colonoscopy prep - what a fun night

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by gchappel

It saved MY life.

How long between discovery and action to remediate?

[fxeditor]

Originally Posted by gchappel

Just started the prep. Another day in paradise drinking 3 swimming pools full of Gavilite.
This is my 9th colonoscopy. They found a large colon cancer in me 15 years ago. Had followup scopes every 6months, then 1 yr, then 2- now every 5 years. It is a miserable night. The day of the procedure is nothing. No I do not like it, but it is definately worth it.
Keeping fingers crossed.
Gary

Best of luck Gary!

[gchappel]

I was very lucky- in so many ways. I am a radiologist that knew and worked in the oncology community. My colonoscopy was on a Monday. My surgery was 3 days later, on Thursday. In the interim I had a CT scan, MRI liver and Pet scan. It helped that I ran the oncology imaging arm of my group.
I was very lucky to be in the right place at the right time.
In the average case, it seems to take 3-6 weeks in an asymptomatic patient to get from diagnosis to surgery.
Gary

[flipper35]

Originally Posted by Crowbob

You don't need to fast and it probably won't make anything easier. Once the drano begins to work, you will begin flushing out the pipes. The beginning is the most 'productive' it eventually tapers off into clear liquid. That's the goal. Your ride to the appointment won't be a problem. You get there, they stick you, you feel like you need a nap all of a sudden then somebody is asking if you'll like some juice because it's over.

My guess is you'll wonder how come you didn't know there were so many pansies here. We'll look for your gibberish video on youtube.

For some that may be the case, I remember the whole day, including the entire procedure. Same when my MiL had hers.

[pavulon]

Originally Posted by flipper35

For some that may be the case, I remember the whole day, including the entire procedure. Same when my MiL had hers.

Were you in pain or otherwise uncomfortable? Were you told or did you expect a different experience? Are/were there health issues or preferences governing your sedation?

[flipper35]

It wasn't really a bad experience, more like and extended prostate exam. I was told I would be awake during the entire procedure but was told I should forget it because of one of the meds. That office generally does not put anyone under for the procedure.

On the plus side I got to watch the TV the whole time.

[pavulon]

Originally Posted by flipper35

It wasn't really a bad experience, more like and extended prostate exam. I was told I would be awake during the entire procedure but was told I should forget it because of one of the meds. That office generally does not put anyone under for the procedure.

On the plus side I got to watch the TV the whole time.

Sure. Those TV's loop different episodes of the same crappy show.

[flipper35]

Yup, that old TV show of the mini spaceship inside the person!

[pavulon]

...dodging asturdoids...

[Chocaholic]

Just went through that draconian ordeal Thursday and Friday. All clear at 60. Decided enough is enough. Never again if not for a specific reason beyond screening. The prep is still absolutely miserable. The actual procedure was fine. Motorcycles and airplanes are more likely to take me out at this point. Maybe a colo-guard at 70, but nothing more for me.

Glad that’s over with!

[rfuerst911sc]

Choc you bring up an interesting point at what time do you say I'm no longer going to do this ? Obviously there is no one size fits all answer . I have had them every 5 years starting at age 50 . I'm generally good for one polyp having to be removed " while we're in there " My doc suggests staying on the 5 year plan , I am currently 61 and my next one due is when I'll be 63 or 64 I have to check my records . Will that be my last one ? I guess I'll base that decision on what the results are . I also had prostrate cancer in 2015 which was taken care of but I'm sure puts me in a higher risk category . Just an interesting question to ponder , when is enough ?

[Chocaholic]

Not sure if it answers your question, buy my dad had his last one at 70. One or two small polyps removed but his doc told him, no need to have any more beyond that age. He’s 89 now and doing great.

[Halm]

The other side of the coin is my wife. She had one at 65. A pre-cancerous polyp was found that would require a right hemicolectomy. While doing the presurgey work up, neuro endrocine cancer of of the mid-gut was discovered. So in addition to to losing part of her large colon, she also lost the last 13 inches of her small intestines.

The colonoscopy saved her life from an otherwise unknown disease. I will continue to have one done as suggested by my doctor.

[Racerbvd]

Originally Posted by rfuerst911sc

Choc you bring up an interesting point at what time do you say I'm no longer going to do this ? Obviously there is no one size fits all answer . I have had them every 5 years starting at age 50 . I'm generally good for one polyp having to be removed " while we're in there " My doc suggests staying on the 5 year plan , I am currently 61 and my next one due is when I'll be 63 or 64 I have to check my records . Will that be my last one ? I guess I'll base that decision on what the results are . I also had prostrate cancer in 2015 which was taken care of but I'm sure puts me in a higher risk category . Just an interesting question to ponder , when is enough ?

I envy you, had my 1st in my mid 40s, and have been on the yearly plan, now 2 year plan, since they always find a minimum of 7 polyps.

[Evans, Marv]

I had my first at 67 but had two inspections of the last part of my colon before that where they shove a pipe up you butt. Kaiser has me on a ten year plan, so my next could possibly be scheduled in a few months when I turn 77. My perception is if you are on Medicare, you're sort of kicked to the curb and not tested for things on the same schedule as when you had private insurance. When the doc told me I wouldn't be tested for another ten years, I asked if my father's death as a result of colon cancer had any bearing on being tested more frequently, he said not. I have been crapping on a toothpick yearly though.

[seafeye]

Reading this as I sit.... draining the pipes....new meaning to having a $hity night.

[Crowbob]

A crucial point needs to be reitereated once again: While prepping never, ever trust a fart!

[cstreit]

Originally Posted by Crowbob

A crucial point needs to be reitereated once again: While prepping never, ever trust a fart!

Fart? Hell man I couldn't even lift my leg high enough to go up stairs....

[Targa Me]

Hello Everyone.

Nov. 18 will be my second colonoscopy in 7 years; Prep will be on Sunday the 17th. I'm not looking forward to this but I know it's necessary.
I hope there's nothing bad going on up there.
Larry

[Joe Bob]

My brother delayed his date with the camera, a large mass was found just a few days ago. Lower end near his sphincter.

He started chemo to reduce the mass and then will choose other options. He had lost a significant amount of weight and had chronic diarrhea.

Dumass put it off until it was almost to late. This is after I and our other brother had bouts with the Big C.