slo’s WEDNESDAY 9/3 poll - Colonoscopy

[slo]

**NO POLL TOMORROW**

Yes….this is one of those more serious polls discussing something about keeping us well. For those that are new to my polls, I base many topics on my life’s current events. Tomorrow I’m having a colonoscopy, so I decided that we need to have a colonoscopy discussion today (I think I did one two years ago when I had my last colonoscopy).

Colonoscopies are not something people like to talk about or do. Some people shy away from doing them because it makes them uncomfortable. I’m here to tell you that if you are 45 and over, it’s time to go. Here’s a little more info….






Some people tell me they don’t want to do one because of the prep you have to do the day before and I’m here to tell you, it’s all on what you make of it. Yes, you have to have a liquid diet the day before, but if you buy yourself some chicken broth, jello, Propel and 7Up it’s enough. In fact, it feels kinda good to not be weighted down with a bunch of food for a day. Yes, you are going to be spending a lot of time on the toilet the night before, but again, no big deal, it feels kinda good to get rid of all the toxins in your body. When my DD22 was still in HS and living at home, she’d keep me company and we’d always watch Pitch Perfect (I’ve had many colonoscopies over the last 11 years). Tonight, I’m looking forward to sitting and watching a movie, which is something I never do on a Wednesday night. The prep is really nothing to fear or feel uncomfortable about - very very easy.

So now that we’ve gone over all that info, let’s discuss colonoscopies, which is such an important topic.


Have you had a colonoscopy?
If yes….when?
If no…..will you try and go sometime soon?
(multiple choice)



For Me…….As i mentioned above, I’ve had several colonoscopies and my last one was almost exactly 2 years ago. I have severe ulcerative colitis, so colonoscopies are a part of my life. Instead of being bitter about this, I try to help people feel more comfortable about colonoscopies by freely and easily talking about them. I’ve been able to help give friends my age that final encouraging push to get their first one done and afterwards I’m always told that it wasn’t bad at all.

My first colonoscopy was done around 40 years old and 2 precancerous polyps were removed. If I would have waited until my 50s to do my colonoscopy, I would have had colon cancer, so it was a HUGE blessing that my doctor encouraged me to get a colonoscopy done back then.

My DD22 had her first colonoscopy done when she was 17 years old, due to some issues she was having. Since she had seen me prepare for mine several times, she had no issues. So my message for those with younger children, if they are having issues, please don’t hesitate to take them to a gastroenterologist. If they will need a colonoscopy done, they’ll be able to handle it.

This is my final encouraging push to all you that haven’t had a colonoscopy done. Please please please go. We can not see what’s going on inside of us, but a gastroenterologist can. Don’t wait until there’s signs you can see - it may then be to late. Two days (the prep & procedure) is a lot easier to handle than colon cancer. Make your call soon and make that colonoscopy appointment.

 

[BrianL]

I had one due to some issues I was having - I was much to young to be having the regular screening one. Now though, I really should, but I have been putting it off.

 

[Meriweather]

I had my last one 3 years ago. I go every 5 years due to family history. My mother died from colon cancer.
The prep isn't fun, but at least you are home.

 

[WDWEPCOT]

Great post SLO !!!

 

[leebee]

I went every 5 years due to family history. My mother had a very "mild" form of colon cancer for which chemo was optional, although she did it and was fine. My youngest sister had stage 3/4 colorectal cancer when she was 30. They removed part of her lower colon and all structures "south" of there, as well as 12 lymph nodes in the area (half of which were positive). She had radiation and a year of chemo. She lost her fertility and has had an ostomy ever since... but that was 28 (?) years ago. Life altering, for sure, but she is a survivor! Ever since then, my other sister and I started having colonoscopies every 5 years, and we've both been clear (not even a polyp) the whole time. After my last one, my doc said I could go to 10 years, but I'll be 74 by then and they say after you are 75 it's not necessary (i know... go ahead and take your chances on dying?) so I'm not sure if I'll ever have another.

Most people I talk to worry about being embarrassed due to the nature of the procedure. I tell them the staff members don't want to see your bare bum any more than you want them to see it, and they make sure you are 'out' before they expose your hiney to the world!

Good luck tomorrow, @slo !

 

[Moliphino]

I had one when I was about 12, I don't remember if it was because of the stomach issues I was having around that time or for the anemia. I was a bit of a hot mess from 10-13. I'm not old enough yet to need them regularly.

 

[#1hoosierfan]

I had my first one last year. They removed 2 polyps and put me on the "5 year plan." I agree that the prep was not that big of a deal. Way easier than I thought it would be.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Last one I had was maybe 2 or 3 years ago. I've had them since I was 50,every 3-5 years, so msybe 6 or so. I've had polyps about half the time. My mom passed from colon cancer. My last one, like I said, a few years ago, was probably my last, unless I have issues. My GI doc said I've aged out.

