Colonoscopy question

jjb · ‎05-19-2012

I just turned 50 and my doc wants me to get my screening colonoscopy. Just curious is this really a safe test? I worry about complications like perforations but I'm told it's very rare that complications happen. I tend to over worry things but any advice would be helpful.

Kachina624 · ‎03-10-2010

Of course it's safe, a lot safer than not having it. Millions of people have it done every year. They do them like an assembly line. I've never heard of anyone having a complication.

New Mexico☀️Land Of Enchantment

SUHsE · ‎03-12-2017

@jjb wrote:
I just turned 50 and my doc wants me to get my screening colonoscopy. Just curious is this really a safe test? I worry about complications like perforations but I'm told it's very rare that complications happen. I tend to over worry things but any advice would be helpful.

______

Its a very safe test and an important one. It can easily save lives.

I'm sure everyone will tell you, the prep is the most unpleasant part, the test itself, is nothing. You have twilight sedation, feel nothing and don't remember much.

I had no problem with the prep. I made sure to refrigerate the liquid, so, it was good and cold, then added lemonade flavor Crystal Light, to it!

If you're at average risk, with no family history, there is at home test you can do, then mail back the sample. You might ask your Dr. How he feels about that.

jpie · ‎06-21-2010

@jjb

Most medical tests (while anesthesia are administered) have some degree of complication. I have had two colonoscopies. My father had colon cancer, so it was a procedure I got done at 50 y/o and then again a few years later.

I also harassed my best friend to get it done and there were some issues that could have been major if she had waited too much longer. She was so thankful that I encouraged her.

For me, the benefit of knowing you are in the clear far outweighs the possible issues. I do think you have to make up your own mind, but if your doctor asked you to get this done, I would have it done.

jjb · ‎05-19-2012

Thanks everyone..I have had 2 abdominal surgical procedures, one was a hysterectomy and I didn't know if the risk for complications went up with having surgery?

GCR18 · ‎07-03-2013

I've had two a couple years apart. Between the two, I had endometrial cancer and a hysterectomy. Made no difference for the procedure. It's always good idea to research things, but don't over think it. It's a common procedure.

My BFF passed away a three years ago and she kept after her husband to get checkups, etc. Since she passed, he didn't keep up with things. He has stage four colon cancer. He's had six months of chemo. It spread to his liver, so he had surgery to remove the cancer there. Plus he has a colostomy bag. He just finished chemo and they will remove the bag and hookup the colon in May. The colonoscopy takes a half hour. Do it.

aubnwa01 · ‎03-09-2010

I had my 1st colonoscopy at 50 & had a polyp, so that put me in the needing a colonoscopy every 5 years category. At the 2nd colonoscopy, I had no polyps, then at the 3rd, I had another polyp again. At my most recent test last summer, I had no polyps, so i'm good for another 5 years. The prep is no fun, but the peace of mind of doing what you need to stay healthy is priceless. My PCP told me that me having had a hysterectomy for uterine cancer at age 43 puts me at increased risk for colon cancer, so I try & be proactive.

jjb · ‎05-19-2012

Thank you GCR18...your post was very helpful and reassuring. Sorry about your BFF...I hope her husband does ok in May.

jjb · ‎05-19-2012

Thank you aubnwa01 for all your helpful info, it really does ease my fears about having this done. Glad your healthy and doing well.

sfnative · ‎03-10-2010

@jjb wrote:
Thanks everyone..I have had 2 abdominal surgical procedures, one was a hysterectomy and I didn't know if the risk for complications went up with having surgery?

@jjb

I hear your concern.

The thing to understand is that the reproductive system is not connected to the digestive system. Though you may have had incisions into your abdomen and your intestines moved about with large retainers, no incision has been made into the small or large intestines during your surgeries, unless the unmentioned second surgery was into a part of your gut.

Those who have hemerroids are at some risk for slight bleeding as the instruments are removed, depending on how severe they are.

Also, a bit of information: The digestive systen is considered to be entirely on the OUTSIDE of the body. It begins with the mouth and ends where we void food waste.

I've had 2 colonoscopies and am now on an every 4 year protocol, as last time my doc found 4 pre-cancerous polyps. So, I'm on calendar for next month and pray that nothing nasty is found.

As another poster indicated, the worst part is the prep. Because you are sedated, you won't know what's going on while they're performing the procedure.