COLONOSCOPY
JUST DO IT
IT’S EASY
to come up with reasons to delay having
a colonoscopy.
For instance: “I feel fne—I don’t need one.”
Or: “I’m too busy. I’ll have one when things slow down.”
Or perhaps: “Whoops, can’t make my appointment. I
forgot I have tickets to [fll in the name of your favorite
event] next week. I’ll do it next year.”
Although undergoing a colonoscopy is certainly no
picnic, there are good reasons to get the test, such as:
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It’s not a painful procedure.
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Te sedative medication given beforehand works so
well that most people have no memory of the experience.
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Afer it’s done, you probably won’t need another test
for 10 years.
But the best reason to schedule a colonoscopy is that
the test is so efective. Not only can it spot signs of colorec-
tal cancer early, when it’s easiest to treat, but it also allows
doctors to remove abnormal growths (polyps) before they
have a chance to become cancer.
WHEN TO HAVE THE TEST
Both cancer and gastroen-
terology experts recommend that most people have their
frst colonoscopy at age 50.
If you’re African American, you’re at increased risk
for the disease, so you’re advised to have the test start-
ing at age 45. Other factors that may increase the risk for
colorectal cancer include:
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A family history of the disease or of polyps.
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A personal history of infammatory bowel disease, like
Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis.
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A personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps.
If any of the above applies to you, your doctor may
suggest earlier or more frequent screenings than for
someone at average risk for the disease.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT
Tere are diferent ways to
prepare for a colonoscopy. All of them involve cleaning
out your colon, or large bowel, before the procedure.
Tis bowel prep ofen requires a liquid diet for one or
more days before the test and then a series of laxatives
or an enema the night before.
On the day of the test, you’ll be given a sedative. Once
you’re relaxed, the doctor will insert a thin, fexible tube
(a colonoscope) into your rectum. At the tip of the colo-
noscope is a light and tiny video camera, which sends
video images of your colon onto a computer screen.
If your doctor sees anything unusual, such as a polyp,
he or she can pass tools through the scope to remove it
or take a sample for testing.
Te exam usually takes less than an hour. You’ll be in
recovery for another hour or so, and you’ll need someone
to drive you home when you’re released.
TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR
Make time to have a frank
discussion with your doctor about your risk for colorec-
tal cancer. He or she can give you more good reasons to
schedule this important test.
Sources: American Cancer Society; American College of Gastroenterology; National Digestive
Diseases Information Clearinghouse
To find a doctor to perform
your colonoscopy, please
call 937-382-9606.
HOME IS NOT ONLY
where the heart is. It’s where
most of us prefer to be when we aren’t feeling well.
Tat’s one reason why outpatient surgery is so popular.
You can get the high-quality medical care you need and
recover in the comfort of your own bed. Statistics show
that more than 50 percent of surgeries are being done
on an outpatient basis, reports the American Medical
Association.
IS IT RIGHT FOR YOU?
When you have surgery as
an outpatient, you check in to a hospital or clinic in the
morning. You have your procedure and then go home
before the end of the day.
Of course, not every surgical procedure can or should
be done on an outpatient basis. If you need to have sur-
gery, your doctor can let you know your options.
Your choices will be based on what’s available and on
your personal health. Some of the standard procedures
done on an outpatient basis include:
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Cataract surgery.
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Biopsies.
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Gallbladder removal.
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Hernia and hem-
orrhoid repair.
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Tonsil and adenoid removal.
Some procedures you can have as an outpatient may
surprise you. Tese include prostatectomy, hysterectomy,
mastectomy and spinal fusion.
BEFORE AND AFTER
If you’re having an outpatient
procedure, there are a few rules you should know:
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In general, do not eat or drink anything in the 10 hours
before a procedure.
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Ask someone to take you home afer your procedure
and stay with you.
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Talk with your doctor about which of your regular
medications you can or cannot take on the day of the
procedure.
With most outpatient procedures, you’ll be ready to
go home one to four hours afer surgery.
But be prepared—you might end up staying longer
or even overnight.
You’ll be given a list of things not to do over the next
24 hours. Tese will probably include:
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Drinking alcohol.
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Using nonprescription medication.
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Driving.
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Op-
erating heavy machinery.
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Making important decisions.
Additional source: American Society of Anesthesiologists
HOME AGAIN,
HOME AGAIN
Te benefts of outpatient surgery
DR. RON PEDALINO,
a general
surgeon and medical director of
Clinton Memorial Hospital’s Wound
Treatment Center since it opened in
2006, will see new wound patients
one day a month at Highland District
Hospital in Hillsboro.
Te CMH Wound Treatment Cen-
ter ofers comprehensive treatment
for patients with chronic nonhealing
wounds, which are ofen caused by other underlying
medical conditions.
Dr. Pedalino, a member of the CMH Medical Staf
since 2004, sees patients for an initial visit on the second
Wednesday of every month from 8 a.m. to noon in High-
land District’s Outpatient Specialty Department.
“Our center has treated patients from all over the region
since we opened, and we have served many residents of
Highland County,” Dr. Pedalino says. “Tis collaboration
with Highland District Hospital is a way to accommodate
and exposemore Highland County residents to this service.”
Dr. Pedalino said this does not mean a reduction in
hours at Clinton Memorial Hospital. Dr. John Mehnert,
a podiatrist on the CMH Medical Staf, still sees patients
in Wilmington on Wednesday mornings.
On an initial visit in Wilmington or Hillsboro, patients
are evaluated to determine any underlying condition,
such as diabetes or poor circulation, that might inhibit
the natural healing process. Afer the assessment, a per-
sonalized treatment program is planned.
Patients learn how to care for their wounds at home
and which nutrition choices and exercises can aid the
healing process and prevent future wounds. Patients
with wounds on their feet learn how to protect their feet
and walk correctly. Special shoes to protect the feet and
relieve pressure may also be prescribed.
Patients can self-refer to the program—a physician
referral is not required. Many health plans, including
Medicare, cover treatment. Coverage will depend on your
specifc plan, so please take your insurance information
to your frst appointment.
Patients and referring physicians,
please call the CMH Wound
Treatment Center at 937-283-9970
to schedule all appointments.
GOOD NEWS FOR WOUND
PATIENTS IN HILLSBORO
Dr. Ron
Pedalino
F A L L 2 0 1 1
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C M H H E A L T H S C E N E