To the Editor,
I have recently had a life-changing experience that I feel is important to share. A few months ago I went for my annual physical. As a result of standard lab tests, my family doctor suggested that I schedule a colonoscopy. Not something that I had thought about and not something that I really was looking forward to, but luckily I listened to him.
The preparation – cleansing – was not a lot of fun, but the procedure itself was a non-event. The staff at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital were fantastic and comforting.
The result of the procedure was a pre-cancerous growth, and the removal of a small section of my colon was necessary. I was able to get in for the surgery in a short period of time. Of course I was scared silly, with the goblins in my head telling me all the bad things that could happen.
As it turned out, the surgery was a complete success. Dr. Jenkin and his team are ultimate professionals. I am now on the mend and even more appreciative of life. My life has literally been saved because I went for the colonoscopy in the first place. I know a lot of people cringe at the idea, but if you have not had one, please do so. It doesn’t matter whether or not you have family history of colorectal problems. Mine didn’t, I lead a pretty healthy lifestyle and still found myself in this situation.
Thank you to all the health care staff in Nanaimo.
Alan KempNanaimo
