My name is George Rhame and I own Affordable Auto Diesel Repairs as well as All Repairs Plus Plumbing and Electrical in West Columbia SC. I've been a small business owner for over 30 years in this area. Like many of us men, I have not always been the best at routine physicals or taking care of my health. After a cardiac scare last year that resulted in having a stint placed in my iliac artery, I've been making my health more of a priority. With this new priority, I scheduled an appointment with a GI doctor to discuss some pains that I had been having on the right side of my stomach. The first things done were a colonoscopy and endoscopy. During the colonoscopy the doctor removed a small polyp but referred me to a surgeon to have a "slightly larger than what we like to remove during this procedure" polyp because he has "more specialized instruments to get in there and take it out. At the appointment with the surgeon, he informed me that I needed an actual surgery to remove it because he needed to cut the entire section of my colon out and sew those ends back together.

It's called a colectomy or colon resection. This procedure is about a 3 hour process, 3-4 day hospital stay and 6-8 week recovery. He scheduled the surgery for approximately 2 weeks after my appointment which did not leave very much time to make sure my bills were covered for the entire period I'll be down. Nor did I plan on having complications after surgery that landed me back in the hospital fighting to remain here on Earth. God has more work for me here so as always, He carried me through those raging waters to the safety of the shoreline.

With the extended hospital stay and emergency room visit, my medical bills are adding up quickly and that is with medical insurance. I know God will provide what I need so I'm just reaching out here in case this is the way,or part of the way, He is making for me. If you feel like you are part of His way, I will be deeply grateful for anything you feel lead to bless me with. Whether that is monetary, prayers, well wishes, kind words or simply a like and a share, I am beyond thankful for you.

So here is my PSA for all of you guys: Get your routine physicals and testing done when they are due! Prevention is much easier and cheaper than treatment!