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Post by librarylady on Mar 5, 2022 4:08:14 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. My condolences for the loss of your sister.
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Post by marysue63 on Mar 5, 2022 6:26:44 GMT
I just had my 5th one last week (family history). This is the first time they found something but they were small and benign. I was worried about the prep because since my last one I’ve had bariatric surgery and there was no way that I could drink that gallon of stuff. I did the 12 pills the afternoon before and then another 12 early in the morning the day of. It was so much better than the liquid! None of that gross nasty taste.
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RosieKat
Drama Llama
PeaJect #12
Posts: 5,446
Jun 25, 2014 19:28:04 GMT
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Post by RosieKat on Mar 5, 2022 10:25:22 GMT
Yep, just got the results from my first one a couple of days ago. 2 medium polyps, noncancerous and low dysplasia, and a bit of diverticulosis. I'm now on the 3 year plan, yippee!
Honestly, prep wasn't fun but I've done a whole lot less pleasant things in my life! They gave me Suprep, so most of what I had to drink was the clear liquid of my choice. The stuff tasted rather like lemon lime Gatorade that had been made with ocean water and some extra salt - not lovely at all, but not as gross as I'd been led to anticipate. And the cleanout part was mostly combined to a couple of 2 hour bouts, not all night on the toilet or anything.
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Post by slowjoe on Mar 5, 2022 14:49:47 GMT
Thanks for the reminder!
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RedSquirrelUK
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,783
Location: The UK's beautiful West Country
Aug 2, 2014 13:03:45 GMT
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Post by RedSquirrelUK on Mar 5, 2022 15:20:11 GMT
We don't have them as routine in the UK, only if there are symptoms. My FIL had symptoms and they found polyps, thankfully benign and all were removed, but it took 3 procedures for various reasons. He had to have a low fibre diet for the week before and a few days afterwards. I'm not sure how I'd manage that, as nearly everything on his food list upsets me. 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. We had a similar thing with my aunt except it was stomach cancer. Finally diagnosed in late November 2021, was given 3-6 months and we lost her at the beginning of January. Big hugs to you.
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Post by krcrafts on Mar 5, 2022 21:29:28 GMT
I’m going for a consult next month for my first one and I’m wondering if you have to have polyps removed, is there a lot of pain afterwards? I’m a little nervous, but I know it should be done.
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Post by h2ohdog on Mar 5, 2022 23:23:16 GMT
Scheduled for 10 days from today. Can’t wait for 9 days from today/s
My mom died of colon cancer, so I have to have them every five years. This is my fourth. No polyps, yet.
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Post by scrappysurfer on Mar 7, 2022 1:24:50 GMT
I’m going for a consult next month for my first one and I’m wondering if you have to have polyps removed, is there a lot of pain afterwards? I’m a little nervous, but I know it should be done. No, there’s no pain. Depending on the size of the polyp, there may be scant bloody discharge (like when you wipe) or possibly use of a tiny clip that comes out on its own in a few weeks/months.
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Post by krcrafts on Mar 7, 2022 1:26:33 GMT
I’m going for a consult next month for my first one and I’m wondering if you have to have polyps removed, is there a lot of pain afterwards? I’m a little nervous, but I know it should be done. No, there’s no pain. Depending on the size of the polyp, there may be scant bloody discharge (like when you wipe) or possibly use of a tiny clip that comes out on its own in a few weeks/months. Thank you! Good to know.
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Post by amp on Mar 7, 2022 2:19:58 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. My beloved former husband died at age 56 for the same reason as your co-worker's brother. It broke our hearts and the world lost a wonderful human. And he suffered a lot. Something a simple colonoscopy could have prevented. I tell everyone I know over the age of 40 to get a colonoscopy.
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Post by Karen-in-Indiana on Mar 7, 2022 3:09:26 GMT
I had my first one Friday. Was supposed to be Thursday but 24 hour prep wasn't enough for me. Had to do a 48 hour prep. I went in for digestive issues. Had an upper GI as well. No polyps. Colon looked fine. Hiatal hernia and gastritis most likely bacterial infection that will be verified by the biopsy.
