100 Colonoscopies

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Replies

  • TinaMarie1260
    TinaMarie1260 Posts: 33
    #16... scheduled for april 2.
  • carriem73
    carriem73 Posts: 333 Member
    I had one a few years ago, we have colon cancer in our family too- I'm still young, so the insurance won't do them on a regualr basis yet, until I think I hit 40...

    good luck to your family and happy thoughs and prayers to your FIL!!!
  • carriem73
    carriem73 Posts: 333 Member
    Co-workers have been trying to talk me into getting one. They have not been able to. I have never had one and I am 61 years old. Do I really want to take off of work for this?

    yes- early detection is KEY to colon cancer!!!!
  • jessicas0215
    jessicas0215 Posts: 47
    Is there an age when people typically get this done? I'm only 27 years old and to my knowledge, no family history of Colon Cancer.
  • carriem73
    carriem73 Posts: 333 Member
    Is there an age when people typically get this done? I'm only 27 years old and to my knowledge, no family history of Colon Cancer.

    I had one done in my mid twenties, but I had a history in the family and was having digestive issues- I think regualr screening for people with a direct family history starts around 40, and 50 for those without, but do some reseacrh on it to be sure!
  • shelbyfrootcake
    shelbyfrootcake Posts: 965 Member
    A colonoscopy is a big and invasive first step! While I commend your efforts and commitment to the cause (I've worked in cancer for the last 7 years) there are less intense ways of nudging people towards better bowel cancer and health awareness.

    http://www.nhs.uk/bowelcancer/Pages/bowel-cancer.aspx/?
  • debs6
    debs6 Posts: 232 Member
    Please add me to the list as I am due to have one the middle of this year. I have had two already and need to have them regularly for two reasons. 1) My dad died of colon cancer
    2) I too have Crohn's disease which further increases my chances of developing bowel cancer.
    So far so good - not even a polyp- but I am due again this year so will bite the bullet again. Really they are not so bad at all - the prep is by far the worst part of it- along with the sore bum you get from the purging.
  • SuffolkSally
    SuffolkSally Posts: 964 Member
    I had one on 15th Feb, so you can count me! I'm 48. My gran, uncle, and brother all died of bowel cancer, so in the UK I'm entitled to "free coloscopies on the NHS" Whoopee do - but sounds like we get a better deal than those of you in the US. Mine was all clear, but I will have to have one every 5 years. They remove any polyps at the same time, and as the polyps take some time to develop into nasties I should be safe. It is an unpleasant invasive procedure, and I wouldn't think people should have it unless they have symptoms or a family history. Over here we can also have a poo smear test which I think detects any blood and for worried people can indicate whether further investigation is needed. I suppose it must detect blood though, so if cancer is the cause it would be well on its way... anyway, for those who have it scheduled, take my advice and have at least three full days on the low fibre diet, and take an over the counter laxative as well the day before starting the picolax, and have 36 hours fluid only - it will reduce the unpleasantness of the preparation for colonoscopy. On the bright side, not only is it essential for your health, but you will drop several pounds that week :)
  • ncytiz
    ncytiz Posts: 105 Member
    My sister was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer at age 39, and we lost her 6 years later. I just had my 3rd colonoscopy done and it was all clear, but I have to be rechecked every 5 years.

    It's really not that big of a deal to have it done, and it's SO worth the peace of mind. The worst part is the "clean out" before you have the procedure. The trick that works best for me is to drink the stuff quickly and then follow it with a swish of mouthwash to get rid of the aftertaste.

    For those of you that know you're supposed to have one and keep putting it off, make today your day to do it!
  • Usbornegal
    Usbornegal Posts: 601 Member
    We are at #18 now! Thanks to all the responders. While there might be other less invasive ways, here in the US the insurance will only pay for the 'poo test' which my FIL had showing occult blood but was STILL not going to go for his scope, or the full colonoscopy. This is so the Dr. can remove any polyps if they are seen rather than pay for the less invasive only to go back and do the bigger test for polyps. My husband had polyps removed that were not precancerous (PTL) and is good for 5 years.

    Many people want to avoid a colonoscopy because of the discomfort of the 'clean out' process. But believe me, it does not even begin to compare to the pain of dying from cancer.

    If your doctor has been suggesting one for you, why not make her/his day and call to schedule one today?
  • Usbornegal
    Usbornegal Posts: 601 Member
    How about # 19 and 20 today? The life you save could be your own.
  • laceyslady
    laceyslady Posts: 88 Member
    My Mom passed from Colon Cancer 3 years ago. I have had 2 since and am now on the 5 year plan.
  • Usbornegal
    Usbornegal Posts: 601 Member
    I don't mean to be a pain in the *kitten* (pun intended) about colonoscopies, but I really want to encourage my MFP pals to take the step to go to the doctor and have this test. Especially with all the comments people have shared about the loss in their lives due to colon cancer. This can be prevented in many cases by colonoscopy and early detection.

    Please - will you schedule yours today?
  • nilla128
    nilla128 Posts: 30 Member
    Had mine done in Sept.
    Hemorroidectomy in Oct.
    No other nasty stuff found - thank God!

