Yesterday I went to my follow up appointment with the gastroenterology specialist that did my endoscopy a few months ago. I almost didn't go because I feel absolutely fine, no ill effects from the illness/procedure.
Well. Glad I went!
Turns out it wasn't just a polyp they removed, but something called Brunner's gland hamartoma. (It is actually a very rare thing to have and to happen - my doctor gave me a medical journal article that was recently published about it because it is so interesting, to him anyway, hahaha) The thing itself is benign, but it has a high correlation with stomach cancer. So they have to do another endoscopy and make SURE they got it all out. There is also a chance that, if it goes too deep into the organ wall, they will have to do a full surgery (ugh, that scares me) to remove it.
But - it is better to know these things than not. To take care of them than to not.
What strikes me is that, if I hadn't scheduled and gone to a follow up appointment, that information might have fallen through the cracks and I might never have known how important it was to do another endoscopy.
I had those feelings of "I don't like the doctor, I don't want to go, I feel fine, I'm fine, blah blah blah."
I'm fine right now. But I have to do work to give myself a better chance of being fine in the future.
Preventative care.
That's what this blog is about. Eating to prepare your body for a long, healthy life. Exercising to do the same. Caring for your mind and spirit so you thrive. Going to the doctor yearly, the gynecologist yearly, the dentist, and all the other specialists who can help us.
I'm not a hypochondriac. I don't run to the doctor for everything.
But this human body is complicated. Fragile at the same time it is durable. There is maintenance to be done!
So mid-May, I'll go back in for an endoscopy, hopefully they can finish removing the thingy at that point and I won't need any more surgery. We will see!
Take care, my friends!
Namaste <3
You nailed it - preventative care. Medically and lifestyle. You are a fantastic example of doing what you can, what is in your control, to ensure to the best of your ability that you have a long, healthy, vibrant life. That's so great, and wonderful that you are young while you've figured this out. I'm a few years older than you - and with staring 40 in the face in a few years, I'm FINALLY taking care of me - this life is precious, and limited in time, so it's up to us to be responsible adults and take care of ourselves and make the most of the time we have.....off my soapbox :) Great post!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you went! Yes, I gotta admit I was a little concerned when someone as young as you had a polyp that bleed like that; it was a red flag in my mind, but I didn't want to say anything to scare you. Sounds like you are in good hands, and I will pray for you!
ReplyDeletep.s. you need to delete my old blog url and add my new blog url to your blogroll, if you don't mind. ;)
ReplyDeleteYes, sounds as if you are in good hands ...so pleased you went back.
ReplyDeleteTake Care and Look after yourself - I just know you will
All the best Jan
Wow, now that's good to know - prevention is always better!
ReplyDelete