Hope everyone has good results with their colonoscopy. It really was not bad at all.
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moodyblue
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,196
Location: Western Illinois
Site Supporter
Jun 26, 2014 21:07:23 GMT
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Post by moodyblue on Mar 7, 2022 3:34:20 GMT
I’ve had 2. The first time I had one hyperplastic polyp, a kind that does not become cancerous. The second one found no polyps so I was told 5-7 years for the next one. My gym and regular doctor both asked me about it because I was at the seven year mark last year, but hadn’t pursued it because of COVID and other reasons. When I followed up on the referral early in January the GI office told me I’m not due for two more years - the new recommendation is ten years if you didn’t have any polyps the previous time or any family history. But I can call for an appointment if I have any concerns.
A guy who lives behind me has (so far) survived two bouts of stage 4 colon cancer, one over 20 years ago, before I knew him. He was diagnosed again a couple years ago and has been through treatment and seems to be doing well at this point.
My previous gyn used to collect the sample for the fecal occult blood test when I went for my yearly gyn exam. My current gyn doesn’t do that; I wish she did as it was easy and quick.
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scrapngranny
Pearl Clutcher
Only slightly senile
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Jun 25, 2014 23:21:30 GMT
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Post by scrapngranny on Mar 7, 2022 3:58:20 GMT
I had my last one Dec of 21. My next one will be in 26. I have them every five years.
I have an endoscopy every 3 years, I go in July.
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Post by gramasue on Mar 7, 2022 13:18:11 GMT
I had one at the end of October 2021, my third. I was supposed to have it in January 2021, but with Covid, there was no way I was going into a hospital then. I go every three years due to polyps found. There's never been a problem with them, but I appreciate the health system that keeps on checking. I agree, this is a very important test to have. I've seen a couple of very good friends lose their lives to colon cancer. If caught early, it is totally treatable, and it's really not that big a deal. It's a couple of uncomfortable days with the prep, but what is your life worth? I'm sure it's significantly more than that!
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Post by FrozenPea on Mar 7, 2022 13:24:16 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.
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RosieKat
Drama Llama
PeaJect #12
Posts: 5,446
Jun 25, 2014 19:28:04 GMT
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Post by RosieKat on Mar 7, 2022 21:51:15 GMT
I’m going for a consult next month for my first one and I’m wondering if you have to have polyps removed, is there a lot of pain afterwards? I’m a little nervous, but I know it should be done. No, I had a couple of medium polyps removed. There was a small amount of blood in my first 2 or 3 bowel movements, and I felt a tiny bit achy in the area where they were removed for a couple of days. But it was absolutely nothing compared to even the lightest of periods, blood or pain wise.
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Post by scrapmaven on Mar 8, 2022 1:35:56 GMT
I’m going for a consult next month for my first one and I’m wondering if you have to have polyps removed, is there a lot of pain afterwards? I’m a little nervous, but I know it should be done. I have hyperplastic polyps every time. They're non cancerous and always will be. Nevertheless they are always removed and sent to the path lab to be biopsied. They always remove them and they should always remove any lesion. There's never any after pain at all and I had one really difficult to remove polyp. Don't be worried if they remove a polyp. Be worried if they don't. Any lesion should be biopsied, not matter what!
moodyblue , once you have a hyperplastic polyp you buy yourself a ticket to the colonoscopies for life ride. It sucks!
The pills are a beautiful thing. Sadly I can't ingest the liquids, nor can I hydrate enough on my own w/the pills. For people w/severe colon issues the pills don't always clean you out enough. BOO! My scope in a few weeks will be done inpatient via nasal gastric tube. The only good thing is that I won't have to taste it. Woohoo! ICK!
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caangel
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Location: So Cal
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Jun 26, 2014 16:42:12 GMT
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Post by caangel on Mar 8, 2022 2:13:11 GMT
I'm 43 (turning 44 this year). My grandfather died from colon cancer (95), as did an aunt (late 60s) and my dad has had some suspicious spots (I don't know more, just that it was related).
