incentive for getting it done (I was also very uncomfortable and really didn't want to do it) is that it's much easier/better than you imagine. The doctor is a total pro, your body will be dressed in a way that actually preserves some modesty, and people at the hospital know how to set people at ease and ensure professionalism. I can't say if deep sedation or something lighter is preferable. I think it's nice to have no memory but it might have contributed to embarrassment? Maybe being more awake would normalize it and reduce that. Ultimately I went with deep sedation because I thought it would be easier to pull the trigger on doing it if I could remind myself I'd be knocked out. Next time I do it I might make another choice.

The biggest reason to do it is that when you are done, you have a great feeling of relief and satisfaction because it's over, you don't have to do it again for years, and you can feel more confident in your gastro health. I find ultimately it's more stressful to postpone this sort of screening than to do it, because when you postpone it just creates this obligation in the back of your head. Once it's done, it's over and you don't have to think about it again for a long time.

Honestly, yeah, I think telling people to cut the BS is often successful. And I think having to hear yourself say "I won't do cancer screening because butts are embarrassing" is a useful exercise.

At minimum, they need to stop repeating misinformation, e.g. that general anesthesia is needed. Not only is propofol not GA, as you note, but you can raw dog it with no drugs if you want to or you can choose a midpoint with conscious sedation. So sedation is not a reason not to do this.

Ok well I've personally convinced like 6 people to get colonoscopies since I got mine by using my approach. People vastly overestimate the effectiveness of "tough love." Especially from a total stranger. It makes people feel bad, and they will just tune you out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The people not getting colonoscopies, you are flat out dumb.

Colon cancer is very common and also so preventable. It's the second leading cancer killer.

They should make the screening easier. I need to do it but I am deterred by the prep and the need for general anesthesia.

You're being a baby. Is this all because it's about butts?

The prep is nbd. Moderate your diet the day before, drink the powder mixed with Gatorade, have a couple liquid BMs and that's it.

General anesthesia is never used. It's twilight sedation or, if you want, something lighter. Or you can choose to be fully aware like Katie Couric.

My colonoscopy was under propofol, which is deep sedation. I had no memory of it whatsoever. No breathing tube and not general anasthesia, but most people are not conscious.

It is the combination of the sedation along with it being "about butts" that stresses people out. It is scary to have someone scoping your body in general, doing it in a sensitive/personal area makes it feel worse, being sedated means loss of control. It can be hard to overcome the psychology of that.

Your approach of calling people babies and saying it's no big deal is not the effective inducement to get them done you think it is. That kind of aggressive pitch will turn off people who are already afraid. People refuse needed surgeries for the same reasons, you think a little bullying will get them to do a preventative screening?

Mammograms and Pap smears are a much easier sell because mammograms aren't invasive and you're standing up and have some control. Paps are more invasive and vulnerable, but it's done by your regular gyno generally, someone you likely have a decent relationship with (hopefully). Also more gynos are women, which a lot of women feel more comfortable with. Gastro is male dominated and that can stress people out further.

What I would say as an incentive for getting it done (I was also very uncomfortable and really didn't want to do it) is that it's much easier/better than you imagine. The doctor is a total pro, your body will be dressed in a way that actually preserves some modesty, and people at the hospital know how to set people at ease and ensure professionalism. I can't say if deep sedation or something lighter is preferable. I think it's nice to have no memory but it might have contributed to embarrassment? Maybe being more awake would normalize it and reduce that. Ultimately I went with deep sedation because I thought it would be easier to pull the trigger on doing it if I could remind myself I'd be knocked out. Next time I do it I might make another choice.

The biggest reason to do it is that when you are done, you have a great feeling of relief and satisfaction because it's over, you don't have to do it again for years, and you can feel more confident in your gastro health. I find ultimately it's more stressful to postpone this sort of screening than to do it, because when you postpone it just creates this obligation in the back of your head. Once it's done, it's over and you don't have to think about it again for a long time.

Sure I get this and also I cannot grasp how people would avoid literal life saving procedures because they’re anxious. No one likes them. We do it. I don’t need to induce anyone or cajole anyone personally unless it’s a family member at which point I would plead and cajole. It’s everyone’s personal choice and it’s a clear cut stupid one to avoid these things. Just call it what it is.

It’s just hard to stomach it when many have seen people suffer and die because of these stupid decisions which affects many more people than the person who avoids preventive medicine. It ruins lives.

