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Post by mayceesgranny on Mar 4, 2022 16:35:35 GMT
For most people in the US a colonoscopy is fully covered by health insurance because it is considered preventative. ( much like a mammogram)
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bethany102399
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Post by bethany102399 on Mar 4, 2022 16:37:03 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. I'm right there with you - I posted about it here. DH had one done early, polyp came back positive for cancer. Thankfully the follow up biopsy showed it was contained to the polyp but the doctors comment was he got very, very lucky that we caught it now. If we had waited it would have spread into his colon and he would have had to have the same procedure as your DH. Turns out his dad has to have a colonoscopy done every year as he has a tendency to develop polyps. (like 20-30 at a time). This is absolutely genetic and I'm now on his siblings to get tested early. I'm militant about getting mammograms done for the same reason. Both my parents had various forms of cancer, so I'm higher risk. Scary, invasive and so worth it for the early detection!
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Post by flanz on Mar 4, 2022 16:44:51 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 love your sweet and generous spirit!
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pyccku
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Jun 27, 2014 23:12:07 GMT
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Post by pyccku on Mar 4, 2022 16:49:04 GMT
The doctor told me that it takes 12-13 years for a polyp to become cancerous. So if you get them every 10 years, you can keep yourself safe from it.
If you've never had one before and have one scheduled, there is a study that is trying to gauge the effectiveness of a new screening method. It pays $200 and you have to send them a poop sample before the colonoscopy, then they get the results from your doctor after the procedure. They advertise on FB all the time.
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Post by MZF on Mar 4, 2022 17:03:33 GMT
Timely post. I'm on hold right now to see when mine can be done. I'm on a 5 yr schedule due to my brother having had colon cancer. I was due last August, but was postponed due to the pandemic. I've been told I'm on the list, but have not been contacted as yet, so calling this morning. I've been denied doing the poop-on-a-stick test as they say I really should have the colonoscopy. We shall see......
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Post by honeyb on Mar 4, 2022 18:09:26 GMT
My 52 year old sister died on Tuesday from Stage IV colon cancer. She turned 50 in December 2019 and had a colonoscopy scheduled for April 2020. It was cancelled due to the pandemic. She never followed up (we have no family history). And now she's gone. It was 26 days from diagnosis to death. Please don't put the colonoscopy off.
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Post by auntkelly on Mar 4, 2022 18:16:45 GMT
My 52 year old sister died on Tuesday from Stage IV colon cancer. She turned 50 in December 2019 and had a colonoscopy scheduled for April 2020. It was cancelled due to the pandemic. She never followed up (we have no family history). And now she's gone. It was 26 days from diagnosis to death. Please don't put the colonoscopy off. I'm so sorry about your sister.
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J u l e e
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Jun 28, 2014 2:50:47 GMT
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Post by J u l e e on Mar 4, 2022 18:20:42 GMT
My 52 year old sister died on Tuesday from Stage IV colon cancer. She turned 50 in December 2019 and had a colonoscopy scheduled for April 2020. It was cancelled due to the pandemic. She never followed up (we have no family history). And now she's gone. It was 26 days from diagnosis to death. Please don't put the colonoscopy off. Oh my goodness! That’s unimaginable! I’m so sorry. I’m 55 and have had two (family history). Now I can’t remember if I’m cleared for five years or ten. I’ll have to check on that.
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Jili
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Jun 26, 2014 1:26:48 GMT
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Post by Jili on Mar 4, 2022 18:26:51 GMT
Yes! I had mine 2-3 years ago-- I was 51, I think. I didn't have any polyps or other issues, and the doctor told me that I have the colon of a 25-year old. That made me laugh. There's nothing else about me that resembles a 25-year old. Why does it have to be my colon, of all things? I don't have to have another until I'm about 60.
My dh (same age as me) needed a little pushing. He finally went just this past Fall, and had a bunch of polyps. He needs to return in 3 years for his next one.
