Colonoscopy-Yes Or No?

[WEDWDW]

I have hit the big 50 and my Doctor is pushing hard for a Colonoscopy.I am having no problems and have no family history.

I have been reading about possible complications from the procedure.

I don't want to have it done,but know my Doctor is just trying to do the recommended thing at my age.

For those of you who elected to have it done at age 50,are you glad you did it or do you regret having it done?

Thanks!

 

[momrek06]

Absolutely. Get it done.

 

[NAB]

That's the thing about colon cancer. You don't know unless you have it checked. Plus they well marker for future reference.

It really is important for your over all health. To catch anything early is good, if there is anything to catch.

 

[dejr_8]

Get it done. Plus it is free now.

 

[zalansky]

I had it done at 40 due to family history. It was nowhere near as bad as I thought it would be. The worst part is getting ready for it. And I would ask for pills, not the liquid...I had pills and they were easy. Coming from someone who lost a family member to colon cancer, I urge you to get it done. They recommend it for a reason, please take care of yourself! For you AND the ones you love.

 

[teskak]

The stats are that up to 20% of people over the age of 50 have colon polyps. These are the pre-cancerous stage.

For most people the polyps take 10 years to become cancerous, and if the colonoscopy finds anything, they take out the polyps now.

Do the test and you are good for 10 years. Otherwise it could be 7+ years before you got any symptoms which would be testable

 

[brenalexacamp]

Do it!!

 

[mhsjax]

Get it done. I had to have one at the age of 41, it was not really a big deal at all.

The prep is the worst part and just ask the Dr for Miralax and even that isn't bad, you can't taste the stuff at all. For me the really bad part was not being able to eat. I felt nothing during the procedure, I didn't even know they were doing it.

 

[jenrose66]

Family history has to start somewhere and unfortunately it may start with you. Look at Dr. Oz he had polyps at his last check up.

I have not had a colonoscopy yet, but my Grandma and Grandpa both had colon cancer. My dad and his siblings have been getting screened for years and have not had any complications. Because of my family history I'll have to start getting them at 40. It's not a pleasant test but it's better to be safe rather than sorry.

 

[dejr_8]

Family history has to start somewhere and unfortunately it may start with you. Look at Dr. Oz he had polups at his last check up.

I have not had a colonoscopy yet, but my Grandma and Grandpa both had colon cancer. My dad and his siblings have been getting screened for years and have not had any complications. Because of my family history I'll have to start getting them at 40. It's not a pleasant test but it's better to be safe rather than sorry.

The actual procedure is uneventful. I don't see how you can say it is not a pleasant test. I don't remember a thing.

 

[disney1990]

Dr. Oz recently spoke about his procedure. He was going to skip it because he was healthy and didn't really think he needed it done yet.

However, they found polyps (actually he was awake and saw them himself). He was visibly shaken that he had thought about skipping it.

Just do it!!!

 

[zalansky]

The actual procedure is uneventful. I don't see how you can say it is not a pleasant test. I don't remember a thing.

I totally agree!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Hell to the yes.

I insisted on a colonoscopy when I was getting an endoscopy and my gastro OKed it since insurance covered it. I was 41.

She found 2 precancerous polyps in my colon. She said I saved my life by getting one done early.

I just had my second one done a couple of months ago. I have to go and get reg. colonoscopies (every 5yrs or so) because of the precancerous polyps and low and behold another polyp removal (non precancerous though).

Colon cancer can be preventable through testing. Go, now, do it.

 

[robinb]

Do it. My DH had no symptoms and no family history and they found some nasty cancerous polyps when he had his 50-year old routine colonoscopy done.

 

[minniecarousel]

I have hit the big 50 and my Doctor is pushing hard for a Colonoscopy.I am having no problems and have no family history.

I have been reading about possible complications from the procedure.
I don't want to have it done,but know my Doctor is just trying to do the recommended thing at my age.

For those of you who elected to have it done at age 50,are you glad you did it or do you regret having it done?

Thanks!

What are these complications? I had my first done at age 50, but I don't recall what the possible complications are. (other than a reaction to the anesthesia - that can happen even at the dentist office.)

 

[momrek06]

OP, I don't think you will find anyone that will come on here and post NO.

So the prep can be a little .. well annoying .. but for peace of mind, its well worth it!

 

[dejr_8]

OP, I don't think you will find anyone that will come on here and post NO.

So the prep can be a little .. well annoying .. but for peace of mind, its well worth it!

Or you can be amazed at how fast that liquid moves though you.

 

[N&B'smom]

Just do it. You will need to do it eventually may as well not put it off. It really is NO big deal. I had one a year or so ago, it was nothing! The prep isn't fun but it's one day and it's over.

 

[SandrA9810]

My aunt (on my father's side that I don't know well), she had to fight with doctors to get the procedure done. By the time it was finally approved, it was already stage 3 cancer. I don't know how long she had, but she died last year from it. If they're giving you the go ahead, just do it.

 

[deedeetoo]

Get it done. Plus it is free now.

Huh? Doesn't that depend on what insurance you have?