If you can't understand it, you are probably not well equipped to do anything about it. Understanding why people get anxious and avoidant is the only way you'll ever change behaviors. Shaming and blaming people tends to just lead people to avoid you and the subject that makes them feel shamed and embarrassed. It does not convince anyone to make an appointment.

[Anonymous]

I do, plus the derm every year and the opthamologist twice a year and endocrinologist once a year.
I didn’t do all that when my kids (and I) were younger and I worked full time. Didn’t even have a pcp for years. Now youngest is in high school and I work a flexible part time job. It feels like doctors appointments are my other part time job. Early 50s.

[Anonymous]

I am 42 and have 3 young kids (ages 5, 9 and 11). I haven’t had any of the following:

Mammogram
Colonoscopy
Yearly dental cleaning
Yearly pap
Yearly eye check
Yearly physical

I think I got a physical maybe 3 years ago? I got an eye check 2 years and just ordered 2 years worth of contacts so I didn’t have to go back.

I just don’t have time to go. I work full time and solo parent 75% of the time.

[Anonymous]

Early 40s and yes to all except colonoscopy (not of age yet). From how hard it is to schedule all these appointments here, it seems like most people also go to their annual visits. You have a high concentration of educated people who have health insurance and know to use all the benefits. This area is also one of the fittest in the country.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am 42 and have 3 young kids (ages 5, 9 and 11). I haven’t had any of the following:

Mammogram
Colonoscopy
Yearly dental cleaning
Yearly pap
Yearly eye check
Yearly physical

I think I got a physical maybe 3 years ago? I got an eye check 2 years and just ordered 2 years worth of contacts so I didn’t have to go back.

I just don’t have time to go. I work full time and solo parent 75% of the time.

Similar story here. It’s hard to find time for my own check-ups. Work and kids always come first.

I did take a day of leave a few months ago for a colonoscopy, but I went to work on the prep day. I had no choice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am 42 and have 3 young kids (ages 5, 9 and 11). I haven’t had any of the following:

Mammogram
Colonoscopy
Yearly dental cleaning
Yearly pap
Yearly eye check
Yearly physical

I think I got a physical maybe 3 years ago? I got an eye check 2 years and just ordered 2 years worth of contacts so I didn’t have to go back.

I just don’t have time to go. I work full time and solo parent 75% of the time.

Similar story here. It’s hard to find time for my own check-ups. Work and kids always come first.

I did take a day of leave a few months ago for a colonoscopy, but I went to work on the prep day. I had no choice.

I am the pp and at this point I am just like f-it. If I get sick I get sick. I don’t have time for all of these things. I take pretty good care of myself. I don’t smoke, walk a lot, drink minimally and am at a decent weight.

The only thing I have done is see a dermatologist because I am vain and needed retinol. And they did find a pre cancerous spot so I had that removed.

[Anonymous]

When I worked with young kids, I stacked all my appointments in August, when my job was quiet and kids were in daycare/camp. The only thing I could never fit in was PT for back and neck issues, and that has been a huge problem as I've gotten older.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The people not getting colonoscopies, you are flat out dumb.

Colon cancer is very common and also so preventable. It's the second leading cancer killer.

They should make the screening easier. I need to do it but I am deterred by the prep and the need for general anesthesia.

You're being a baby. Is this all because it's about butts?

The prep is nbd. Moderate your diet the day before, drink the powder mixed with Gatorade, have a couple liquid BMs and that's it.

General anesthesia is never used. It's twilight sedation or, if you want, something lighter. Or you can choose to be fully aware like Katie Couric.

My colonoscopy was under propofol, which is deep sedation. I had no memory of it whatsoever. No breathing tube and not general anasthesia, but most people are not conscious.

It is the combination of the sedation along with it being "about butts" that stresses people out. It is scary to have someone scoping your body in general, doing it in a sensitive/personal area makes it feel worse, being sedated means loss of control. It can be hard to overcome the psychology of that.

Your approach of calling people babies and saying it's no big deal is not the effective inducement to get them done you think it is. That kind of aggressive pitch will turn off people who are already afraid. People refuse needed surgeries for the same reasons, you think a little bullying will get them to do a preventative screening?

