A Plea to the Politicans of Ontario

Dear Politicians,

Today is World Health Day; a day to help promote healthy communities, and the importance of healthcare worldwide. As a person living with several chronic health conditions, healthcare is absolutely vital to my survival. I fear that the direction that the Ontario government is going with healthcare, may not be supportive or benefit the health of us living with chronic illness.

Seven years ago, I was diagnosed with severe Crohn's disease, a form of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Despite my doctors best efforts, I have yet to reach remission in those 7 years, which has led to 19 trips to the Operating Room, the surgical removal of my colon, and many long hospitalizations. Prolonged inflammation can lead to cell changes and the development of colo-rectal cancers, which is the second most deadly form of cancer a patient can have. In June 2018, I was diagnosed with rectal cancer at the age of 14. Tomorrow, I will be having my rectum removed for Operating Room trip #20.

Did you know that colo-rectal cancer, when it's caught in the early stages, happens to be one of the most curable cancers to have? I'm among the extremely lucky; because of regular colonoscopies, the doctors caught my cancer in the early stages. If it hadn't been for the frequent monitoring to look for these changes, my cancer story would be very different.

My cancer surgery doesn't scare me as much as the proposed changes to OHIP that allows Ontario residents access to healthcare services. Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease can develop intestinal blockages, strictures (narrowing of the intestines) and have an increased risk of intestinal perforation during these procedures. The procedure itself can be painful to those who have significant inflammation in the bottom part of their intestines, and can also lead to increased anxiety. It is my worry that with the increased risks associated with unsedated colonoscopies, heightened anxiety and push to do less frequent scopes, that IBD patients will put off these procedures. Colo-rectal cancer can be quick to develop, I went from inflammatory cells to cancer cells within 6 months. Quite simply, a colonoscopy saved my life.

I am writing in hopes that my government leaders will take a moment to consider how their proposed changes will negatively impact the health of so many. Yes, there is a cost to doing regular, sedated colonoscopies, but there is a higher cost associated with not doing them. The cost of chemotherapy, radiation, diagnostic and monitoring tests for someone with advanced cancer will exceed the costs of regular preventative tests. Promoting the health of all Ontario residents can help to avoid the costs to the economy and ensure that we all can contribute to society.

The province of Ontario has the chance to be a leader in providing great healthcare. My future depends on the decisions that you will make in the near future. Please, reconsider these changes and find ways of promoting the health of everyone.

Sincerely,
Jacob Ralston