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Post by peasapie on Mar 4, 2022 14:13:44 GMT
March is colorectal health month, a good time to think about this if you haven’t already.
I recently had a routine colonoscopy and had four small, precancerous polyps removed. Left unattended, they could eventually have become cancerous.
It’s a highly treatable disease if caught early, and younger people (20s, 30s) are more and more affected, so don’t wait to ask your doctor whether you should be tested. Yes the prep sucks — but it’s not nearly as inconvenient as the alternative.
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cakediva
Drama Llama
Making the world a sweeter place one cake at a time!
Posts: 7,493 
Location: Fergus, Ontario
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Post by cakediva on Mar 4, 2022 14:20:58 GMT
Nope!
But I am staring at an envelope that contains my "poop test" lol.
Here in Ontario they remind you every couple of years to have this preliminary testing done. If it reveals anything then you are scheduled for a full colonoscopy. But for now, just the immunochemical test!
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SweetieBsMom
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,634
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Post by SweetieBsMom on Mar 4, 2022 14:27:44 GMT
Have mine scheduled for October 4th.
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Anita
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,666
Location: Kansas City -ish
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Post by Anita on Mar 4, 2022 14:30:13 GMT
Next month, actually. I had my first one five years ago.
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Post by Megan on Mar 4, 2022 14:37:30 GMT
Messaging DH to make him schedule an appointment because of this post!
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Post by Restless Spirit on Mar 4, 2022 14:45:19 GMT
Just got home from the hospital. Had mine at 7:30 this morning.
I had 3 polyps. Test won’t be back for 2 weeks. Because of the polyps I will have to retest in 3 to 5 years, Depending on the results .
I had to do the liquid prep. It makes me so violently ill. I’m going to insist on the pills next time.
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lindas
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,192
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Post by lindas on Mar 4, 2022 14:47:24 GMT
My Cologuard test kit arriving yesterday.
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Post by MorellisCupcake on Mar 4, 2022 14:47:34 GMT
I had my 4th one three weeks ago. (My father and his father both died of colon cancer when they were fairly young).
I nag people to go. It's not that big of a deal and can save so much pain in the long run.
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luckyjune
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,685
Location: In the rainy, rainy WA
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Post by luckyjune on Mar 4, 2022 14:50:28 GMT
Every three years, thanks to a few pesky polyps that show up for the party!
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Post by Spongemom Scrappants on Mar 4, 2022 14:51:32 GMT
My first one removed a few polyps. My second one in December was perfectly clean.
I’m a big proponent of doing all the screenings that are recommended.
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Post by shanniebananie on Mar 4, 2022 15:01:54 GMT
My mom is a colon cancer survivor. Even though I am only 51, I have already had two and will have my next one in January 2023. I am on a three year schedule due to family history and precancerous polyps found last time.
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Post by auntkelly on Mar 4, 2022 15:06:28 GMT
I had one about six months ago.
My had husband a routine colonoscopy which, to everyone’s surprise, detected cancer. (He was fairly young and had no symptoms). He ended up having part of his colon removed. He didn’t have to have chemo or radiation. He has had no problems since this all happened about ten years’ ago. He can eat or drink anything he wants and has an active lifestyle.
It is so fortunate that he had that routine colonoscopy.
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Post by librarylady on Mar 4, 2022 15:18:50 GMT
The good news is that if one has had more than one colonoscopy that had no polyps or trouble, you can "age out" of
having them done. One just does the "poop screening" at home and mails in the specimen to the lab.
I've had 3-4 in my life and have now aged out. Never found any troubles in my colonoscopies.
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Post by angieh1996 on Mar 4, 2022 15:20:26 GMT
I just had my first one Monday. The prep was awful, but worth it. My maternal aunt had colon cancer. Mine came back clean with no polyps. My DH had one several years ago and they found a walnut sized tumor that was precancerous. He had to go every 6 months for about 2 years, then yearly until year 5. He's every 5 years now.
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Post by mayceesgranny on Mar 4, 2022 15:22:15 GMT
My mom is also a colon cancer survivor - I am 57 and have had 2 colonoscopys, with polyps removed each time. I will need another in 2023.
I am so grateful for this simple procedure. I don't ever want to go through the pain and suffering my mother did.
I urge everyone to have the procedure - it's an inconvenience, but it's so important!
A co-worker's brother age 57, died two days ago due to stage 4 advanced colon cancer that spread to his liver. He refused to have a colonoscopy at age 50, don't be that person!!!
If you haven't scheduled yet - please do it! Yes, the prep is awful, but the procedure is painless and quick.
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Post by marmargirl on Mar 4, 2022 15:28:17 GMT
I’m 51 and I have already had two colonoscopies. My dad was diagnosed with colon cancer when he was 57, so it was recommended that I screen early.
They are not fun, but really not that bad. My next one will be this year.