For those with family history, when did you first get one. Also is this something that your primary Dr covers or your gyno? My gyno brought it up at my annual this year, just that it was coming but not yet. I forgot to mention my family history although it is in my paperwork. Just wondering if I should pursue this now or wait. I don't have any concerns based on symptoms.
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Post by kittens on Mar 8, 2022 4:05:18 GMT
I had mine done last month and thankfully it was all clean so I'm good for 10 years! I was worried as my mother always has polyps and has to go every 3 years and my brother just went and had polyps that had to be removed and he is actually going back next wednesday as one of the polyps was in a bad place and they need to make sure that they got everything out and they couldn't do it at the center he went to so he has to go to a different hospital. I was so worried about the prep because I don't drink a lot usually only when I'm eating and I did not think I would be able to get down that much liquid. I actually didn't have any problem with it I had to do the miralax Gatorade mix. I'm glad it's over with for the next 10 years. Now I'm just hoping that my brother gets a clear bill of health next week!
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Post by kristi521 on Mar 8, 2022 13:43:59 GMT
My husband and I both had ours in December (same day). This was my 2nd one, my first one I had some pre-cancerous polyps. This time I had one polyp, not pre-cancerous . My husband had 15 polyps, not pre-cancerous . Obviously the prep isn't fun, but the procedure is a piece a cake (or at least it was for us).
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Post by kristi521 on Mar 8, 2022 13:51:07 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. Unless there is a reason for it. I am still a few years away from 50 and insurance has covered both of mine. The first one, I was having issues and they were trying to figure out what was going on, the 2nd was because they found pre-cancerous polyps in the first.
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Post by kristi521 on Mar 8, 2022 13:53:15 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 very sorry about your sister, big hugs to you and your family. Thank you for sharing though, hopefully it gives someone the motivation they need to get it done.
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maryannscraps
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,739
Aug 28, 2017 12:51:28 GMT
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Post by maryannscraps on Mar 8, 2022 14:10:54 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. My beloved former husband died at age 56 for the same reason as your co-worker's brother. It broke our hearts and the world lost a wonderful human. And he suffered a lot. Something a simple colonoscopy could have prevented. I tell everyone I know over the age of 40 to get a colonoscopy. I'm so very sorry for your loss. I have them every five years due to family history. So far, so clear.
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Post by librarylady on Mar 8, 2022 14:56:33 GMT
Side note: The title of this thread amuses me because it (to me) sounds like a person has 1 colonoscopy --ever.
Those who are past age 50 know that it is a series of colonoscopies. Good news for the younger ones: at 75, you can stop having them--unless you have had "trouble" with past ones. Lucky for me, I have always had no troubles and have aged out of having them.
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TXMary
Pearl Clutcher
And so many nights I just dream of the ocean. God, I wish I was sailin' again.
Posts: 2,845
Jun 26, 2014 17:25:06 GMT
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Post by TXMary on Mar 9, 2022 14:41:04 GMT
I had my first one 10 years ago at age 50. It was normal with no polyps. I see my PCP in May and she will schedule my next one since I will be due by then.
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Post by lily on Mar 16, 2022 19:51:57 GMT
This post made me call for my second one (10 years since first when I was 50). I called today and they said they can do it Friday. Yikes that is fast LOL but what the heck, get it over with! Picking up the Miralax, Dulcolax and Magnesium Citrate at Target this evening. Seems like a LOT but only 64 oz. of Gatorade. Last time I had it done it was the prescription GoLytely stuff and was a gallon.
My only tiny concern - I have to be there at 3pm Friday and I made the mistake of seeing an article (from 2009) that said doctors don't find as many polyps in the afternoon - mainly because by then they are tired and wanting to get done.
So I am wondering --- anyone think this is really a 'thing' or should I not worry about it?
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Post by rymeswithpurple on Mar 17, 2022 0:11:19 GMT
lily - I don't have any personal experience with it, but I feel like that could be applied to many different things, medicine-wise, scary as that sounds. Thinking good thoughts!
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Post by LavenderLayoutLady on Mar 17, 2022 12:19:01 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.
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