Get that colonoscopy!

[Krell1]

I've had 4 so far. The prep is the worst part of the whole procedure. Actually having the procedure is easy. The doc said they were giving me something to relax, I counted in my head from 100 to 99 and then woke up when it was all over. They also check the prostate while they're "up there".

If you're a wimp and are afraid to go through the procedure, you might want to think of the alternative.

 

[mr-mom]

There are currently several highway billboards in Minnesota with a depiction of a man with his head stuck up his rear. The caption says: "There is a better way!" Being a cancer survivor, I get mine redone every 3 years. Don't want anything sneaking up on myself....
Dave
SWCA #2778

 

[GatorFarmer]

I believe the lifetime incidence of colon/rectal cancer in American men is 1/20. That means that having a colonoscopy done a more or less routine periodic checkup remains very much a matter of personal choice. 95 percent chance of not developing cancer and all that.

 

[ladder13]

Bears repeating from Jessie:

"It's too easy to put off till later, and that could prove to be fatal."

Ever see someone die from colon cancer, I have. Former co-worker who had a family history but refused to go get it done.
Developed colon cancer at 50, died about 9 months later. He shriveled down from about 175 to under 100 lbs. It was an ugly thing to witness.

Take you chances if you like.

 

[finesse_r]

Out of idle curiosity, does anyone know how many of these Medicare will pay for each week? It seems to me some people abuse this little procedure for their own personal reasons.

 

[finesse_r]

Out of idle curiosity, does anyone know how many of these Medicare will pay for each week? It seems to me some people abuse this little procedure for their own personal reasons.

 

[zzclancy]

I made a big deal out of it. My Doctor had to hound me. It was no big deal at all. Had a pulp removed. I would have colon cancer had I not had it done.

It's just foolish not to have it done. No matter the cost it beats colon cancer.

 

[zzclancy]

Can you guys more accurately pinpoint when these hideous, disgusting poisons started to get so much tastier and better. I am always hearing how preps are getting so much better and easier to tolerate. Well, you sure as heck can't prove it by me. I say they were super-disgusting before and they are still super-disgusting today.

But I am willing to learn. Maybe it is just me that can't sense any improvement at all.

I didn't think it tasted that bad. But it was certainly over kill.

 

[RTILSON]

Had my first a few years ago at 50. No big deal. Dulcolax pills and then Miralax. Rather anticlimactic after all the stories about needing a seatbelt on the commode! A good friend who has a family history of colon cancer and gets one every two years told me the secret is follow the directions they give you. Clear liquids only for 24 hours prior to starting the "big cleanse". Pretty much a non event after the Dulcolax blowout. Pretty much just passing water after that. Hunger and thirst became an issue the night before but not bad. Schedule procedure for early in the morning and then go out and have an early lunch while you are stll loopy on Propofol I too see why Michael Jackson abused it. Best 20 minute nap I ever had! My nurse encouraged farting as well! Said they couldn't release me until I did. Evidently they pump you full of air for the procedure. My wife said I found great humor in being encouraged to pass gas

 

[Trooperdan]

Well, I am done with that! Had a couple 4-5 mm polyps (Hell, I didn't even know I was metric!) Doc took some biopsies.. I asked him how many procedures he was doing today and he said 20! And that propofol is some amazing stuff, watched them put it in, never felt it coming, woke up and asked if they were ready and they wer done!

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

Well, I am done with that! Had a couple 4-5 mm polyps (Hell, I didn't even know I was metric!) Doc took some biopsies.. I asked him how many procedures he was doing today and he said 20! And that propofol is some amazing stuff, watched them put it in, never felt it coming, woke up and asked if they were ready and they wer done!

My doc usually does around 20 at a go. The recovery room sounds like an Evinrude smoke out A bunch of old guys encouraged to fart by cute nurses-don't get no better

 

[wbraswell]

Good thread about important issues. Butt(pun), no pics, please.

 

[MattNH]

I didn't ignore the symptoms like the guy in the OP. It triggered a colonoscopy at 42 and found a Stage 3 tumor in my rectum. Six weeks of oral chemo and radiation, 9 hour bowel resection surgery resulting in an ileostomy, followed by 12 doses over six months of IV chemo and then a ileostomy reversal. Using my new anatomy after using a bag for 7 months was challenging. Chemo brain is a real thing. It's been 18 months since my ileostemy reversal and over the last month or so I have gotten to the point where I don't have to carry baby wipes, a change of clothes and plastic bags with me everywhere I go. I can't process carbonation (no more beer) or dairy (no more ice cream). But I'm alive. I wasn't in the age range for proactive colonoscopies, but like I said, I didn't ignore symptoms. My kids need to start getting them at age 32.