Win a Free Colonoscopy!

Because Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne, and CBS, care. Wait, what? Yes, indeedy, CBS is actually holding a "win-a-colonoscopy" sweepstakes! Good luck!

Dave Berry on Colonoscopy Prep, etc.

MoviPrep is a nuclear laxative. I don't want to be too graphic, here, but: have you ever seen a space-shuttle launch? This is pretty much the MoviPrep experience, with you as the shuttle. There are times when you wish the commode had a seat belt.

More Berry goodness through the link.

Another reason to get your colonoscopy

Another friend with colon cancer, over at the Sexual Embodiment blog. Amy doesn't overstate the case, but provides a direct sort of explanation of the consequences of colon cancer, which I hope you will compare and contrast with the "discomfort" that many people have with colonoscopies.... and then go get your colonoscopy! If you want to try and manage it without conscious sedation like Versed, I'm all for you having that choice as an informed choice (as I've made clear here), but in either case colonoscopies are far less of a hassle than colon cancer.

Go get yours!

Medicare Declines to Cover Virtual Colonoscopies

AP coverage of the decision

Seems logical to me, as much as I dislike colonoscopies the evidence isn't quite there (from what I've seen) that virtual colonoscopies are as effective, and they don't address what you do when you find something (polyps and such can be removed during the same procedure with a colonoscopy.)

FDA bowel prep guidelines

FDA medical recommendations for bowel prep for colonoscopies.

It's dry and technical reading, but if you want to understand the different bowel preps that get recommended these days and why, this is a starting point.

Another first-person colonoscopy story

Another great, and this time hilarious, description of the Colonoscopy process. Check it out over at "I laugh, therefore I am."

WSJ talks about a "push" for conscious-sedation-free colon exams

According to this WSJ article, more and more doctors are suggesting the "nearly secret option" of colonoscopies without sedation.