New, non-invasive colon test - Page 6

adelle38 · ‎03-09-2010

On 11/6/2014 Anglophilly said:
Colonoscopy is still the "gold standard" for detecting disease. Like mammograms, the test is uncomfortable (the prep, not the procedure). The alternative, not being tested, can be even more uncomfortable. One can pay a very high price for living in blissful ignorance.

Cologuard is another tool for early detection. There's a 13% chance of false positive results. Any positive would require colonoscopy. Why not just have the procedure and avoid needless worry? What's the price for peace of mind?

Check info on Cologuard not put out by the manufacturer, ie NY Times.

Some of us have conditions that could make the prep debilitating, not just of a day or two but for months. I also have unpredictable reactions to anesthetics and haven't found a doctor who will do a colonoscopy with no anesthesia. This test would be beneficial to us to avoid unnecessary problems. If they find something, then obviously there would have to be a colonoscopy and/or surgery.

It's always a victory for me when I remember why I entered a room.

GinaV24 · ‎07-23-2010

hmm, sounds interesting.

I've done the regular type screening, twice now. My mother had colon cancer so I was at risk.

I don't like the prep either, as far as I am concerned, that was the worst part of the whole thing. I need to have another one next year so I'm going to ask about a different kind of prep.

As far as not eating, the instructions I had were you could have clear broths, liquids and jello (anything not red in color) and ice pops. I started eating the lightly the week before hand and then just went to clears 24 hrs before.

I also saw the post about waiting so long for an appointment. Guess I have a different doctor, but I was able to schedule mine w/o any issues. I agree that having to schedule someone to take you and bring you home is a bit of an issue, but because of my family history, I'm happy to get it checked out.

GinaV24 · ‎07-23-2010

On 11/5/2014 buckeye war eagle fan said:You Don,t really need to have any anesthesia for this procedure..it really only to help you relax..your fear is really unfounded.. I have had 3 and they are no big deal..the worse part is the night before making sure your colon is totally clean..great way to lose a few pounds..lol..
On 11/4/2014 blondegirl said: Thanks - I have bad reactions to anesthesia so won't get a colonoscopy. Having said that, if it shows something you are going to have to have one anyhow which makes this of limited use for many folks. That's why the virtual one is not a big hit I think, cost aside.

Maybe that works for you, but me, I want to be out, when they do stuff like this.

wagirl · ‎03-09-2010

On 11/6/2014 judyakm said:
On 11/6/2014 wagirl said:
Sorry--don't accept the fixed income excuse for not getting this test---can you afford the funeral costs instead? And I've never had to stop eating for 35 hours!! Had to revise my diet the week prior but I was getting an endoscopy AND a colonoscopy at the same time. So I couldn't eat for maybe 24 hours before. I go in to see my gastro dr in 2 weeks to schedule my colon reaming and will have it a week later. I don't have any history of colon problems so not sure why it takes 5 months to get one for some. So many excuses I've read here------it's no big deal and believe me----this is a tiny, minute thing compared to cancer. Of course there may be some issues with the anesthetic but you talk about that with your dr and make sure you go somewhere that does this thing all the time like a hospital. I learned that you need to check everything out and ask tons of questions. I am a 2 year breast cancer THRIVER (survivor) and know first hand about making sure I get the needed tests every year. Just do it!!!!!

A friend of mine, in her late 40's (before the recommended colonoscopy age of 50) had symptoms she ignored for a while....long story short, she had colon cancer.....fought mightily for 5 years (enduring even experimental treatments after traditional options did not work) and she is gone. GONE......go get one or the other of these treatments BEFORE you have symptoms or a real concern. I understand all the issues BUT if you put it off, your life, a treasure that you cannot replace, might be cut short....too short!!!

So sorry about your friend. Fighting cancer of any kind is an excruciating experience and when it can be avoided it is worth a little discomfort.

F1wild · ‎11-30-2011

I'm very happy to know the money paid to Mayo Clinic, for cancer & other treatments, goes to great research. My Mayo oncologist helped research, in conjunction with Stand Up 2 Cancer funding, a newly FDA-approved (Sept. '14) Melanoma drug.

Any advancement in preventing cancer, of any kind, is cause for celebration!!!

ROMARY · ‎04-28-2010

Bravo, Mayo!

'More or less', 'Right or wrong', 'In general', and 'Just thinking out loud ' (as usual).

dobiesrule · ‎07-24-2014

A friend died recently of colon cancer. I found out later from her closest friend that she had never had a colonoscopy. That is one cancer that can be prevented. Why would you not get one? No one looks forward to it, but in the scheme of things, it is not all that bad. Especially if it can save your life.

Beauty$Junkie · ‎05-14-2010

My young neighbor (43) has just been diagnosed with colon cancer. He is well below the age threshold they always recommend for testing. I am in the process of scheduling my testing. I was not happy that the 5 yrs has already passed since my previous one, but I always dread the prep. I cannot recommend the colonoscopy enough. Praying for my neighbor and for anyone else going through this. Early detection cannot be stressed enough.

Reever · ‎03-14-2010

I hate the idea of a tube passed up my rectum so this test may be what the doctor ordered.

dsky · ‎07-02-2010

On 11/9/2014 Beauty$Junkie said:
My young neighbor (43) has just been diagnosed with colon cancer. He is well below the age threshold they always recommend for testing. I am in the process of scheduling my testing. I was not happy that the 5 yrs has already passed since my previous one, but I always dread the prep. I cannot recommend the colonoscopy enough. Praying for my neighbor and for anyone else going through this. Early detection cannot be stressed enough.

I would ask your doctor about using Prepopik. This is what I used when I did mine in October. It was an orange flavor, and to tell you the truth tasted just fine. I had heard horror stories about the taste of the prep and dreaded drinking it, but this tasted like an orange fizzy drink. I had to drink it at nine the night before and at nine the next morning, my procedure was scheduled for 3:00. It worked gently and thoroughly and it would be what I would ask for when I do it again in seven years.