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Jili
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Post by Jili on Mar 4, 2022 18:28:15 GMT
My 52 year old sister died on Tuesday from Stage IV colon cancer. She turned 50 in December 2019 and had a colonoscopy scheduled for April 2020. It was cancelled due to the pandemic. She never followed up (we have no family history). And now she's gone. It was 26 days from diagnosis to death. Please don't put the colonoscopy off. I am so sorry. This is horrifying for your family.
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anniebeth24
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Jun 26, 2014 14:12:17 GMT
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Post by anniebeth24 on Mar 4, 2022 18:54:03 GMT
My 52 year old sister died on Tuesday from Stage IV colon cancer. She turned 50 in December 2019 and had a colonoscopy scheduled for April 2020. It was cancelled due to the pandemic. She never followed up (we have no family history). And now she's gone. It was 26 days from diagnosis to death. Please don't put the colonoscopy off. I'm so sorry. Thanks for sharing your story, it may save someone.
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teddyw
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Post by teddyw on Mar 4, 2022 19:07:40 GMT
My mom had colon ca too. Interestingly my siblings and I all get different opinions from our physicians on how often to test. 3 of us have had 0 polyps so far. One sibling is full of diverticulitis. Her dr has her testing less than us.
My primary care and gyn have different opinions than each other too. I just go when I get the yearly reminder.
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Post by scrappysurfer on Mar 4, 2022 19:17:03 GMT
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. This is infuriating!!! The colonoscopy procedure is so easy, you get good sleepy meds and have the best nap of your life. Some men (my DH included) are so hung up on the fear of anything going near their rectum, almost as if it will make them gay if they do it :rolleyes and now your friend’s brother is dead because an irrational fear.
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Post by marmargirl on Mar 4, 2022 19:40:06 GMT
My 52 year old sister died on Tuesday from Stage IV colon cancer. She turned 50 in December 2019 and had a colonoscopy scheduled for April 2020. It was cancelled due to the pandemic. She never followed up (we have no family history). And now she's gone. It was 26 days from diagnosis to death. Please don't put the colonoscopy off. I’m so sorry 💔
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Post by cade387 on Mar 4, 2022 19:58:42 GMT
For most people in the US a colonoscopy is fully covered by health insurance because it is considered preventative. ( much like a mammogram) But only if you are old enough. They recommend at 45 but only cover 50 and over.
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Post by cade387 on Mar 4, 2022 20:08:57 GMT
My 52 year old sister died on Tuesday from Stage IV colon cancer. She turned 50 in December 2019 and had a colonoscopy scheduled for April 2020. It was cancelled due to the pandemic. She never followed up (we have no family history). And now she's gone. It was 26 days from diagnosis to death. Please don't put the colonoscopy off. I’m so sorry for your loss. My Aunt passed away this past October with a similar diagnosis. She passed 3.5 weeks from diagnosis. I’m scared that I have to wait and when doctors say that I should be gone to wait until I’m 50. A friend’s wife just turned 40 and she had the same diagnosis. I want to be tested and no one thinks it is necessary. ![:(](//storage.proboards.com/5645536/images/mYSUyHtG9Jrcmm_ydVcK.jpg)
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Post by angel97701 on Mar 4, 2022 20:39:39 GMT
Yes, yes I have had my colonoscopy. I am at risk due to IBS and had one at 50 and my second in January 2021, at 61 delayed a bit due to the pandemic. A close friend did have colorectal cancer, then breast cancer, unrelated say her doctors. She passed from the breast cancer.
Please get your testing done ladies! We have the science and technology to deal with these cancers and the earlier they are caught, the better!
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Peal
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Jun 25, 2014 22:45:40 GMT
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Post by Peal on Mar 4, 2022 21:49:14 GMT
DH had his 1st one last month. My Dr said I could schedule if I wanted since they changed the recommendation to 45, but since I'm turning 50 this year I'll just wait a couple of months and do it then. The only kind of cancer history in my family is skin cancer. Which I am sure I will have to deal with as I age. I was not a sunscreen user in my youth.
