Dear William (and Daniel, Catherine, Michael & Baby Girl Y) (and your parents), (and any future descendants and their parents),

This morning I am going for a Sigmoidoscopy checkup. In preparation for that checkup, I had to write down the medications that I take — this gives me the opportunity to discuss pharmacology with you.

Here is a list of the pills that I take every day:

1 Fish Oil Omega-3&6 – 1200 mg softgel – to reduce risk of coronary heart disease
1 Glucosamine Sulfate 1500 mg – 2x/day – for flexibility in joints
1 CoQ-10 Q-Sorb 200 mg – to replenish what Statin medications (Lipitor) reduce
1 Aspirin 81 mg – for general health

2 Omeprazole 20 mg cap – for acid reflux
1 Tamsulosin 0.4 mg cap – for benign enlarged prostrate
1 Lipitor 20 mg tab – for high cholesterol
1 Carvedilor 25 mg tab – 2x/day – for high blood pressure
1 Avapro 300 mg tab – for high blood pressure

But, before we discuss these medications, let me tell you about the sigmoidoscopy — a sigmoidoscopy is similar to, but not the same as, a colonoscopy. A sigmoidoscopy examines part of the colon, while colonoscopy examines the whole large bowel.

Both, sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy, are medical exams used to detect changes or abnormalities in the large intestine (colon) and rectum; and to detect colorectal cancer. A sigmoidoscopy is less invasive than a colonoscopy, is less dangerous, and does not need to be administered under anesthesia.

The colon, also called the large intestine, is a long (measuring four to five feet in length), tube-like organ in your abdomen. The colon carries waste to be expelled from the body. The rectum makes up the last several inches of the colon.

During a colonoscopy or a sigmoidoscopy, a flexible tube is inserted into the rectum. A tiny video camera at the tip of the tube allows the doctor to view the inside of the colon.

If necessary, polyps or other types of abnormal tissue can be removed through the scope during a colonoscopy or a sigmoidoscopy.

A colon polyp is a small clump of cells that forms on the lining of the colon. Although most colon polyps are harmless, some become cancerous over time.

Anyone can develop colon polyps. But you’re at higher risk if you’re 50 or older (I am 62), are overweight (I am) or a smoker (I am not), eat a high-fat, low-fiber diet, or have a personal or family history of colon polyps or colon cancer.

Usually colon polyps don’t cause symptoms. That’s why experts recommend regular screening. Colon polyps that are found in the early stages usually can be removed safely and completely. Screening helps prevent colon cancer, a common disease that’s often fatal when it’s found in its later stages.

Now, for the pharmacology:

The first four pills that I take, I do NOT need to take; however, Babcia Krysia thinks that I should, so I do:

1 Fish Oil Omega-3&6 – 1200 mg softgel – reduce risk of coronary heart disease
1 Glucosamine Sulfate 1500 mg – 2x/day – for flexibility in joints
1 CoQ-10 Q-Sorb 200 mg – replenish what Statin medications (Lipitor) reduce
1 Aspirin 81 mg – for general health

Now, these medications I do need to take:

2 Omeprazole 20 mg cap – for acid reflux

Acid reflux disease is a condition in which the stomach contents (food or liquid) leak backwards from the stomach into the esophagus (the tube from the mouth to the stomach). This action can irritate the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms.

1 Tamsulosin 0.4 mg cap – for benign enlarged prostrate

The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that forms part of the male reproductive system. The gland is made of two lobes, or regions, enclosed by an outer layer of tissue. As the diagrams show, the prostate is located in front of the rectum and just below the bladder, where urine is stored. The prostate also surrounds the urethra, the canal through which urine passes out of the body.

It is common for the prostate gland to become enlarged as a man ages. Doctors call this condition benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or benign prostatic hypertrophy.

1 Lipitor 20 mg tab – for high cholesterol

Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is produced in the liver or intestines. It is transported in the blood. It is an essential structural component of cell membranes and is required to establish proper membrane permeability and fluidity. In addition, cholesterol is an important component for the manufacture of bile acids, steroid hormones, and Vitamin D. Although cholesterol is important and necessary, high levels of cholesterol in the blood can damage arteries and are potentially linked to diseases such as those associated with the cardiovascular system (heart disease).

1 Carvedilor 25 mg tab – 2x/day – for high blood pressure

1 Avapro 300 mg tab – for high blood pressure

Blood pressure measurements are read as two numbers:
Systolic pressure: higher number, normal reading is 120 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) or less
Diastolic pressure: lower number, normal reading is 80 mmHg or less

High blood pressure is defined as systolic pressure greater than 140 mmHg and/or diastolic pressure greater than 90 mmHg.

High blood pressure puts stress on the heart, lungs, brain, kidneys, and blood vessels. Over time, this condition can damage these organs and tissues.

William — Take good care of yourself, and go for medical checkups regularly, as recommended.

Love,

Dziadziuś Paweł.

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