    Put your big girl pants on folks and get your bottom checked out!
  • Usbornegal
    Usbornegal Posts: 601 Member
    The power of colonoscopies
    Published: Friday, March 02, 2012, 1:28 PM Updated: Friday, March 02, 2012, 2:09 PM
    By Al Jones | ajones5@mlive.com The Kalamazoo Gazette


    KALAMAZOO – There is the story of a local woman who put off a colonoscopy until her physician -- a true believer in the power of preventative medicine -- sent her a certified letter asking her to have the procedure done.

    The woman relented and, with the procedure, doctors found cancerous polyps that would have threatened her life if she had waited much longer to have them removed.

    “This is a typical story,” Lynne Emons, marketing manager for the West Michigan Cancer Center, said of people procrastinating about having a colon screening.

    “They say, ‘Yeah, yeah, yeah. I’ll do that.’ And then they put it off for years," Emons said.


    “I think it’s fear -- fear of the unknown,” said Tammy Schrock, practice administrator for Gastroenterology of Southwest Michigan, and chairperson or the Kalamazoo Colorectal Cancer Awareness Network. “They hear the stories about the (procedure) prep and they are not sure about having a procedure done in that part of their body.”

    She said breast cancer and lung cancer are well known and “those are the cancers people aren’t afraid to talk about. But with colon cancer, I think it’s just different. It’s kind of been taboo for so long. … We’re changing that though.”
  • agingwithfitness
    agingwithfitness Posts: 1,404 Member
    My cousin made me get one 2 1/2 yrs ago because she had cancerous polyps. I had some too but non cancerous and I will be having another test in oct.
  • kunibob
    kunibob Posts: 608 Member
    My last one was in 2008, so I'm due for one in 2013. I have Ulcerative Colitis, though luckily because it's (so far and hopefully forever) restricted to the descending colon, it doesn't impact my cancer risk the way full-blown UC does...but still, my grandfather died of colon cancer, so I understand how important it is to monitor one's bottom.
  • sammybear521
    sammybear521 Posts: 25 Member
    I had my first one super young at the age of 21 and everything was normal. I think I will wait a bit for the next one. Good luck on your mission and everyone that is going in for one. :smile:
  • sadiecara
    sadiecara Posts: 59 Member
    I am having one on Wednesday. I am a bit worried about it, but good to see this thread x
  • Usbornegal
    Usbornegal Posts: 601 Member
    Thanks to everyone for all the supportive replies. Sadiecara, I think you qualify as #20!! My husband was really nervous about doing his and the prep, but it was really not bad at all. He thought to himself as he started to go under that in a shor time he'd wake up and I'd be there. The next thing he knew, he opened his eyes and there I was! That simple and easy. We are so thankful that his polyps came back normal.

    Who else will step up and protect their health? Preventing cancer is so much easier than curing it.
  • Jan0707
    Jan0707 Posts: 18 Member
    21. I'm scheduled for 3/13. Lost my mother to colon cancer in 2010. Just a couple months later had a nephew diagnosed with colon cancer. Luckily for him, that caught his in time.
  • BackwoodsMom
    BackwoodsMom Posts: 227 Member
    10. I am prepping for my first one on Wednesday. Polyps run in my family but that is the extent of their results.

    Got my results today - 8 polyps removed; 6 were fine but 2 were pre-cancerous. Going back in a year. Prevention is the best way here!
  • Usbornegal
    Usbornegal Posts: 601 Member
    Great to hear that they got them and can follow up.

    Asking for prayers, positive thoughts, good wishes, etc., for my father in law going to the oncologist for follow up for his colon cancer. If he had gone through with his colonoscopy when he should have he wouldn't be in stage 4 colon cancer now.

    Who else will schedule themselves for this life saving test?
  • paisano2000
    paisano2000 Posts: 5 Member
    Hello all, You may find it hard to believe; as I do, but on June 5th of this year I will have my 12th colonoscopy! This one will be my first as a type 2 diabetic. Each procedure has always found polyps, and all have been benign, but they keep coming. 26 and 13 polyps found in my last two times. My Dad says it's a family history thing and that nearly all the men in our family have colon problems. I am a tumor machine, as my body has had tumors in it in many places since I was 6 years old. (I am now 62 and going strong.) At the hospital where I have these down, the techs call me "polyp farm" since I continue to grow them.
    As a veteran of this, I can say to anyone who is fearful, that the procedure is quite easy, but drinking the colyte the night before (I call it the drink of doom) is more stressful. I usually bring a few old blankets and sleep on the bathroom floor that night, simply because, when the colyte takes effect I can't run fast enough that I can be safely far away from the bathroom. The colyte creates a high level of pressure that simply cannot be held back.
  • Usbornegal
    Usbornegal Posts: 601 Member
    paisano - thanks for your input! I'm going to count you as #22. Jan0707, I'd love to hear how you are doing.

