Colonoscopy and Getting Old Sucks...

[HobieMarty]

...but it sure beats the alternative. I am 60 years old and have never had a colonoscopy, that is until tomorrow. I have not had a regular Dr for a while so, a little over a month ago I met with my now, new Dr. The first order was to have some bloodwork done of which the results found me to be "prediabetic", okay diabetes doesn't run in my family, but okay. I cut out a lot of sugary stuff and have actually lost a few pounds down to 185, and drink only water instead of my cherry Kool-aide Country Time lemonade mix. Next up we scheduled a colonoscopy. Yeah, I could've done the poop in the box thing, but being that I have never had a colonoscopy, I want to make sure I don't have any issues, and they will be able to see right then and there if there are any issues. So, I have been doing the "clean out" prep all day today, have only had warm chicken broth and some orange jello, other than water and some orange Gatorade. Things have finally calmed down in the plumbing department so hopefully I can get some sleep tonight and get this procedure over with and have a big ol Baconator for lunch tomorrow.
Just one of those things we have to do when we get old I guess.

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[pwd72s]

Not "have to"..you always have the right to refuse treatment. That said, it may be a wise course of action towards prevention. May the procedure go well with nothing but good news.

[Evans, Marv]

Glad to hear you're going through with it. I had my last one at 77. They don't give them after you pass somewhere in your late 70s or when you hit 80. It's worth it for the peace of mind. Have fun! I didn't mind, since my dad died of colon cancer at age 72, when it went from his intestines to his liver, & then to his brain. You don't want something like that happening to you.

[sc_rufctr]

Good luck for tomorrow Hobie! I searched "Baconator"... Impressive!

[afterburn 549]

The type (brand VA uses is very hard to clean and has passed on disease.
https://www.schmidtlaw.com/many-colonoscopy-malpractice-claims-rejected-by-va/

There are many reports to look up from various sites, all blaming something else .
All I know is -to be CAUTIOUS!
Tools are only as good as their operators

[berettafan]

it's easy and honestly you'll feel better after the clean out.

[astrochex]

I had one a couple years ago, that was enough. There were no findings.

[masraum]

I'm in a similar boat. I'll be 56 next month, and have never had one. I've had a couple of the "catch your poop and mail it in" tests which show negative for issues, but I think I need to get checked out with a camera. I don't think there's anything in my family history, but still a good idea. I'm not particularly eager for the process because I've seen and heard enough about it.

[GH85Carrera]

My last one was a couple of years ago and my doc said "see ya in 10 years" as no plops or issues at all.

The procedure itself is no issue, and you get a nice dose of Michael Jackson juice, Propofol happy juice. The big difference is the anesthesiologist does not walk away, he is right there to monitor your health.

[berettafan]

I think I've said this before but after my first colonoscopy I asked that doc what the home version of that happy juice was. I think the look on his face was probably enough to realize I better never attempt to find out. Been put under several times with that stuff and I can easily see how the wealthy can succumb to it.

[wdfifteen]

When I turned 75 I swore off all future colonoscopies and prostate exams. They don't recommend colonoscopies for people over 75 anymore anyway.

[NY65912]

Yup, a c scope kinda sucks but I feel that you can't do enough to take care of your health.

Boy do I wish I could get a c scope every 10 years. Having Crohn's disease I have to get one every year. I pretty much have the prep and proper timing down. I use Suprep and yellow Gatorade as well as ginger ale and lemon ade mix.

Good luck!!!

[rcooled]

Originally Posted by GH85Carrera

...and you get a nice dose of Michael Jackson juice, Propofol happy juice.

I thought that when given the 'milk', I'd catch a nice buzz, then fade out. Not so...it was like flipping a switch. Went from wide awake to total blackout instantly, with no memory afterwards of what just took place. Pretty amazing stuff...

And as others have said before, the prep is the worst part. The procedure itself is a breeze...

[VINMAN]

I had my first last fall at 60. Doc told me I very very lucky I had it done when I did. . Everything came back benign thankfully but he said it was borderline.

Should have gotten it done years ago, but kept putting it off.

.

[pwd72s]

Now that I'm 82...I'll tell ya, never had one. Always a fear of a perforation because I had a colon section removed when I was 45...diverticulitus infection. Obvious it'll not happen now. Also said no to prostate exams. My PA is an attractive female...always afraid I'd get a woody and/or prostate massage milking. Yeah, I know...coulda been fun in a non clinical setting.

[afterburn 549]

Pw72s
Same thought about procedures for me.!
It used to be tonsillectomy.
Adenoids
Then tonsillitis. Then masteroid gland scraping.
Doctors and hospitals are salespeople too.

[rfuerst911sc]

My oldest son just had his first a few weeks ago @ age 45 . I had my first @ 50 and had them every 5 years since . I am usually good for one polyp per visit . My next will be in 2 years I will be 70 . After that I will do whatever the doc says ............. assuming I am still alive

[The Synergizer]

It's nothing.

What I find odd sometimes, when I think about it, is how many people as they age simply stop going to a doctor for a routine physical.

Maybe it's an insurance thing anymore. Or fear of the unknown.

[Skip Newsom]

I hope it went well for you!
rcooled described my experiences well.

Mom had polyps discovered and removed long ago, put me in a higher risk factor so I've gone through it a few times- great news for me was I'm now on the 10 year plan and that probably means no more clean outs unless it's cyclosporiasis or street tacos with an attitude

[Alan A]

So long as only one hands on your shoulders you are all good. If you feel two then there’s a problem.