Tag: Aging

Clean Living and Clean Bills of Health: Surviving Routine Checks

At 56 years old, I went in for my second routine colonoscopy today.

I wasn’t scared or nervous about the procedure itself; the hardest part was just skipping solid food for a whole day and drinking a gallon of that terrible-tasting liquid.

Following the instructions made it a bit easier since I could mix the prep with any sports drink as long as it wasn’t red.

Everything turned out good, and I won’t need another one for 5 to 10 years unless something changes.

Ever since I got sober, I’ve completely turned things around by taking care of myself and hitting every doctor’s appointment—even when I have to push myself straight there after getting off work.

On top of that, I take my meds every single day, including my psychiatric medications, and staying consistent has genuinely improved my mental health.

Forty-One Years Later

Even after a good night’s sleep, I felt tired and sleepy on the way to the salt mines this morning. Maybe it’s just one of those days, or maybe 41 years of working, out of my 56 years of life is starting to catch up with me. Either way, I showed up and kept moving forward. That’s what matters.