JEFFERSON, Iowa – About 15 years ago, Ronny Whitehead entered a California healthcare facility for a routine colonoscopy. He said the experience was not a great one; not at all what he had expected. Because of that, he hesitated to have the screening done again. “They found polyps and told me I should come back in two or three years,” Whitehead said. “There were a couple of things that went wrong during that first one, so I kept putting it off.”
This continued until Whitehead and his twin decided it was time for a change and to be closer to family. The brothers were raised in Las Vegas and Whitehead worked in California for 12 years before moving to Jefferson. Upon arrival, he became a patient of Dr. Thomas Fagg at the Family Medicine Clinic. Fagg told Whitehead it was time to talk about another colonoscopy. “Dr. Fagg explained to me that it was important to have the testing because when detected early, colon cancer is more curable,” Whitehead said. “I also had a family member who lost her husband at a young age, he was about 48, to colon cancer. So, I told myself I would do it again.”
The 72-year-old Whitehead followed Dr. Fagg’s orders and underwent a pre-procedure physical, complete with blood work and an EKG. Everything came back clear and the colonoscopy was scheduled. Whitehead said even though he was nervous, the entire Team put him at ease and made him feel comfortable before he even arrived at Greene County Medical Center. “I spoke with the surgeon’s nurse on the phone and she was extremely nice and helpful,” he said. “Then the day of the procedure, they explained what would happen and that it generally only takes about 10 minutes if nothing abnormal is found. The anesthesiologist and nurses were also awesome. They put me at ease and got me comfortable.”
The care Team talked to him the entire time and were all very professional and friendly and Whitehead was thrilled with the post-procedure news. “I was happy to hear that everything was fine,” said Whitehead. “They gave me some pictures of my colon and said they wouldn’t need to see me again for 10 years.”
Because he had such a positive experience at Greene County Medical Center, Whitehead has been highly recommending the colonoscopy services. “I am a happy camper,” he said. “This has been the best colonoscopy experience between here and California. If your provider says you need this screening, it is a no-brainer. Go and get it done and come here to do it.”
According to Whitehead, Greene County Medical Center is one of the things that makes living in this part of Iowa one of the best decisions he and his twin brother have made. “I love this little town, they have great things here,” he said. “And, it is wonderful being close to great care in a facility that is able to offer so many patient conveniences.”
The Greene County Medical Center Foundation is fundraising through the Greene Backer campaign to purchase new scopes and related technology. You can support this effort by becoming a Greene Backer. Scan the QR code, text GreeneBacker to 41444, or contact Foundation Director, Nancy Houska at nancy.houska@gcmchealth.com.
