topic Re: Colonoscopy in Wellness

Colonoscopy

LBird — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 18:33:12 GMT

Good Afternoon, I putting this post out there because I don't know what to do. I'm in my earlier 50 and my doctor has said it's time for me to get a colonoscopy I'm really not sure for some reason it scares me. I have no problem no conserns with my bottom but should I ? I think why miss with something that is working fine or should I wait till summer or in a couple of years. Would anyone be able to give me advise on the pro's and cons. No one in my family has ever had cancer or the pollips when they get their done. Please give advise on if you think I should now or wait

thanks

Re: Colonoscopy

sim2222 — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 18:40:36 GMT

I've had a couple of these done. No big deal. I am 61 now. The prep is the worst of it. The procedure is nothing you will be put out. Wont feel a thing. I would do it now. Better safe than sorry.

Re: Colonoscopy

Bird mama — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 18:41:00 GMT

@LBird

Welcome to the Community LBird.

I am 54 and have undergone 2 colonoscopies. My first was right before my 45th birthday. In my case, there is a paternal case of colon cancer so the GI doctor felt it was prudent to start checking me out 15 years in advance of the age my father was diagnosed.

Even without the family history, I can tell you that I would have complied with the American Cancer Society guidelines for this type of screening.

If not at 50 years of age exactly, probably by the time I was 55.

Colon cancer is a tricky cancer that is usually not symptomatic. It was not symptomatic in my father's case - there was no pain eliminating and there was no blood when he eliminated.

If you have health insurance that is compliant with PPACA (health care reform), screening colonoscopy should be a benefit with zero cost share.

I can tell you that the prep is worst than anything else. Nothing like drinking a gallon or so of a fluid that doesn't really taste rotten but makes you go to the bathroom until you'd swear you got nothing left.

I have mine done in an outpatient hospital setting. They give you an IV and the entire procedure itself doesn't take more than 15 minutes (assuming it's going smoothly). You basically are awake, out like a light and then awake again.

Re: Colonoscopy

qualitygal — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 18:43:35 GMT

Hi,

Just do as doctor suggests. Don't preworry, it's just they want us to do this at least by the age you are now. I had one done last summer, it was so much easier than I thought it would be. Then when it's done, it's done.

You can go on line and read up on it, people will tell you all sorts of things, as it pertains to them. But don't worry, just do it. Sure beats cancer who doesn't care who it affects. Be proactive.

Just my humble opinion. Do it for you!!

Re: Colonoscopy

lolakimono — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 18:44:39 GMT

@LBird

Re: Colonoscopy

MalteseMomma — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 18:45:54 GMT

@LBird

I feel like you. I am 79 and will not get one unless I need it for some reason and then at my age who cares.

I THINK POKEING AROUND EVERYWHERE IS NOT A GOOD THING,BUT THAT IS MY OWN OPINION AND i'M STICKING TO IT!

I just had an argument with my daughter over this. She got hers and thats ok,she can do whaT SHE WANTs .sHE IS 60 (i THINK)

Everyone please excuse the caps and small letters. It was an accident,I must have pressed some key...........and I am in a hurry to feed my furbaby so I cannot retype this,,,,,thanks

Re: Colonoscopy

AKgirl2 — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 18:46:17 GMT

Please do it to check and see if everything is ok. It's a preventative measure.

Re: Colonoscopy

Lucky Charm — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 19:03:45 GMT

Our neighbor had one done earlier this year.

They found a polyp that was the kind most likely to turn to cancer.

Not the polyps most people get and have removed and no big deal.

Naturally, they removed it, but he has to return every 3 years--not five years.

And he had to inform his adult children that they need to get screened at 40 years old (I think it was 40, but it was much earlier than the usual 50 years old).

No history in his family, no issues that made him think something was wrong.

Here's the kicker. He had a colonoscopy just 2 years prior and nothing was found. His doc said to come back in 5 years.

He changed insurances and went to a new doctor and the new doctor ordered him one. It was found then and if he'd waited another 3 years, it may have been too late!

Re: Colonoscopy

phoenixbrd — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 19:05:41 GMT

No...but I respect everyone's decision regarding this procedure.

Re: Colonoscopy

GenXmuse — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 19:05:46 GMT

Are you more worried about the prep or the procedure itself? The prep is a pain in the you know what but the colonoscopy is a breeze. I promise you will be comfortable and probably not remember much. I had one in my early 40s and I was totally freaked out at the thought of it but in reality it was pretty easy and let me tell you I'm a "freak-out" kind of person-just ask my doctors!

Re: Colonoscopy

qbetzforreal — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 19:15:33 GMT

The prep is hardest part of the procedure. Once it is over, the rest is easy. Your health is something that you don't want to take the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" or "out of sight, out of mind" position. The procedure is like a Pelvic or Mammo exam. Preventative.

Re: Colonoscopy

Gooday — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 19:16:21 GMT

@LBird wrote:
Good Afternoon, I putting this post out there because I don't know what to do. I'm in my earlier 50 and my doctor has said it's time for me to get a colonoscopy I'm really not sure for some reason it scares me. I have no problem no conserns with my bottom but should I ? I think why miss with something that is working fine or should I wait till summer or in a couple of years. Would anyone be able to give me advise on the pro's and cons. No one in my family has ever had cancer or the pollips when they get their done. Please give advise on if you think I should now or wait
thanks

I have shared my experience on this site before but it bears repeating.

