100 Colonoscopies

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!

Had one a month ago, had some stomach issues, and found out I have Ulcerative Colitis, so I will be getting one every few years now

Colonoscopies are so important! I have UC. It has been four years since my first and only one. Scheduled to go in again on Oct 30th as I have been very anemic and they think something is going on inside bleeding or what not. Hope and pray I don't have colon cancer, but it is always a possibility.

Had my first at 50. Was supposed to have another in 10 years since first one was good. Started having some severe lower abdominal pain last year. Dr. ordered another & found 3 polyps. Not sure what they would have been if I'd waited 2 years to have it done again. Now I have to repeat in 3 years. Glad to do it if it keeps me healthy! (side note: I am a 12 year breast cancer survivor...Ladies, have you had your mammograms??? Mine saved my life!!!):flowerforyou:

I am going for my first one on Friday since I just turned 50 a month ago. Initially I was looking for an excuse to cancel and reschedule which I would have put off for months or years I am sure. After reading a few articles and this post I will be going to my appointment Friday. I won't lie, I am nervous about it but I know it needs to get done. On the bright side maybe I will lose a couple of pounds

Okay, you all have convinced me! I was going to be making a doctor's appointment tomorrow anyways and I will now be adding this to the list of what to ask for. Thank you all!

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.

This earlier post was me...and I just had my 2013 one. The Ulcerative Colitis has spread, but no cancer (always a good thing). Now if I can just get this damned UC back into remission like it was when I made the original post...

I will try again. The one time I was scheduled, the prep made me so sick and triggered a migraine from hell to the point I was unable to undergo the procedure.:sick: Going to find a new doc and new prep. Thanks for posting! My DL has them done regularly due to polyps and other issues.

I had my first at 35 (family hx of colon cancer) and have had one every 5 years since (all have been normal). Next is scheduled for 60, 4 years away.

I'm going on Wednesday (hopefully I will remain on an every 10 year schedule). My BFF heard I had scheduled mine and remembered her dr. wanted her to schedule hers. So now she is going on Wednesday too, same time. My husband is the designated driver. We are laughing at the ridiculousness of the timing and enjoying complaining about the prep.