The executive action memo goes something like this:
50? Get one.

The how to, especially for uninsured is a bit problematic, but make it a priority, please!!!

I somehow grabbed the ticket for '04 that included 3 major illnesses in a row (2nd Stage Lyme - 4 months, Sacro-Lumbar syndrome - 5 weeks, and a recurrance of depression). The short answer to finding a solution to this litany of woes? I got MassHealth (the Commonwealth's version of Medicare), and got it by being open and honest (my net income is low enough to easily qualify). Paid for at least 4 grand of hospital care for the Lyme and Sciatic attack, gave me a primary care physician (and heaven sent she is), full prescription coverage ($1 co-pay!!!!) which covers my Prozac, and asthma meds etc etc, AND a $3000 colonoscopy!

Whew! It may not be this civilized in the rest of the US (the JesusLand vs United States of Canada thing), but it is doable!!!

So here is why. My mother died of colon cancer. I don't want to. Bet you don't either. I have now learned what a polyp is (not a cancer, but something that is easy to remove BEFORE it becomes cancerous) and why we start looking years before it "presents" symptoms. By the time Mom showed the the first symptom (she did NOT have a colonoscopy at 50 or 60) it really was game over. And then she went "on the installment plan", 4 years of chemotherapy, and false hopes.

01/18/05: So, the test was truly easy, the sedation and pain med simply made the 20 minutes disappear. I have been told I reported my fascination at watching the TV view of my innards, I have no memory of the experience at all.

Enough? Get checked. Get Health coverage. Live long and etc., etc.

Uggh. First glass. Soap-like bubbles, and a little viscous. Not as nasty as my last experience back in '96, the day is young. And a fucking 56 fluid ounces to go!
1/17/2005

Well, I am home, and apparently done.

Procedure? What procedure? Nice happy juice they trickled into my veins. NO recollection of anything from him connecting the IV to me putting on my clothes. Far out.
1/18/2005

Whew. I guess I passed the test. Which means I have a chance of living long enough to be a burden to my children (had a bit of practice at that particular karmic twist and am so proud of my kid for his rising to the occasion..JDM you're a mensch, and so is ma belle-fille)

No conscious memory of "procedure" at ALL. My ride just returned my car, and says I shared all kinds of details, not memory one. Doc plugs some joy juice into my IV, and blammo I am dressed and getting in the car.

Some recollection of ride home, not much. Remember Jay leaving, and most of the day comes back into focus. No hangover, nor cloudiness, just sudden realization that I don't remember jack shit.
1/18/2005