25 replies to this topic

[Deb aka Resume Lady]

I know, it's not the funnest (I can make up words if I want to) topic, but it's an important one. If you're 50 or older, have you gone for a colonoscopy and/or follow-ups through the years? If you haven't I am begging you to do so.

I just found out my oldest friend and pseudo mother is dying of Stage IV colon cancer. She was too private, too embarrassed, too whatever to go for colonoscopies and now it's too late.

Please take care of yourself. When polyps are found early, something can be done about them. If you're over 50 and have never had one, please pick up the phone now to schedule an appointment. The life you save could be your own, and many, many people love you and are counting on you to be around for a while.

[traceyl]

Great reminder Deb! I'm sorry to hear about your friend.

My mom is a Stage IV colon cancer SURVIVOR so I know the importance of getting screened. And lucky me, b/c there is a family history, I get to start getting mine at 45

[4thgenFolsomite]

Great reminder Deb! I'm sorry to hear about your friend.

My mom is a Stage IV colon cancer SURVIVOR so I know the importance of getting screened. And lucky me, b/c there is a family history, I get to start getting mine at 45

Yes! Good for your mom!

I haven't had one because I get the fecal occult blood test every year. The horror stories of the nausea and weakness that results from the colon cleansing procedure necessary to do the actual probe has stopped me from doing it.

[Bill Z]

Last year shortly after my 50th B-day, I had mine. It's a little uncomfortable, but it isn't that big of a deal (definitely didn't experience any horror stories, just some non-stinky gas afterwards).
Fortunately, I was clean as a whistle.

Sorry to hear about your friend. I think my MIL is the same way though, too afraid to see a doctor, fortunately she eats healthy, and is fit as a fiddle, but she hates to visit the doctor.

[Deb aka Resume Lady]

Yes! Good for your mom!

I haven't had one because I get the fecal occult blood test every year. The horror stories of the nausea and weakness that results from the colon cleansing procedure necessary to do the actual probe has stopped me from doing it.

I didn't have nausea or weakness and neither did my husband. The cleansing procedures does just that -- cleanses you. Small price to pay. The fecal occult blood test tells you whether you have any blood in the stool, but I'm not sure all polyps cause blood... Can you be sure that test is as effective as actually looking through the colon for polyps?

[4thgenFolsomite]

I didn't have nausea or weakness and neither did my husband. The cleansing procedures does just that -- cleanses you. Small price to pay. The fecal occult blood test tells you whether you have any blood in the stool, but I'm not sure all polyps cause blood... Can you be sure that test is as effective as actually looking through the colon for polyps?

I think you are right about the fecal test being less thorough. In fact, I'm sure you are. I'm glad to hear you didn't have problems with drinking the cleaner. My best friends and my sister both were so sick the next morning after cleansing the night before their appointment that they couldn't make it to the exam!

[Deanna H]

I had one done last year. It wasn't nearly as bad as the horror stories would lead you to believe. The stuff you have to drink isn't all that pleasant, but it wasn't that bad. I never felt nauseated either. Honestly, when the whole thing was done, I was thinking "What's the big deal?"

I think you are right about the fecal test being less thorough. In fact, I'm sure you are. I'm glad to hear you didn't have problems with drinking the cleaner. My best friends and my sister both were so sick the next morning after cleansing the night before their appointment that they couldn't make it to the exam!

[Deb aka Resume Lady]

I had one done last year. It wasn't nearly as bad as the horror stories would lead you to believe. The stuff you have to drink isn't all that pleasant, but it wasn't that bad. I never felt nauseated either. Honestly, when the whole thing was done, I was thinking "What's the big deal?"

Actually, I do know one person who became sick, to her stomach from the prep. I do believe she is in the minority. The thing is, the only way to find out if you have a sensitive stomach is to go through the process, and on balance which is worse: risking some nausea or risking cancer?

[folsom500]

I know that it depends on what health care provider you have for the cleansing fluid. My partner is with Kaiser he has to take a gallon of something while I with Hills/ mercy on had to take two pints at separate times. I also know there is a difference in the type of Anesthesia that are used. I had one that put you out quick and you come out of it quick with no hangover effect with allows you to get released earlier.

Remember there are two separate probes that are done- after 45 best to have a Sigmoid which only is 12" up the rectum. and After 50 - the full Colonoscopy (sp) that goes up the full intestine. Apparently mine was a difficult one with many tight turns - but they pulled 12 precancerous polyps so I get to go again next year

I think the sigmoid is every 5 years and the full colon is every 10 years. Colon cancer is not a good way to die- I had a good friend only 43 that died from it last year.

While he was much younger and would not have even been in the age range to get checked, that older people should- it is really no big deal and it could save your life ...

[4thgenFolsomite]

you guys are convincing me to do it the next time the doctor suggests it.....I'm with Kaiser, so I get the gallon though.

[folsom500]

you guys are convincing me to do it the next time the doctor suggests it.....I'm with Kaiser, so I get the gallon though.

Do not wait until the Dr suggest it - Ask to get it scheduled

[Bill Z]

you guys are convincing me to do it the next time the doctor suggests it.....I'm with Kaiser, so I get the gallon though.

I'm with Kaiser and I'm not sure what the gallon is, unless it's just drinking that much water during the day of the flushing. I think I had to drink two glasses of some clear liquid that didn't taste too bad, and then began the pumping of clear liquids for the rest of the day.

[folsombound]

I've now had 2 sigmoidoscopies and 2 full colonoscopies. The prep is a PITA but doesn't hurt and did not create any side effects for me. My father died of colon cancer so I have paid attention to what I need to do. Last procedure was last November and I was clean so I'm pretty happy with the whole thing. The previous colonoscopy removed 2 polyps. If you are at the age where it is recommended or have a family history of colon cancer, don't even hesitate, just get it done.

[Deb aka Resume Lady]

My dear friend, Carol, passed away this afternoon. Please take care of yourselves and don't be afraid to go for tests.

[giacomo]

My dear friend, Carol, passed away this afternoon. Please take care of yourselves and don't be afraid to go for tests.

Deb B I'm so sorry for the loss of your dear friend.
MyFolsomites, Deb B has started a very important topic about colonoscopies. Many of us cringe at the mere mention of the word colonoscopy,some even joke about it, but it's no laughing matter. Please, please, please know it is a lifesaver. If you are over 50 and haven't had one, you're a playing Russian roulette w/your life. Get it done. If you have problems with your digestion or bowel movements, especially a long period of diarrhea, or blood in your stool,don't delay another day, call your doctor and schedule an appointment and they will recommend a gastroenterologist. Forget the horror stories about the prep and having to drink a gallon of the "mix" in approx 2 hours,it's not that bad and should be the least of your worries. A colonoscopy can and will save your life!!!. I know I've had two colonoscopies and I'm only 46!!!