By Teisha Pessoa, Greater Montgomery Patient Centered Gastroenterology and Hepatology
My name is Teisha Pessoa and I am the Director of Patient Care Services, the Patient Advocate, and the Patient Educator at GMPCGH, located right here in Montgomery, AL at 1898 Mulberry St. Our facility specializes in Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Our mission is to provide a patient-centered approach by serving the healthcare needs of the community with dignity and compassion. Our office consists of Dr. Viplove Senadhi, our Medical Director and Dr. Rao Meka, the newest addition to the practice. We also have several Nurse Practitioners and a wonderful staff that are eager to serve you. Our qualified doctors and highly trained staff value the well-being of our patients and strive for not only the best possible clinical outcome, but the highest level of patient satisfaction as well.
March is national colon cancer awareness month and I am SUPER excited. I am here to advocate for colon cancer prevention and bring awareness to your readers about the importance of getting a colon screening. Colon cancer is cancer that begins in the colon. It is the third most common cancer among both men and women in the United States. Colon cancer is responsible for an estimated 50,000 deaths each year. But thanks to increased colon awareness efforts, the death rate has been dropping steadily since the 1980’s.
Many colon cancers can be prevented through regular screenings. I can’t stress this enough because screenings can detect abnormal growths in the colon and can be removed before they develop into cancer. The good news is screening is crucial because when found early, colon cancer is highly treatable.
A colonoscopy is one of the best ways to spot or help prevent colon cancer. Unfortunately, many people who should have this procedure don’t, because they’re simply afraid. They’re afraid of the procedure, they’re afraid of what they have to go through to prep for the procedure, and they’re afraid of the results. Now this is where I come in to advocate and educate. I explain to the patient the importance of having a colonoscopy as well as having a clean and empty colon for the doctor to get a proper look at. I also give the patient instructions that explain what a colonoscopy is, how to prepare for a colonoscopy, and what to expect after the procedure. Finally, I give the patient a laxative prep to drink the day before the procedure. Now this may seem inconvenient, but it’s temporary, and it might help save your life.
So I encourage everyone (both men and women) to come to GMPCGH and get their colon screening. We are currently taking new patients. We offer diagnostic services including colonoscopies, endoscopies, ultrasounds, echocardiograms, h. pylori breath tests, smart pill and pill cam procedures, fibroscan imaging, hemorrhoidal banding, and anorectal manometries. Our practice is focused on meeting the needs of our patients. Please feel free to contact us to make an appointment. We are open Monday- Thursday, 8am-4pm and Friday 8am- 12pm. You can reach us at (334) 239-7059 or email us at [email protected].
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