Thanks for this periodic PSA, Sandy. Best wishes with your procedure. And yes, the prep is.not nearly what people make it out to be. I probably would rather be sitting down to a nice steak dinner, but certainly not the worst thing in life.

 

[NannyBeBe]

I've had colonoscopies. I'm almost 79 years old and will not be having any more. I have IBS and I suffer for a week or more after a colonoscopy just to get my system back in order.

 

[mommasita]

I went in April
I will continue every 3 years due to issues/family history.
We have a new prep, honestly wasn’t very bad at all. You take 1/2 the evening before, and the second half, 5 or 6 hours before the procedure (can’t remember exactly) mine was at 1pm, so I slept all night
The only thing is I’m a non responder
I was totally awake, felt everything. Even with all this, I will continue to get them.

I hope yours goes well SLO

 

[TiggerTrigger]

My doctor had me do Cologuard instead of a full colonoscopy. It's definitely the more affordable option on my insurance, but it's also kind of embarrassing and I know it's not as good as the actual procedure. I feel like I should go for the full procedure next time around since I know DH had several polyps removed when he had his. I also had a friend diagnosed with colon cancer last year and lost a good childhood friend to it back in 2019, so there's motivation to get a thorough review. Good luck with yours @slo !!!

 

[Kitty 34]

I've had a colonoscopy. All was good. Now I do the Cologuard.

 

[ronandannette]

Ugh, yes, I’ve had them - lots of them. I’ve got severe GERD and IBS as a result of the drugs that treat it. The constant bowel over-stimulation has caused micro-colitis but blessedly, that’s as far as it’s gone. No hint of cancer. I also get endoscopy at the same time, to check the “top half” for Barrett’s Esophagus, which is a forerunner to esophageal cancer. Good there too, so far but what I need to get off this crazy train is a surgery to repair the reflux and free me from the horrible side effects of the drugs. I’m on a perpetual “wait-list”, not uncommon in Canada for non-urgent procedures. Maybe this will be my lucky year!

 

[BlueStarryHat]

I have a family history. My mother died of colorectal cancer in 2006. So, I get one every five years. It used to be three years, but my GI doc said I could go five years and be fine. I started having them at 40, and twice I had precancerous polyps removed. My mom didn't go for a colonoscopy because she was embarrassed. She waited until there was a severe problem and went to the ER, where they did tests and found the cancer. She had chemo, but the cancer came back three times in six years. The last time, she wound up with a colostomy and dealt with that for the last six months of her life.

Don't wait to have this test out of embarrassment or whatever other excuse you might cling to. You might pay with your life.

 

[sarahann77]

My mom has a history of polyps so I went as soon as it was recommended. I did the soft foods 2 days before that was part of the suggested diet. All the soups, pudding, and ice cream lol. Fine with the actual prep and the clear foods the day before. the last part of the solution was difficult with feeling so full from the previous. Procedure was fine. Twilight state so kind of felt the coldness of it and machines that was reminiscent of Black Panther in the semi dream I had. I definitely suggest having someone back with you as I just had my mom waiting outside and I was still groggy when they wanted me getting dressed etc. Between mine, my friend's and my mom's recent compared to one of my mom's first there isn't as much gas as before. Don't think any of us had the gas after affects. Part of our human nature so wouldn't have been a shame or embarrassment for me.

DH is adamant of not having one. His family has no history nor have they gone. He's very stubborn when it comes to that area. He's accepted his fate should that ever become an issue there. I'm all for preventative for what I can control and ability.

 

[disneychrista]

I had my first one 3 years ago. I had 2 polyps removed and now will go every 5 years.

I will begin prep earlier in the day next time as I was literally in the bathroom all night and was still “going” when we went to the hospital for the procedure at 7am. I will also ask for a late morning appointment vs first thing.

 

[goofyernmost]

I've averaged about one every four years since I was 50 years old. Worst they ever found was one medically labeled "Pre-cancerous". The worst part is the prep, but it is important to have it done. I've seen what it is like to die of colon cancer. It is not pretty. One time they removed 10 polyps and took crystal clear photos of each one and sent me copies. I had an awful time deciding which one I should use for my personalized Christmas Card that year. I chose the one that was smiling.

 

[soccerdad72]

Had one once I turned 50. It came back clean, so they said I'm good for 10 years.

 

[lovin'fl]

Last year, at age 51, I did the mail in thing.

 

[Turn the Page]

I had my first at 40 due to change in habits and family history of polyps. I had 3 polyps (all came bck benign) and am now on the 5 year plan. I have chronic motility issues in my gut which require heavy duty meds to treat (i have a great story about the time DH and I mixed up my happy tummy meds with his blood pressure meds) so the prospect of being cleaned out is not exactly something i dread.