I hadn't posted a message in here in a bit, so I thought
I'd give a brief health update.

  A week ago, I had a colonoscopy done. For the second time
since I started having these done, polyps were found. This
time, they were 5 small polyps, which the GI doctor "burned
off". Otherwise, there was no sign of colon cancer, or any
other abnormalities...although I still have to deal with the
other digestive tract conditions of GERD, IBS, diverticulitis,
and hemorrhoids. Too bad there isn't an easier way to get rid
of hemorrhoids...I understand with the hemorrhoidectomy, YOU
LOSE A LOT OF BLOOD.

  Colon cancer is the second greatest killer, right behind
heart disease and breast cancer...and yet, is the easiest
to prevent, if detection is done early...especially once
you hit 50 years of age...or have a family history of cancer.
My next colonoscopy is set for 2015. I lost an uncle (my
Dad's brother) to colon cancer...my Dad and an aunt (his
sister) to pancreatic cancer...and my grandmother to lung
cancer. I don't think any family is immune to this scourge.

  I did have a bit of a bad reaction after no solid food in
96 hours. After eating a sandwich at Arby's, it was too much
for the digestive tract to handle. I got abdominal cramps,
fever, nausea, and diarrhea. I was unable to expel the gas 
from the procedure on Friday (even though most of the air was
removed to prevent cramping), and that might have been part
of the bad reaction. That situation recitified itself Saturday
night, and I was OK on Sunday. The GI doctor had never heard
of such a post procedure reaction, though.

  They also did a liver ultrasound, and found that I have a
"fatty liver"...which in time, could lead to cirrohsis. The
doctor recommended a diet change, and more exercise. I've 
been eating mainly salads, and adding some lunch meat to 
them, to where I have a bit more than lettuce, carrots,
radishes, etc. I also add "cherry tomatoes", and Thousand
Island LITE dressing...washing it all down with flavored
water. I can NOT handle just "plain water"...it's too bland
and boring. But, I can easily drink a couple of liters of
flavored water a day.

  I've lost about 15 pounds in about 3 weeks, and am trying
to lose a good bit more. However, I want to lose the weight
slowly...losing the weight too fast can be dangerous.

Daryl

... A Steak Sandwich: A Porterhouse between 2 Ribeyes.
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