Colonoscopy

[Beechwoodfan]

I know we had a thread about this awhile back, but I feel the need to bring it back up.

 

One of my oldest friends was just diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer at age 52.

 

We are all supposed to go for a screening colonoscopy at age 50. I can't help but think that if she had done that, her cancer would have been caught in a much earlier stage, or perhaps in a pre-cancerous stage.

 

No one likes to think about this particular procedure, but it is so important. Colon cancer is almost 100% preventable with proper screenings.

 

No one should die from embarrassment! If you are 50 or over, or younger with a family history, please make that appointment today!

[westsider]

I'm hearing now that it's recommended men have one at age 40, especially if there is some family history.

 

I'm 42 and had one in the spring of 2008.

[MBWC41]

My dad had a colonoscopy a few years ago...

 

I took the pictures and had them put on a sweatshirt and hat for his Christmas gift that year. It was wonderful.:lol:

[Beechwoodfan]

My dad had a colonoscopy a few years ago...

 

I took the pictures and had them put on a sweatshirt and hat for his Christmas gift that year. It was wonderful.:lol:

 

I didnt get pictures of mine! You could have some fun with THOSE! Maybe I will contact my doctor. Perhaps put them on our Christmas Cards!

[threetimelover]

My uncle died a slow, horrible death from colon cancer. It is a preventable disease--if only people would have the test performed.

[Blue Magic]

This tests scares me. Thank god I have many years to go until it must be performed.

[sportsnut859]

The worst is drinking that crap before hand.

[titletownclown]

This tests scares me. Thank god I have many years to go until it must be performed.

 

....and thank god there is a test you can have that might add many more years to your life.:thumb:

 

Also, you are tranquilized and in a twilight "sleep" state during the procedure so the "invasion" isn't so uncomfortable. I haven't had this proceedure yet, but from what I've been told it isn't as bad as you might think.

[titletownclown]

The worst is drinking that crap before hand.

 

There's irony in that statement.

[sportsnut859]

There's irony in that statement.

 

:lol:

[Mustang]

The procedeure is not stressful at all. I'd do the colonoscopy over tooth extractions anyday. It's the extra-curriculars that go with it that are so aggrevating.

 

Unfortunately, here in Northern Kentucky, it has become production line colonoscopy for profit, and what could be a very simple, clinical procedeure has become fraught with all kinds of tack ons that add up to a quite costly experience for the patient. Prep, testing your vital signs, consultation with the anethisist (sp), escort to your car all tack big bucks onto your bill. One thousand dollar out of pocket charges in addition to what your insurance covers is not uncommon.

 

I'm thinking of buying an old school bus and conducting mobile cut-rate colonoscopies as a public service.

 

While that is certainly extreme and some may think disrespectful to the need for people to take the procedeure seriously, unfortunately it's come to that. I'm fed up with all the excess that accompanies simple procedures such as this and cataract surgery, etc.. I really believe that the government should enact a plan whereby a patient can sign a waver, hold the surgeon blameless regardless of the outcome, and eliminate all of the surplus extravaganzes that go with having simple procedeures performed to cover his behind from being sued for malpractice. It's gotten totally out of hand, and will keep more of the over 50s crowd from having things like this done.

[Hatz]

Had one done a few years ago. Other than the prestest purge, it's a fine procedure. I don't remember a thing about it at all. In fact, when I first recall waking up on the recovery area the nurse said I'd be leaving in about five minutes. When I said, "So soon, I just woke up". She replied, "You've been awake for 20 minutes." :scared:

 

I had a few polyps removed but they weren't cancerous.

 

My wife said the Doctor came in with an Asian accent and told her, "Your husband has beautiful colon."

 

She said, "Doc, that's two words I never thought I'd hear together in my life. Beautiful and colon." :lol:

 

I must say it was one of those moments of praise I'm not sure how to take. :eek:

[Beechwoodfan]

I had mine this year. The hardest thing was making the actual appointment. I kept putting it off (and did for a year), for the usual reasons. Once the appointment was made, the rest wasnt bad. Yes, the prep is no fun. However, once I got to the office, it was truly one of the easiest things I could have done. I had mine in Northern KY. My experience was nothing like Mustang's. My insurance covered 100% of the cost. In truth, if I had to pay $1000 I would do so gladly. A thousand dollars is a lot of money, but nothing compared to the cost of cancer.

 

The nurse starts an IV and the next thing you know you wake back up. I had zero memory of any of it. MUCH easier than a tooth extraction, as Mustang said. I would also add easier than a mamogram!

 

It is also gives you a great peace of mind. I dont have to go back for ten years.....See Hatz......you are not the only one with a perfect colon!

 

You know for sure you are old when the only thing flawless about you is your colon! :sssh:

[Hearsay]

This thread should bed merged with the "You Know You're Getting Old" thread.

[Hatz]

I had mine this year. The hardest thing was making the actual appointment. I kept putting it off (and did for a year), for the usual reasons. Once the appointment was made, the rest wasnt bad. Yes, the prep is no fun. However, once I got to the office, it was truly one of the easiest things I could have done. I had mine in Northern KY. My experience was nothing like Mustang's. My insurance covered 100% of the cost. In truth, if I had to pay $1000 I would do so gladly. A thousand dollars is a lot of money, but nothing compared to the cost of cancer.

 

The nurse starts an IV and the next thing you know you wake back up. I had zero memory of any of it. MUCH easier than a tooth extraction, as Mustang said. I would also add easier than a mamogram!

 

It is also gives you a great peace of mind. I dont have to go back for ten years.....See Hatz......you are not the only one with a perfect colon!

 

You know for sure you are old when the only thing flawless about you is your colon! :sssh:

 

:laugh: How true!