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craftykitten
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,304
Jun 26, 2014 7:39:32 GMT
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Post by craftykitten on Mar 4, 2022 15:31:53 GMT
As a person with metastatic colorectal cancer, I agree! Please look after yourselves.
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Post by malibou on Mar 4, 2022 15:37:58 GMT
OMG I have the husband that refuses to do his colonoscopy. I cannot figure out why. He has seen me breeze thru mine. He has always maintained that he has no family history. I'm care giving for my mil these days, and we have talked about family history and such. Turns out Dh maternal grandfather died of colon cancer. I'm going to have climb on him over getting this done. I think I'll start with having him read this thread.
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Post by malibou on Mar 4, 2022 15:39:26 GMT
You are always on my mind craftykitten. Hope things have been good. |
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Post by Jen in NCal on Mar 4, 2022 15:52:22 GMT
I haven't and for very silly reasons. I live alone, my closest friend is an hour away and works and my parents live in another state. So I have no one to drive me. Is there some sort of transport, other than a hired ambulance that can take me and bring me home?
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Post by peasapie on Mar 4, 2022 15:53:42 GMT
As a person with metastatic colorectal cancer, I agree! Please look after yourselves. I’m sorry to read this, and I hope you have been able to take advantage of the many new and effective treatments. |
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Post by lisae on Mar 4, 2022 15:57:06 GMT
Not due again for another 5 years. Dh had one last year and unless something suspicious happens, it will be his last. He will have aged out.
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Post by peasapie on Mar 4, 2022 15:57:59 GMT
I haven't and for very silly reasons. I live alone, my closest friend is an hour away and works and my parents live in another state. So I have no one to drive me. Is there some sort of transport, other than a hired ambulance that can take me and bring me home? I wish I lived out that way — I’d come drive you myself. Maybe one of our peas has a suggestion. |
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Post by liya on Mar 4, 2022 16:04:03 GMT
Had my first but not due again for 5 years. Procedure is a breeze and the prep is really not that bad.
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Post by iamkristinl16 on Mar 4, 2022 16:06:05 GMT
I had one a few years ago but dh has one scheduled in April.
Are they considered to be preventive care and covered by insurance? I had an ablation at the same time so don’t know how the cost broke down.
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Post by katlady on Mar 4, 2022 16:21:47 GMT
I haven't and for very silly reasons. I live alone, my closest friend is an hour away and works and my parents live in another state. So I have no one to drive me. Is there some sort of transport, other than a hired ambulance that can take me and bring me home? Talk to your doctor. I am sure they know of a solution for you. It is odd though. When my mom had hers years ago, the place she went to would not allow their patients to take a taxi home. But, when my SO went a couple of years ago, the place he went to had no problems with a taxi ride. I took him, so no issues, but nothing in his paperwork said no taxi. ETA - Also, I think now, lot of doctors suggest Cologuard for your tests, unless there is a history. You won’t even need a ride. |
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Post by ntsf on Mar 4, 2022 16:28:12 GMT
Jen in NCAl. I have to have one every three years cause they found polyps. If you are within 2 hours of SF, I would come up and drive you this June!!!
ask your doctor.. you should be able to find a taxi--you are not that sick after the procedure. or just say a friend is picking you up and take an uber.
find a way.. this is too important. I'd bet your friend an hour away would come and do it. this is not an everyday or every week kind of thing.
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Post by huskermom98 on Mar 4, 2022 16:29:19 GMT
I had my first one last April. I had a couple of polyps so I have to go back in a couple of years (can't remember if its 5 years or less than that).
I would pick a colonoscopy (and the prep) over another kidney stone any day...if anyone is hesitant, just do it.
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Post by scrapmaven on Mar 4, 2022 16:29:38 GMT
I've had a few and have one next month. I have to take the prep differently than most people and during an overnight hospital stay. Don't care. If it prevents a horrible disease then it was worth it. For those who are afraid, just know that the prep is unpleasant, but the procedure is comfy and easy. You'll snooze and it only takes 15 minutes. There are pills you can take instead of the liquid, but some docs won't prescribe them, because they don't always clean you out, as well. It's a few hours of KABOOM in order to save your life. Again, you won't feel a thing during the procedure. My prayers are w/you craftykitten. |
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Post by Jen in NCal on Mar 4, 2022 16:34:29 GMT
Jen in NCAl. I have to have one every three years cause they found polyps. If you are within 2 hours of SF, I would come up and drive you this June!!! ask your doctor.. you should be able to find a taxi--you are not that sick after the procedure. or just say a friend is picking you up and take an uber. find a way.. this is too important. I'd bet your friend an hour away would come and do it. this is not an everyday or every week kind of thing. I'm in the East Bay - near the Richmond-Carquinez Bridge. The test would be done in Walnut Creek. My friend would totally do it but I lean on her so much already. A year ago she took me for my back surgery and I ended up in the hospital for 4 nights. She came to visit every day and went to take care of my cat. |
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