Colonoscopy

HiDesertHal

HiDesertHal

Senior Member
Location
Southern California's High Mojave Desert
Hello,

Yesterday I had a routine discussion with my physician concerning the results of lab work I had done earlier.

She said the results show that I am healthy in all respects, but because of my age (81) I should have a Colonoscopy performed, just as a "look-see" into to my Colon to see if things are OK.

I agreed to have a Colonoscopy, even though it isn't mandatory.

Have any of you had this procedure?

Thanks,

HiDesertHal
 

My husband has had one every five years since his brother died of bowel cancer aged 44.

It is important to follow the preparation instructions very carefully.
You won't know anything about the procedure until it is over because you will be sedated.
 
No, I never had one and don't plan to unless it's mandatory. I knew someone who was very healthy in every way, lived clean life, exercised and was a marathon runner, rarely ate any meat, etc. He had a colonoscopy and they snipped some polyps, then he developed colon cancer and had a section of his colon removed. Then the cancer spread to his prostate, liver, etc. and he ended up dying after suffering with long term chemo treatments and going through a lot of pain. I may be wrong, but I think the cutting of anything internally may just make it spread.

I use the annual at home test that you send in, if that was ever positive I might consider going further with testing. I haven't had any colon cancer in my immediate family. There are cases where the instruments that are used are not properly sanitized, and damaging internal tears occur from the probe they use. I'm not a big fan of doctors, prescription drugs or having anything done that isn't absolutely necessary. So far in my mid 60s I've done okay.
 

I live in Canada. They don't like to do colonoscopy after age 80. The reason is that the walls of the colon get thinner as we age.

I had one done years ago. The tough part is cleansing. When you are being examined they usually put you under.
 
No.

I do the annual at home test.

Speaking only for myself, I'm leery of much of the testing that is done. Once a hospital invests in the equipment and trains a staff they need to keep the staff busy and these expensive invasive tests seem to become the norm. I'm from the if it ain't broke don't fix it or the watchful waiting school. Sometimes I think my doctor wants me to hurry up and have an expensive treatment or test because he is afraid I will get better before they can do it and bill me. Like I said that's just me, everyone should do what they feel is best for them and their situation.

Good luck!
 
I do the annual test also. I have enough testing done with my brain aneurysm angios. If further testing was warranted then I would. At this time in my life I have had enough of testing and doctors.
 
I am kinda shocked that so many have not had the procedure. Colon cancer is one that could be completely eradicated by being pro-active. My cousin had colon cancer twice and they removed more and more of her colon, but no radiation or chemo. That was 25 yrs ago and she's doing very well, with no side effects. Happened to her in her 40's, and they recommend you begin getting them at 50. Several friends have had polyps removed that were not benign and they continue to get checked every 5 years, all doing well.

The colonoscopy I had in Dec saved my life, as cancer was discovered. It's wasn't colon cancer, but the procedure allowed it to be found in Stage 1. I'm very grateful.

Back to the OP, drinking the prep the night before is the worst part of the whole thing to me. I find that if you put the jug in the freezer, get it ice cold, and drink it through a straw, it goes down much easier. Good luck with it. You'll see it's not that bad at all.
 
My son had a polyp detected via a colonoscopy that turned out to be stage 3 cancer, no symptoms at all! He's had surgery, radiation, and chemo (a few years ago) and appears to be fine. It probably saved his life.

I've had a few, no big deal, they never found anything wrong. But I thought they stop doing them after age 80, unless there is a real medical reason.
 
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