100 Colonoscopies

I had one a few weeks ago. It is not as bad as everyone makes it out to be. The procedure itself is very easy. Just have to fast the day before. It is a good way to drop a pound or two. There always something good in everything.

Plus the good feeling you get when the Dr says that everything looks good.

You can count me as one if you want.

Had one two years ago. good times! scheduled in three more years.

I had one 8 months ago. Thanks for raising awareness about this

The worst part of a colonoscopy is the prep. And the prep isn't nearly as bad as the pain of cancer.

Agreed! the gallon of "special water" you have to drink is the wost. I couln't get it all down in the time alotted, started puking. So I stopped. Still, it worked fine. And the procedure was nothing, I was sedated and don't remember a thing. The needle for the IV was the worst part, and that's not a big deal at all.

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:
Thanks to the recent healthcare changes ( NO COMMENT) My insurance coverage will not cover this procedure- as a preventative measure-
I am *fortunate*? that I was diagnosed with disorders that WILL warrant further testings- but still ONLY in the event of a flare-up
NOT routine yearly screenings like a mammogram/pap smear.
I would LOVE peace of mind from this area too- but it seems to allude me- because it's NOT in my *power* to simply call and schedule one-
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?

You simply tell your doctor that you experience occasional bleeding when using the bathroom. If you say it is intermittent, of course a stool sample may not yield blood, so a colonoscopy is the next natural progression. I, too, have a PCP. If your PCP is too strict for your liking, you are able to switch PCPs. I've done it for this very reason. Are you US Military? Tricare? Or Tricare Prime? I have extensive experience with this and am willing to walk you through how to get the care you desire. Just shoot me a message...

I've never had one done - I'm 37, no family history. Should I be having one?? :embarassed:

I was thinking the same thing. What symptoms should you be looking for that would prompt getting this done at an early age (even teen years)?

OP I'm sorry about your FIL and my thoughts and prayers go out to him and all your family.

I lost my dad to stage 4 colon cancer 8 years ago this month when he was just 58. He was healthy up until a year before his diagnosis and they couldn't figure out what was wrong with him (he even had a colonoscopy that saw nothing, but in hindsight the Dr thinks maybe the cancer was on the outside - total unlucky fluke for my dad and not very common at all).

Anyway... as soon as he was diagnosed (age 56) I went to my Dr and asked to have a colonoscopy just to check. "I am my father's daughter" I said. She thought for a minute like she was trying to remember an answer to a test and said "well.... the standard is that you don't have to worry until you are 10 years younger than your dad was when he was diagnosed so.... ask again in 15-16 years". Like I said, I am my father's daughter so I didn't take no for an answer. She sighed and reluctantly agreed but said i'd be at the bottom of the waiting list because she didn't think it's necessary. Three and a half years later (one year and one week after my dad passed away) I finally got in.

The GI specialist at the hospital kind of had the same attitude about my age. I was now days away from my 34th birthday and she told me she probably wouldn't find anything and when she didn't, I didn't have to come back until I was about 45 years old. Fine with me. I just wanted to know for sure.

When I woke up, my first clue that something was wrong was the time... I had been under for an hour. Then I saw my chart next to me and it had "every 3 years" scribbled on it. Turns out, she DID find something. A large polyp that as explained to me later was about a year away from being a cancer (my understanding is it takes about 7 yrs for a polyp to turn). If I was a shrinking violet with my GP and not "my father's daughter" the confident, go with my gut, get out of my way type of person, and waited until I was 45 to get checked, I may not even be here right now.

My third colonoscopy is due in 2013. The last one I had in 2010 was completely clear. And I have to say, the prep wasn't as bad that time! They've seemed to improve the solution you drink. In 2007 it was a 'gas can' of disgusting lemon drink and in 2010 it was just a couple of glasses of a slightly tastier drink. Thank you modern medicine!

Anyway, my point of my long post is to anyone who questions "am I too young?" ESPECIALLY if you have any family history. If you will have peace of mind by getting checked and you know in your gut you really should get checked out, don't let ANYONE tell you no. Just because they are a doctor doesn't mean they know everything.

God Bless

This is so important. I have had 3 and will get my next in 2015. Be body aware!

I am scheduled for one on Monday.

My 20 year old niece was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer two years ago. Just when she was supposed to be going off to college she started chemo and radiation and it's been non-stop ever since. She is still courageously fighting her battle.

My second is scheduled for Monday. Not looking forward to Sunday's prep!