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Post by Ryann on Mar 4, 2022 21:54:59 GMT
My 52 year old sister died on Tuesday from Stage IV colon cancer. She turned 50 in December 2019 and had a colonoscopy scheduled for April 2020. It was cancelled due to the pandemic. She never followed up (we have no family history). And now she's gone. It was 26 days from diagnosis to death. Please don't put the colonoscopy off. I'm so very sorry for your loss.
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Post by 950nancy on Mar 4, 2022 21:57:45 GMT
I did the poop in a box test. I know it isn't as good as the lights, camera, action test, but it is what it is.
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Post by papersilly on Mar 4, 2022 23:44:45 GMT
Yes. I had my first when I was 44. This year is my year for another one since it's been 10 years.
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Post by epeanymous on Mar 4, 2022 23:56:20 GMT
I have a chronic illness that requires me to get one every few year. Hate it but so it.
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Post by rymeswithpurple on Mar 5, 2022 0:26:42 GMT
I've not had one (I'll be 32 next week), but my husband had one in 2015 (we're the same age). He had some symptoms that checked the boxes of yeah, you need this done now. Fortunately, no polyps or tumors; he had some erosions, but they were very likely caused by stress or an infection. He worked for an awful, awful boss at the time, and I have absolutely no doubt that much of his stress was caused by her. We also didn't eat super well at the time, but have since cut out a lot of the "bad" stuff we were eating. However, I'm happy to report he now has a completely different job and hasn't had any issues since. ![:)](//storage.proboards.com/5645536/images/MNrJDkDuSwqIMVw33MdD.jpg) (Yes, he still gripes about work from time to time, but having a much healthier work environment has been so good for him.)
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Post by littlemama on Mar 5, 2022 0:30:48 GMT
2 so far, number 3 is supposed to be this year.
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Post by peasapie on Mar 5, 2022 1:03:17 GMT
Timely post. I'm on hold right now to see when mine can be done. I'm on a 5 yr schedule due to my brother having had colon cancer. I was due last August, but was postponed due to the pandemic. I've been told I'm on the list, but have not been contacted as yet, so calling this morning. I've been denied doing the poop-on-a-stick test as they say I really should have the colonoscopy. We shall see...... Call and bug them. You’re worth it!
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Post by peasapie on Mar 5, 2022 1:05:24 GMT
For most people in the US a colonoscopy is fully covered by health insurance because it is considered preventative. ( much like a mammogram) But only if you are old enough. They recommend at 45 but only cover 50 and over. Maybe you can at least do the poop smear kind?
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Post by peasapie on Mar 5, 2022 1:07:32 GMT
My 52 year old sister died on Tuesday from Stage IV colon cancer. She turned 50 in December 2019 and had a colonoscopy scheduled for April 2020. It was cancelled due to the pandemic. She never followed up (we have no family history). And now she's gone. It was 26 days from diagnosis to death. Please don't put the colonoscopy off. I’m so very sorry to read this. How sad for her and your entire family. Please know my thoughts are with you.
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Post by prettyprettypaper on Mar 5, 2022 2:50:24 GMT
I'm due for my first this year and already discussed with my PCP. I actually plan to call to schedule next week!
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mich5481
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Post by mich5481 on Mar 5, 2022 3:38:01 GMT
I had one done at the end of November. They found a 12 mm polyp with a high grade of dysplasia, so I have to go back for another one in 3 years. I'm 40, so I was early, but the note with my pathology results said it was good I had it done when I did.
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pridemom
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Jul 12, 2014 21:58:10 GMT
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Post by pridemom on Mar 5, 2022 3:54:18 GMT
I had my screening colonoscopy in September after turning 50 last June. I had three small benign polyps, but one large one. My gastroenterologist said it would have been cancerous if I had waited a couple of years. I go for another scope in the fall to be sure the area still looks good. He tattooed it to mark where he removed the big one. My only tattoo is completely hidden. 😂
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