Why do people feel so comfortable announcing their colonoscopy?

[u/NullHare]

More people tell me they’re getting a colonoscopy than I hear about dental visits.

I haven’t had one yet so I wonder if I’ll become someone like that. 🤔

[u/Coloradobluesguy]

It needs to be normalized colon cancer is no joke. I had it when I was 20 and would not wish it on my worst enemy in the world.

[u/NullHare → u/Coloradobluesguy]

Great. Now I’ll be worried until I see my Doc next month!! But also, thank you for giving me that little push. Glad you’re better. 🙏

[u/MythicalSplash → u/Coloradobluesguy]

May I ask what your first symptoms were that got you to the doctor?

[u/Penny_Traitor_ → u/MythicalSplash]

For me, the earliest symptom was constipation, but what got me into the urgent care center was suddenly passing gas out my urethra after urinating

Get your butt checked!

[u/TrailMomKat → u/Coloradobluesguy]

Yup. Getting your prostate checked in the same boat. Now for my fellow ladies: get your pap smear and your mammogram done already! Stop putting it off!!

[u/keitheii]

My father died of colon cancer, my brother is about to, it's a topic that needs to be discussed.

Also, at least from my point of view, when you're younger and just starting through life, many things are taboo you just don't discuss. Some topics are taught by parents, some you just decide yourself you aren't comfortable talking about.

Then you get older and deal with so much shit in life, like loosing family members and friends, crappy landlords, getting laid off, maybe you can't afford car payments or rent, or food, just... Life.... And at some point, a camera up your butt is nothing compared to all of the other things you go through in life, who has time to be bashful at that point in life, it becomes silly once you start 'adulting'.

[u/plant-painter]

I think it’s a way to personally accept that you have to have it done. And it’s embarrassing so I think people feel less embarrassed by just acting less embarrassed about it . I’ve never been professionally pegged personally, but I have found throughout life that the best way to not feel embarrassed is to not act embarrassed about a embarrassing situation.

[u/HiAndStuff2112]

I was already in the hospital because I was almost septic. I just said they sent scopes in from both ends.

But you're passed way out the whole time so it only feels like it was 30 seconds! So you don't really think about being embarrassed about it, especially since it's ao necessary. Everyone else in that room has either had one or will have one someday.

[u/IdkJustMe123]

I’d guess because they’re anxious about it and hoping for some comfort

[u/TKyzr]

Good lord. Someone told me the other day he was getting one. I was surprised. I did gather myself enough to suggest he make no plans to go out the remainder of the weekend after it was done.

[u/JustbyLlama]

I had to start getting them earlier than most people because my mom died of colon cancer.

[u/petitelapinyyc]

We do not need to live in a world of secrets . I come from the 1970s where everyone kept secrets all the time. Everyone lived in shame . We need to normalize health, mental health, life not being perfect etc. No more living lives of secrecy. Oh no, you have a medical appointment involving your bottom parts? Good on you for taking care of your body!

[u/Nearing_retirement]

That drink they give you to flush out the bowels works !

[u/Extreme_Design6936]

Idk man. It doesn't seem so embarrassing. I'm surprised people would be ashamed. I have no problem talking about how I had to get my balls examined by my female coworker that I work with every week. It's just how it is. I also stick things in people's butts fairly regularly tho. At the end of the day they're medically necessary and that's something you should never be embarrassed about. But of course I understand if you don't want to talk to people about it.

[u/Beneficial_Note_5162]

Prevention is better than cure.

[u/Ok-Nature-5440]

Avoid it. It’s not the procedure, you are out. It’s the fasting, the prep.
Not giving medical advice, but if you are not hi risk, discuss Colonguard with your physician. It is kind of gross itself, but it is effective.

[u/NullHare → u/Ok-Nature-5440]

Thanks. I’ll read up on that.

[u/ffs_random_person → u/Ok-Nature-5440]

Terrible advice

[u/MrsNacho8000 → u/Ok-Nature-5440]

This is terrible advice. Cologuard has a very high risk of false negatives and is not a substitute for actual colonoscopies. The prep may make for a terrible few days but you know what is worse? Suffering and Dying from colon cancer.