I'm grateful for colonoscopies. The doctor who performs the procedure, the nurses who assist, hospital staff and volunteers, and my loving wife who supports me throughout. I'm thankful for the efforts of the researchers and graduate students who developed and tested the process. Greatly appreciative that I live in a society where the only cost to me is $30 for the preparation materials and some mild discomfort. If I lived on the other side of the Great Lakes, it would cost $1500 or more... US$!

I was initially fearful of having a colonoscopy and after my initial experience had a minor complication that resulted in a return visit to the hospital. I still had to consider the alternative. Colon cancer would be far more difficult - I have great empathy for those who are suffering or have suffered. A colonoscopy gives me an opportunity to exchange a small amount of discomfort and risk for a much lower risk of experiencing a life threatening disease.

Not everyone needs a colonoscopy but it is important to know when you need it and when you don't. 

I'm grateful for mine.