    Anyone else going to help us reach 100?
  • wanderinggypsy
    wanderinggypsy Posts: 40
    #23. I'm having one tomorrow morning and I'm NOT looking forward to purging tonight, but it should bring me great piece of mind. Hopefully:) Thanks for all the inspiration in this thread. I loved the suggestion of rinsing with mouthwash after drinking the laxative. The doctor's office told me to add Miralax to 64 oz of Gatorade and drink it, but I imagine it will be hard to get all that liquid in my belly without wanting to vomit. :)

    Best of luck to anyone reading this thread! Simple things can save lives!
  • eschwab855
    eschwab855 Posts: 258 Member
    woooohoooo just finished the second round of bowel prep (god I hate that crap) I will be getting my first this morning
  • Swissmiss
    Swissmiss Posts: 8,754 Member
    Opinions please.....last month, while at my checkup, I asked my doctor if I should get a colonoscopy done. She replied that if I didn't have colon cancer in my family then I didn't need to get one done. My co-workers think that this is bad advice. I am not sure who to believe. After all....shouldn't my doctor know what is right for me?
  • Dudagarcia
    Dudagarcia Posts: 849 Member
    I've had two and am not due again until 4yrs, thank you for posting this, as they are important.
  • cramernh
    cramernh Posts: 3,335 Member
    I am on a mission to get 100 of my MFP family to schedule a colonoscopy. My FIL is in stage 4 colon cancer that could have been prevevnted if he had payed attention and had his done. My husband had his and they removed polyps that we are waiting on results foor.

    2 people responded on my first post that they were going ahead and talking to their doctoers about it.

    So starting with number 3, post the number, your MFP handle and your commitment to have your colonoscopy and lets get to 100. We could seriously save some lives here.

    I will join your crusade, but I need some education in this subject: Perhaps I'm not the *ONLY* one who'd like to know:
    It requires my PCP to order it. And unless he detects blood in my stool, he doesn't do these and insurance won't cover them withOUT his orders.

    SO, do you have any recommendations for those in the same dilemma?

    I work as a Certified Advanced Medical Reimbursement Specialist - this subject is a hot topic in healthcare....

    Colonoscopies are not scheduled just on blood in the stool...

    Here is a base-line criteria for a colonoscopy (this is the government guideline)

    This is a copy-paste taken from the Medicare NHIC Part B policy - the majority of insurances follow CMS guidelines http://www.medicarenhic.com/providers/pubs/REF-EDO-0002PrevServBillingGuide1211.pdf Page 13/14 :

    The following circumstances indicate that a patient meets the *** high risk *** criteria:
    A close relative (sibling, parent, or child) who has had colon cancer or adenomatous polyposis)
    A family history of familial adenomatous polyposis A family history of hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer
    A personal history of adenomatous polyps A personal history of colon cancer Inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis

    Screening Colonoscopies Performed on Individuals ***Not Meeting the High-Risk criteria*** for Developing Colorectal Cancer
    Once every 10 years (i.e., at least 119 months have passed following the month in which the last covered screening colonoscopy (G0121) was performed). If the individual would otherwise qualify for a screening colonoscopy based on the above, but has had a covered screening flexible sigmoidoscopy (G0104), then he or she may have covered a screening colonoscopy only after at least 47 months have passed following the month in which the last covered flexible sigmoidoscopy was performed.



    First Colonoscopy is at age 50. Prior to age 50 has even more specific criteria involved and often is not covered.


    When you call your insurance plan's customer service department to ask about eligibility for colonoscopy, you MUST ask for both your PREVENTATIVE AND YOUR SURGICAL BENEFIT COVERAGE.

    In case you are not aware - it works this way:

    *Preventative - the scope is entered and nothing is removed nor treated by the GI Surgeon. The colon is only viewed.
    **Surgical - the scope is entered and the GI surgeon determines there are polyps, tears, etc that require a surgical intervention (cautery, removal, stitching, cryo, etc)

    When calling insurance - you must ask for :
    1.) "Do I have a deductible? Will this service hit my deductible (meaning your out of pocket expense)? "
    2.) "Can I have this done at an Ambulatory Surgical Center?" - this is a much lower cost to the patient and less bills to have.
    3.) "What anesthesia is NOT covered?" There are insurance plans that have strict criteria as far as the kind of anesthetic administered.
    4.) "If they remove any polyps, when is the next time I can have another colonoscopy?" - this varies by plan and is important to know prior.
    5.) Always always always - get the name of the representative, a call reference number (if they are set up to do this), and also write down the time the call connected, and the date the call was made.

    Not all offices are good at doing a thorough job at getting the complete benefit picture. BUT - not all insurance companies will give you the full benefit package details unless you specifically ASK them.

    Call centers for insurance companies have rules for how many things they can talk about and how long they can be on a call. Whatever you do - DO NOT LET THE CSR RUSH YOU OFF THE PHONE!

    I speak on experience when working with my patients - Gastroenterology (one of over 26 specialties that I bill for) is actually a passion of mine. My own mother REFUSES to have a colonoscopy done. Her PCP has told her how vital it is especially with early-intervention and what she doesnt realize is, is that she has kids (there are three of us), her medical history is what we need to give to our future GI Surgeons when it comes time for a colonoscopy.

    Until there is a radical change in colon-related care, it continues to be an area that is age-governed and frequency based on circumstances determined by the GI surgeon. Its nothing that is going to change any time soon unfortunately.

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