GMHC’s Employees Share Why You Should “Love Your Colon”

Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics
Guttenberg, IA

Recapped below is an incredible story written by Amy Speed, an employee at Guttenberg Municipal Hospital and Clinics, in honor of Colorectal Awareness Month last March:

As I was working on an issue of the Pulse (GMHC’s newsletter),
I realized the importance of sharing my story.
Yeah, it’s personal, but hopefully encouraging. I was due to have my colonoscopy, and put it off for nearly two years. I thought, “hey, I eat healthy, get plenty of exercise and take good care of myself, certainly my colon is in mint condition!”
PLUS, yuck, I was NOT looking forward to the procedure… who does? (Well, maybe someone in the same category of those who “love” to go to the dentist, you know, the ones who admit getting their teeth drilled is thrilling.)
Not only that, but to have my co-workers, who pass by my office daily, know “THAT” much about me… I was hesitant. But, my next door (office) neighbor, Deb Preston, encouraged me to just get it done. So I signed up!
My procedure was just a few weeks ago on February 6th. The surgery staff took great care
getting me ready to go, and before I knew it, I was wheeled into the OR. I saw the big screen that would feature my colon movie. I remember Brandi asking me to hug the pillow. I remember glancing around at familiar faces. And, I’ll never forget the most gentle and reassuring smile of Dr. Holzer who stood behind me. Then Rick said…
I woke up about 5 seconds later (not really, but it sure felt like it!) with Sara by my side. It was done, and guess what? I had not just one, but TWO polyps, both had been immediately removed and sent off to pathology. A few days went by and Sally delivered
the news of the pathology results.
One of the polyps was pre-cancerous. The good news… it was “pre” cancerous, it was found and removed. And, now I’ll be getting screened again in five years.
What if I’d just assumed I was ok? What if I’d put it off for a few more years?
After sharing the results with my parents, I learned that my dad also has to be screened every five years. Family history. I immediately called my brother who just turned fifty to
encourage him to get screened.
I’m so very thankful I made my appointment at GMHC.
I’m thankful that I was surrounded by my co-workers who know me and care about me.
I felt the GMHC “Love” and let me tell you… it’s real!
If you’ve been putting off your screening colonoscopy, please don’t. Just get it DONE!
LOVE YOUR COLON. #getscreened

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