Get that colonoscopy!!!

Marie5656

Marie5656

SF VIP
Location
Batavia, NY
My husband, at age 66, just had his first ever colonoscopy this week. He kept putting it off, because he was concerned about having to lay down, and have discomfort on his arthritic back. He sleeps in a recliner, as he cannot lay flat.

We he found out the hard way that some discomfort was the least of his worries. He determined it was not so bad. And soon found out that the doctor found a mass. And a couple polyups. Definately in need of surgical intervention. We go back to the doctor tomorrow to get the results of the biopsy and determine what surgery will be needed.

Yesterday he had to go for a CAT scan which put him in to much more agony than the colonoscopy. I was in the waiting room a few hundred feet away and still heard him yelling out. He is still sore.

I did not say "I told you so" to him...as I am sure he sees that now. So yes, there is cancer, and yes he will need surgery. Kind of worried now. So really, pass the word to your kids, grand kids. And yourselves if you have never had one. Get it done as soon after age 50 as you can.
I will keep you posted in a separate post.
 

Ours is due this year. Unfortunately, even with Medicare and a Supplement, some Seniors can't afford this, as well as other, procedures. Not everyone has great medical insurance from a company they retired from. I have VA, as well as Medicare and a Supplement, but the VA Hospital, where the procedure would be done, isn't exactly close and wife would have to take a day off from work.

But, still plan on getting it done this year.
 
I need to get mine but keep putting it off.

My kids both are under age 50 and have already had theirs because their dad, my husband died from colon cancer.
 

Sorry, Marie.

I'm on track with my colonoscopy;I've had 2 and won't have to have another for a few more years.

I personally know of several people who died of colon cancer in their 50s.
 
Had my third when I was 70, first one (55) found 2 polyps, removed, clean bill of health next 2 (65, 70). Done, Doc gave me a pass for the rest of my life. Drinking that crap was the worst part. I quit mixing the flavoring (Hah!) in after the first.
 
CeeCee said:
That's what I fear the most...the prep. So many horror stories about it.
Click to expand...

Yea, the prep, aka running to the bathroom very quickly after drinking the stuff. Talking about getting "flushed out".

For ours, I had to be there when wife had it done. No way she could've drove home by herself. She done the same when I had it done. She went with me. Basically, after it's done, you are really groggy, but can understand what the doctor tells you he/she found.
 
I've heard lots of people complain about the prep. It's not what I'd call horrible.

But this I know for sure:
Drinking a liquid that doesn't taste great and going to the bathroom is a lot more pleasant than having colon cancer and dying from it.
 
I wasn't groggy at all after. But they won't let you go until someone picks you up. The whole procedure started and ended before I even knew what was happening. But I really was sick and tired of eating yellow jello. And the stuff to clean you out does taste like hell. But I think it's not so bad if you start on a starvation diet a month before. You won't miss food that way.
 
ClassicRockr said:
Yea, the prep, aka running to the bathroom very quickly after drinking the stuff. Talking about getting "flushed out".

For ours, I had to be there when wife had it done. No way she could've drove home by herself. She done the same when I had it done. She went with me. Basically, after it's done, you are really groggy, but can understand what the doctor tells you he/she found.
Click to expand...

That's also a problem and I have to find a time my daughter can come and take and pick me up.

The 2 friends I had/have in Fresno are in bad shape. Don't feel comfortable asking my neighbor to take off work for me. He watches my house while I'm gone but that's about it.
 
CeeCee said:
That's also a problem and I have to find a time my daughter can come and take and pick me up.

The 2 friends I had/have in Fresno are in bad shape. Don't feel comfortable asking my neighbor to take off work for me. He watches my house while I'm gone but that's about it.
Click to expand...

There are transportation companies and even taxis that will do that for you. Ask the clinic or hospital where you would get that done. They can refer you.
 
Olivia said:
There are transportation companies and even taxis that will do that for you. Ask the clinic or hospital where you would get that done. They can refer you.
Click to expand...

Yes, I know that..but will they hold my hand...I'm a big baby when it comes to tests.

Guess I'll have no choice soon if my daughter can't find the time.

I am going for my mammogram on June 14th but those are a piece of cake.
 
CeeCee said:
Yes, I know that..but will they hold my hand...I'm a big baby when it comes to tests.

Guess I'll have no choice soon if my daughter can't find the time.

I am going for my mammogram on June 14th but those are a piece of cake.
Click to expand...

Yes, me too. But I found that's it's really easy. The worst part is waiting for your turn in that little curtained booth.
 
Luckily my husband is still on his employer's health care until the end of the month. Any cancer screening tests are no co-pay. So, a colonoscopy for us, and annual mamogram for me is no charge.
His medicaire advantage, and my healthcare, which start next month are both from Excellus and still there will be no copay for cancer screening
 
CeeCee said:
Yes, I know that..but will they hold my hand...I'm a big baby when it comes to tests.

Guess I'll have no choice soon if my daughter can't find the time.

I am going for my mammogram on June 14th but those are a piece of cake.
Click to expand...
CeeCee, it's the prep you have to take to clean you out that is worst! Once you're past that the actual test will occur with you in LALa land then you'll be done. I've had 5.
 
I will be 80 soon and I believe they stop recommending them for those over 80 anyway. I've never had one. My faith is in:

https://www.webmd.com/colorectal-cancer/news/20061019/grape-seed-extract-vs-colon-cancer

https://www.naturalhealth365.com/resveratrol-cancer-cells-2371.html

https://nccih.nih.gov/health/grapeseed/ataglance.htm

The information continues to unfold, and I've been taking this "miracle" antioxidant for about 23 yrs...started at 57.

Good wishes to all and their choices. jam


PS: The MAIN reason I got on "it" back in 1995, we were told May Prevent Cancer(s)...and today there is so much info on this comment my ears heard back then.
This is just one line on this connection.

https://www.cancerdefeated.com/grap...ncer-fighter-and-this-grape-is-the-best/2595/
 
I'm sorry to hear he has cancer Marie. I need to get a colonoscopy but really dread it because of a horrible one I had by an intern that didn't know what he was doing and put me in agony.
 
I have had 4 colonoscopy's and I never had even the slightest discomfort. Each time, the last thing I remember is seeing the needle being injected into the back of my hand. Then, dreamland.

Regarding the "prep". I recommend taking magnesium citrate. Small bottle available over the counter in any drug store. I would never advise drinking that horrible one gallon bottle of nasty chemicals. Yuck !
 
Traveler said:
Regarding the "prep". I recommend taking magnesium citrate. Small bottle available over the counter in any drug store. I would never advise drinking that horrible one gallon bottle of nasty chemicals. Yuck !
Click to expand...

My husbad had to drink a bottle of that (lemon flavor) the night before he began his prep, due to issues with constipation. It cleaned him right out, and he said he hardly cleared anything more after drinking his Miralax cocktail . If he still has constipation issues after the surgery, he is going to ask the doc if it is OK for him to use the Magnesium citrate.
 
I will have one in early June. The prep is the worst part because I gag very easily
and cannot drink abominable fluid. I will have no anethesia because I have no one to take me home
and hospital does not permit taxis or driving services. My GP found a good reason for me
to undergo this. Last year was the worst ever.
 
I've had 2 done since age 50 ( Im 57 ) Very simple and you don't feel a thing. Both times I had polyps removed and they showed no cancer. But it means I have to do it again more often.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Back
Top