Mammograms and Pap smears are a much easier sell because mammograms aren't invasive and you're standing up and have some control. Paps are more invasive and vulnerable, but it's done by your regular gyno generally, someone you likely have a decent relationship with (hopefully). Also more gynos are women, which a lot of women feel more comfortable with. Gastro is male dominated and that can stress people out further.

What I would say as an incentive for getting it done (I was also very uncomfortable and really didn't want to do it) is that it's much easier/better than you imagine. The doctor is a total pro, your body will be dressed in a way that actually preserves some modesty, and people at the hospital know how to set people at ease and ensure professionalism. I can't say if deep sedation or something lighter is preferable. I think it's nice to have no memory but it might have contributed to embarrassment? Maybe being more awake would normalize it and reduce that. Ultimately I went with deep sedation because I thought it would be easier to pull the trigger on doing it if I could remind myself I'd be knocked out. Next time I do it I might make another choice.

The biggest reason to do it is that when you are done, you have a great feeling of relief and satisfaction because it's over, you don't have to do it again for years, and you can feel more confident in your gastro health. I find ultimately it's more stressful to postpone this sort of screening than to do it, because when you postpone it just creates this obligation in the back of your head. Once it's done, it's over and you don't have to think about it again for a long time.

Sure I get this and also I cannot grasp how people would avoid literal life saving procedures because they’re anxious. No one likes them. We do it. I don’t need to induce anyone or cajole anyone personally unless it’s a family member at which point I would plead and cajole. It’s everyone’s personal choice and it’s a clear cut stupid one to avoid these things. Just call it what it is.

It’s just hard to stomach it when many have seen people suffer and die because of these stupid decisions which affects many more people than the person who avoids preventive medicine. It ruins lives.

If you can't understand it, you are probably not well equipped to do anything about it. Understanding why people get anxious and avoidant is the only way you'll ever change behaviors. Shaming and blaming people tends to just lead people to avoid you and the subject that makes them feel shamed and embarrassed. It does not convince anyone to make an appointment.

Maybe at some point people should feel shame and blame. We’re all collectively paying health care costs when these people need treatment. Somehow the avoidant behavior and anxiety goes away when they need chemo and they can show up for that.

[Anonymous]

Yes, I do all that and more. Thankfully DH has a great work schedule and he's very involved which makes it incredibly easy for me to take care of myself.

[Anonymous]

Both of my grandmothers died of colon cancer but neither got it until their 60s and both my parents gave been clear so they're not starting me until 40 or 45 (depends on which doctor I talk to). My mom says the prep is the worst part, I'm not excited about it but it's a horrible horrible disease.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The people not getting colonoscopies, you are flat out dumb.

Colon cancer is very common and also so preventable. It's the second leading cancer killer.

They should make the screening easier. I need to do it but I am deterred by the prep and the need for general anesthesia.

You're being a baby. Is this all because it's about butts?

The prep is nbd. Moderate your diet the day before, drink the powder mixed with Gatorade, have a couple liquid BMs and that's it.

General anesthesia is never used. It's twilight sedation or, if you want, something lighter. Or you can choose to be fully aware like Katie Couric.

I’m a different person who hasn’t done it. Part of it is finding 2 days together that I don’t have a bad work schedule. But the prep stuff does really bother me. I’ve read the threads. I can’t drink Gatorade — it’s so disgusting it makes me gag. Im not at all confident I’m gojng to be able to get down the prep stuff. Most gross things make me gag and I’m really not capable of skipping solid food for a day and being at all functional. So just finding a time that I know I’ll be 100% non functional for at least 2 days in a row is tough. It takes me a month to find 20 minutes to go pick up my prescription.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m wondering about all these people saying “I have leave for appointments”—I can take whatever leave I want but I still have the same work. So if I take 2 hours off for a medical appointment, that just means 2 hours less sleep sometime that week.
And the kids do have so many more appointments hecause they are injury prone and illness prone — someone breaks something and that’s like a million follow up appointments. And braces! God the appointments for braces!

The fact that most doctors offices don’t answer calls during lunch is also challenging. I do need to be better about taking advantage of online scheduling since the only free time I have is usually 9-12.

FWIW, I don’t think it’s a mom thing because my husband is way worse that I am. I at least intend to get a colonoscopy— I don’t think he ever will.

On days where you have an appointment, you could start work a little early, work through your lunch, and then also work a little bit late to make up the time. Just schedule one screening a month and you can make it happen. I promise that will be way easier to schedule than chemo.