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Opening up about what's down below

Local support group aims to help men with sensitive medical issues

“The male ego – it's good if you're having a fight,” says Reg Berrington, throwing his fists up. “But, not for your health.”

Berrington, 76, a cancer survivor who had a piece of his colon removed nine years ago, says some men feel reluctant to seek attention for medical issues located “below the belt” because there's a certain stigma attached.

“Most men think they're perfect (down there).”

Berrington is a 108 Mile Ranch resident and along with a few other local men has started a support group for people with sensitive health concerns from the waist down. These include prostate, colorectal, testicular and bladder cancer; diverticulitis, non-Hodgkins lymphoma, ostomies, Crohn's disease and colitis.

Berrington says most of the phone calls he gets are from wives concerned about their husband's health. This is fine, he adds, but it speaks to the necessity for more openness and acceptance with these types of conditions.

“These are the things men don't go to the doctor for.

“We don't try to be doctors. What we tell you is what we've experienced and heard from other people. But, the ultimate goal is to get you to the doctor.”

The three phone numbers associated with “Below the Belt” – their ads can be found in this week's 100 Mile Free Press and Cariboo Connector – lead to men who have experience with some of these painful conditions. They can put you in touch with the appropriate health-care provider, but also provide something more.

Berrington remembers waking up in the hospital after surgery with staples and tubes in his stomach. He asked the nurse, “Is there anyone I can 'really' talk to about this?”

“The doctors can talk to you from a medical point of view. But, they won't tell you the [personal] things you go through.

“We can help you out.”

Consultation with the group is completely private, Berrington adds.

Berrington can be reached at 250-791-9235, Chris Nickless can be reached at 250-791-6616 and Martin Sarich can be contacted at 250-791-5540.