I worked in a hospital setting my entire adult life. I had always promised myself a "50th birthday gift" of a colonoscopy. However, my mom was dying of Parkinson's/Alzheimer's and I was 52 years when I had my first colonoscopy.

While coming out of the anesthetic, I heard the GI doctor say, "you have a problem". I had a very large mass of 8cm. at the cecum which is the very top of the colon. I had absolutely no symptoms.

The following week a general surgeon performed a right hemi-colectomy. I was in the hospital from a Tuesday and discharged on a Saturday with a large scar from the navel 8" to my right lower abdomen. The good news that by the Grace of God, it was a benign growth. The surgeon told me he would have bet his paycheck the mass was cancerous but it was not. I asked him, "if I did nothing and waited until I had symptoms, what would happen"? He told me we would not be having this conversation right now.

Was the prep an annoyance? Yes but, it's one day out of your life. Put that in perspective. I'll leave you with that.

Good luck.

Re: Colonoscopy

Brooklynny — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 19:21:24 GMT

@LBird, go ahead and follow your doctor's recommendation. The entire procedure takes about 15 minutes, and you will not be awake. When you do wake up, you won't even know you had it. I had my second one in October (my first was in 2004), my appointment was 9am, and I woke up in recovery by 9:30.

As far as the prep is concerned, it has changed drastically in recent years. I had to drink two five ounce bottles of magnesium citrate, one at 3pm and the other at 7pm. It wasn't terrible. The "mouth feel" leaves something to be desired, but now this prep comes in lemon or raspberry flavors. I don't remember the brand. Of course, it depends on your doctor and whether he/she adheres to the old gallon jug or whether he/she prefers the updated prep procedure. Fortunately, my doctor was, and I really can't complain.

FYI, it also helps if you have a very light diet a couple of days before the prep. That goes a long way in alleviating the "ick" factor. Don't hesitate. Colon cancer is not always symptomatic. Why take the chance by delaying. You won't need another one for 10 years if all is well, so don't be afraid. Do yourself a huge favor and get it done.

Re: Colonoscopy

x Hedge — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 19:30:38 GMT

@LBird, You'll be unconscious during the procedure. This has become a pretty routine milestone at age 50,and is an excellent screening step. Too many still avoid it.

The prep involves drinking about a gallon (no kidding) of stuff. They have flavored the stuff now to make it more tolerable. Surprisingly, it only gets difficult in the last quart, and its not the taste so much as its the sheer volume. Everyone has trouble, but the stuff will clear out the contents of your gut so they can have a good look around.

I had both the upper and lower GI done while unconscious. Since they were looking for something specific, and didn't find it, the following day I swallowed the camera-in-a-capsule. That was no problem at all.

Re: Colonoscopy

colliemom4 — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 19:31:14 GMT

Hello there. I don't think anyone is thrilled abot having these, but as others have said, it's not painful. It's just a precaution like a mamogram etc. You can do it! Good luck!

Re: Colonoscopy

Carol Diane — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 19:32:39 GMT

Obviously everyone is entitled to their own opinion regarding their own health but I can't imagine not having it done when it is something that can save your life. If they find a polyp, they snip it off. I have had it done twice, both times with no sedation or painkillers, but that was my choice. Everyone says it's a breeze and they feel like they had a great sleep. I thought the prep was fine. I requested the pills both times and it was easy. My problem was that I was hungry! My stepmother had colon cancer and had to endure surgery and treatment and I thought what a shame she could have avoided all that if she had gone for colonoscopies. Mine was clear and I'm good for another 7 years, some drs say 10. It's worth it to me for the peace of mind.

Re: Colonoscopy

Bird mama — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 19:38:51 GMT

@MalteseMomma

Funny you should mention age. When I saw the physician assistant at the GI doctor's office (they just have to see you before they schedule you, lol), she and I were talking about needing someone present. I said you know, I don't like to inconvenience people to take time off of work for this. What happens if one day when I am old, I have no one to bring me or sit around and wait for me. She said, oh, we stop doing them once you get to a certain age. I can't remember the magic number.

Gave me hope that I will only be probed every 5 years a couple more times and that will be it, he he he.

Re: Colonoscopy

hckynut — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 19:41:35 GMT

@LBird wrote:
Good Afternoon, I putting this post out there because I don't know what to do. I'm in my earlier 50 and my doctor has said it's time for me to get a colonoscopy I'm really not sure for some reason it scares me. I have no problem no conserns with my bottom but should I ? I think why miss with something that is working fine or should I wait till summer or in a couple of years. Would anyone be able to give me advise on the pro's and cons. No one in my family has ever had cancer or the pollips when they get their done. Please give advise on if you think I should now or wait
thanks

Now is the perfect time. Kinda like not changing oil until your engine blows up. Running good so why mess with it by changing oil? Oopsi! Too late now, your engine is gone.

hckynut(john)

Re: Colonoscopy

newjerseygirl — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 19:43:38 GMT

@LBird

You should have the colonoscopy.

This might make you laugh a little. It is an article written a few years ago by Dave Barry about his first colonoscopy.

http://www.miamiherald.com/living/liv-columns-blogs/dave-barry/article1928847.html

Re: Colonoscopy

LOVEMYFURBABY — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 20:03:07 GMT

I dreaded having one, but I would recommend it. There are different prep drinks. See if you can have the one where you only have less prep to take. Whatever you do, if you use this kind, you had better be sitting on the toilet, or you will be sorry. It acts immediately. They put you to sleep and it is nothing. Good luck and

God bless you.d