Angela P. Littrell President & Chief Executive Officer | Fitzgibbon Hospital Marshall
Angela P. Littrell President & Chief Executive Officer | Fitzgibbon Hospital Marshall
Slater resident Deanna Wright recently underwent a colonoscopy at Fitzgibbon Hospital in Marshall after not having the screening for 14 years. With both her parents having had colon cancer, Wright said she felt nervous about the procedure.
"I had a little bit of anxiety about having a colonoscopy, because my mom and dad both had colon cancer. I was nervous, but it turned out good," Wright said.
She described her experience with Dr. Yan Chen, M.D., and the hospital staff as positive.
"I had a colonoscopy done on June 30th. It went very well,” said Wright. “The staff, Dr. Chen….just everybody did an excellent job. I didn't have any complications. I would definitely recommend Dr. Chen to other people."
Wright noted that her visit was efficient and that she received attentive care from the team.
"I got there at 9:30 a.m. for my procedure to be done at 11 a.m. I was out of there by 1 p.m." said Wright. “The staff absolutely put my mind at ease. I had the best nurse in ambulatory care."
She also commented on the preparation process, which many patients find challenging.
"To me, the bad part was drinking the colon prep, but it wasn't as bad as when you had to drink the gallon when I had my first colonoscopy 14 years ago,” said Wright. “When you went to the hospital, they'd give you this gallon to take home. This time it was just Miralax with Propel, and it wasn't so bad."
Colonoscopy is considered an effective way to detect precancerous polyps or early-stage cancer before symptoms appear or worsen over time. Experts say that regular screenings are especially important for those with a family history of colon cancer.
According to recommendations from organizations such as the American Cancer Society, people at average risk should begin routine colorectal screening at age 45; individuals with higher risk factors may need earlier or more frequent tests.
Wright encouraged others who might feel uneasy about undergoing a colonoscopy not to delay care: "Anyone anxious about having a colonoscopy should definitely have it done."
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