Greg here! Welcome to The Middle, the mid-week newsletter where I share real stories and recommendations directly from me to you.
We have so many subscribers joining us each week that I wanted to let our new readers know about something I’m very proud of, my bestselling book, Midlife Male. I wrote it prior to launching this newsletter and in a way it is our mission statement and north star.
NFL Hall of Famer and Entrepreneur Troy Aikman read it and says that, “he has been inspired and encourages all men to do the same. Greg talks the talk and he walks the walk. You won’t be disappointed.”
Guys, Do Not Blow Off Your Routine Health Tests!
By Greg Scheinman
I’m writing this after getting the results of my first colonoscopy and I’m warning you, this column is personal and gets into the nitty gritty of some of my symptoms. But I urge you to read this because I know there are plenty of you going through the same thing who procrastinate and put off tests like I do.
Let me explain:
A few years ago, I did the Cologuard test, you know, the “shit-in-a-box” screening my doctor recommended. Everything came back fine. But I’m 52 now. And my wife Kate’s been gently, then not-so-gently, pushing me to get an actual colonoscopy.
The Symptoms I Ignored (And You Probably Do Too)
For a while now, I’ve been dealing with acid reflux, cramping, diarrhea—general stomach issues that I’ve mostly brushed off as having a “sensitive gut” or chalked up to the amount of protein I consume. I eat a lot. I train hard. I’ve always kind of shrugged it off.
I’m not one for complaining. Or for doctors, really. Still, I booked the appointment.
Then I canceled it. Twice.
There’s always something else to do, always a justification for being “too busy” or rescheduling what you know you should do. We’re all guilty of that to some degree. But this time, I knew I had to prioritize it.
Genetics vs. Effort
The truth is, we don’t have the greatest health history in my family when it comes to men. So I’ve always been wary—kind of scared—of what’s behind Door Number Two. Because no matter how healthy I am, how clean I eat, or how much I train, you can’t completely outrun your genetics.
You can shift the odds. You can tilt the scale in your favor. But you don’t get to change the cards entirely.
The Prep Sucks, But It’s Worth It
So I went through the prep, which, let’s be real, is awful, especially for someone like me who likes to eat every couple of hours. I showed up the morning of the test at 7 a.m., totally flushed out, feeling okay.
The nurses were great, told me I was fit as a fiddle and one of the “easy ones” to have in there. The anesthesiologist ran through the protocol. The doctor told me what to expect. Even my blood pressure was normal.
Then I went under.
The Diagnosis I Wasn’t Expecting
When I woke up, the doctor told me they’d removed a couple of polyps. Okay. A lot of people have them. No big deal.
Then he said he believes I have ulcerative colitis.
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract, specifically the lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. It can cause cramping, diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and other digestive issues.
It’s an autoimmune condition, meaning your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in your gut.
He asked if I’d been experiencing any of the classic symptoms. I told him I had. We went through the timeline and then I waited two weeks for a diagnosis.
The Results
I won’t bury the lead: I have ulcerative colitis.
Not what I was expecting and definitely not fun. But it could be worse.
I’ve never liked the phrase “It is what it is.” I prefer “It is what I make of it.”
So that’s what I’m going to do.
Rebuilding Trust with My Gut
Make the best of it. Dig in. Understand it.
Learn what I can do to kick its ass, send it into remission, reduce and remove the abdominal pain, heartburn, and digestive issues I’ve been dealing with, and keep moving forward.
I’ve always trusted my gut, but right now, it’s letting me down a bit, so we’re in the rebuilding trust phase.
That’s how I’m choosing to look at this.
The Problem with the System
I’m fortunate to be working with an excellent doctor, and together we’ll coordinate a functional, personalized plan I can actually follow. I’m sure this will involve drinking considerably less coffee—which sucks, because it’s one of my favorite (and last remaining) vices.
One thing I’ll say, and I’m going to get into this more in a separate newsletter, is this:
Traditional medical doctors have terrible bedside manner.
(Yeah, that’s a sweeping generalization, but in my experience most do, not all, but most…)
They’re dismissive.
They rush to prescribe.
They don’t ask questions.
They don’t talk about lifestyle.
They don’t seem all that interested in health, just in managing illness.
The doctor who performed my colonoscopy and called me with the results treated me like I was one of a hundred of these calls he had to make on a Saturday and he couldn’t get me off the phone fast enough…
Not someone I’ll be doing business with again.
Bottom Line: You’re the CEO of Your Health
Look, if there are medications I need to take, I’ll take them. I’m not opposed to medicine. I am opposed to taking anything blindly. But having a trusted health team is essential.
Doing your own research, asking questions, and taking responsibility for your health?
That’s on you.
So here we go…
Like I always say:
Today’s the day you start.
And if you’ve been putting off your colonoscopy, blood work, a skin cancer screening with your dermatologist or any number of tests we need to stay on top of as we age, my ask of you is simple:
Go. Get. Your. Screenings.
Don’t put things off.
Take complete and total ownership of your health.
Even when you feel great. Even when you’re “fit as a fiddle.” Even when it’s inconvenient, uncomfortable, or scary.
Because life is short enough as it is. And if you’re reading this, chances are you have the same goals we all have here at Midlife Male: to be as happy, healthy, wealthy and strong as we can be for as long as we can be.
In Health,
Greg
Midlife Male
52. Husband. Father. Entrepreneur. Coach. Student of the game.
Still walking the walk.
Making the Rounds:
I Participated in the ATN Innovation Tech Summit This Week
My wife Kate and I headed to NYC this week as I was moderating a panel at the Athletech News Innovation Summit. First year. Big event. Lots of entrepreneurs and CEOs of the brands and businesses that are relevant to middle-aged men.
I was recommended to the founder of the event, Ed Hertzman, by Jennifer Jacobs (JMethod), who I met through Troy Aikman at an EIGHT Beer event in Houston.
These are the things that remind me to be humble and grateful: when good people go out of their way to help you. Which is why I’m including links above, so I can show some love back.
P.S., I just had one coaching slot open up. If you are serious and interested, check it out:
Get One-on-One Coaching with me. I coach a select few men one-on-one. It’s just you and me, talking it through, making a plan, and pushing you toward your next win. No pressure, just progress. Reach out—let’s make it happen, one step at a time. Book your call here.
Check out my Most Popular Middle Columns:
The Best Skincare Recommendation You’ll Ever Get:
I get all my skincare from Precision Skincare sent to me each month. Since starting with Precision six months ago, I have seen noticeable improvements in the balance, elasticity, and clarity of my skin. I’ve never had great skin, and now my skin is looking better than it ever has. Use code MidlifeMale10 for 10% off.
Cleanse: Precision Skincare Facial Foam
Treat: Quench Serum + Renew Eye Cream + Lipid Luxe. This combo is great for undereye puffiness, fine lines and wrinkles, and fixing dryness, blemishes, pigmentation and sun damage.
Moisturizer: Intensify clean moisturizer
Protect: Luminous Tinted SPF40
Aaaaannnd coming this FALL:
In October of this year we’re going to have our first in-person, Midlife Male Excellent Adventure. We’re working out all the details now, but if you’re looking for a cool weekend in a cool place doing cool shit, this is going to be for you. I’ll be there. Our Editor-in-Chief Jon will be there. Details and sign-ups coming soon.
