I had my first colonoscopy at age 59, in early 2006. They found two polyps, one small enough to be removed during the colonoscopy, the other was too large and required surgery. I had a right hemi-colectomy in March 2006, removal of the right half of my colon. The recovery was something less than pleasant. The good news was the biopsy came back negative for cancer. The polyp was the type that eventually turns into cancer and was classified as "pre-cancerous" and showing signs it would turn malignant had it not been removed. Like many people, I put off the colonoscopy for years. Had I been more prompt, I could have avoided the surgery. And if you think a colonoscopy is expensive, it pales compared to major surgery and time in the hospital.

I bought a bike just before my colonoscopy to try to deal with blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar issues. Since I've started riding, and with medication, all have dropped into normal ranges and my weight has gone down from 172 to 145. I haven't felt this good in over 30 years, both mentally and physically.

A few tips for getting the gallon of prep juice down. An ice cube in the mouth for a minute before the dose numbs the taste buds. Drink through a straw, with the end of the straw far back on the tongue where there are fewer taste buds. Drink as fast as possible, and it's OK to rinse your mouth out. The colder the prep fluid, the better. I know some people had problems with gagging and these techniques helped.