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Post by cindytred on Aug 15, 2022 17:41:16 GMT
DON'T BE LIKE ME! TMI warning: I've been seeing blood on the tissue when I wipe since December. Doctors have suggested a colonoscopy for years (I'm 63) but I always put them off because I was afraid and didn't want something put up my butt. I am the biggest chicken in the world. I was afraid.
If you are putting off/afraid of getting a colonoscopy for the same reasons I NEED YOU TO KNOW that it is seriously no big deal. The worst part is drinking the prep and being hangry for the procedure. I didn't feel a thing and had zero discomfort afterwards. If you haven't had a colonoscopy yet and you are of a certain age that they are suggested - please call your doctor and schedule it TODAY! I love you all and don't want you to go through being diagnosed with colon cancer because you waited too long.
Cindy
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Post by mrgiedrnkr on Aug 15, 2022 19:06:05 GMT
And, to add to this “of a certain age” might be younger than you think based on your family history. I had colon cancer at 42 so my boys and half-brothers need to go in at 32. Definitely not just for people over 50 if you have a family history.
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Rhondito
Pearl Clutcher
MississipPea
Posts: 4,853 
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Post by Rhondito on Aug 15, 2022 19:50:31 GMT
I am allll about getting your yearly/suggested screenings! My breast cancer was caught super early due to my yearly mammogram. Until then I had been putting off a colonoscopy (no symptoms) but it was a wake up call so I scheduled one of those about 18 mos ago. Just like Cindy said - you don't feel a thing. I felt completely normal after! I had three tiny polyps removed that were benign. Doc said come back in 3 years. EASY PEASY!
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Deleted
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Nov 27, 2024 11:47:48 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 15, 2022 19:52:50 GMT
I am very good about seeing the doctor. I have to go every 6 months for some health issues but colonoscopy is not one I have done or want to do. My first one is actually scheduled for September, and I am dreading it. I never care about medical stuff except this. I am 57. I did Cologuard once. I felt like that was the easy way out but it doesn't show pre-cancer, only cancer.
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Post by bc2ca on Aug 15, 2022 20:17:16 GMT
Good for you for overcoming your fears and getting it done.  |
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Post by Mel on Aug 15, 2022 20:20:47 GMT
The worst part is the prep. I agree with the others, the procedure itself and "recovery" was easy peasy!!
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peabay
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,941
Jun 25, 2014 19:50:41 GMT
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Post by peabay on Aug 15, 2022 20:21:18 GMT
I am very good about seeing the doctor. I have to go every 6 months for some health issues but colonoscopy is not one I have done or want to do. My first one is actually scheduled for September, and I am dreading it. I never care about medical stuff except this. I am 57. I did Cologuard once. I felt like that was the easy way out but it doesn't show pre-cancer, only cancer. when you're done with it, you'll be so "that was such a big nothing!" I promise. I just got one about a month ago and was all worked up over it and it was so easy. Even the prep was not so bad. |
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Post by christine58 on Aug 15, 2022 20:23:56 GMT
I am very good about seeing the doctor. I have to go every 6 months for some health issues but colonoscopy is not one I have done or want to do. My first one is actually scheduled for September, and I am dreading it. I never care about medical stuff except this. I am 57. I did Cologuard once. I felt like that was the easy way out but it doesn't show pre-cancer, only cancer. Honestly the worst part is the prep... |
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Post by littlemama on Aug 15, 2022 20:50:02 GMT
I am very good about seeing the doctor. I have to go every 6 months for some health issues but colonoscopy is not one I have done or want to do. My first one is actually scheduled for September, and I am dreading it. I never care about medical stuff except this. I am 57. I did Cologuard once. I felt like that was the easy way out but it doesn't show pre-cancer, only cancer. To be fair, no one "wants" to have a colonoscopy. The prep is the "worst" part, but if you go into it with tips and tricks, it makes it easier. The procedure itself is just a litte nap and then you wake up wanting pancakes. 😂 |
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Post by flanz on Aug 15, 2022 20:58:11 GMT
Cindy, thank you so much for taking the time to write this PSA! I had my second colonscopy a few months ago and need my next one in 7 years.
I am so very sorry that you're dealing with a colon cancer diagnosis. I hope it's stage 1 and that they get it all, and soon!
we are here for you!
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scrappinmama
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,128
Jun 26, 2014 12:54:09 GMT
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Post by scrappinmama on Aug 15, 2022 21:01:24 GMT
Yes! Early screening is so important. This goes for breast cancer as well. Don't let fear stop you.
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Post by Scrapper100 on Aug 15, 2022 21:02:48 GMT
I was afraid of it to. The prep is far from pleasant but wasn’t as bad as some have said. Eat light a few days before and drink lots of fluid the day you will do the actual prep. The procedure itself wasn’t bad at all. I don’t remember it at all  . |
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Post by katiescarlett on Aug 15, 2022 21:05:23 GMT
I am very good about seeing the doctor. I have to go every 6 months for some health issues but colonoscopy is not one I have done or want to do. My first one is actually scheduled for September, and I am dreading it. I never care about medical stuff except this. I am 57. I did Cologuard once. I felt like that was the easy way out but it doesn't show pre-cancer, only cancer. when you're done with it, you'll be so "that was such a big nothing!" I promise. I just got one about a month ago and was all worked up over it and it was so easy. Even the prep was not so bad. I agree with Peabay. I didn't even think the prep was that bad. Mine didn't taste bad and the whole procedure was painless and easy. |
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ellen
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,810
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Post by ellen on Aug 15, 2022 21:09:25 GMT
When I had one a few years ago a nurse woke me up. I thought she was going to tell me that they were about to take me in for the procedure. She told me that it was already over. The worst part was the night before prep - so much to drink. It's just one of those things that has to be done.
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Post by cindosha on Aug 15, 2022 21:11:14 GMT
I am very good about seeing the doctor. I have to go every 6 months for some health issues but colonoscopy is not one I have done or want to do. My first one is actually scheduled for September, and I am dreading it. I never care about medical stuff except this. I am 57. I did Cologuard once. I felt like that was the easy way out but it doesn't show pre-cancer, only cancer. It’s the best most restful nap you will ever have. It’s no big deal!! |
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Post by papersilly on Aug 15, 2022 21:21:42 GMT
good PSA! my friend's mom put it off until she was 70. came back stage 1 cancer.
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Post by papersilly on Aug 15, 2022 21:22:47 GMT
When I had one a few years ago a nurse woke me up. I thought she was going to tell me that they were about to take me in for the procedure. She told me that it was already over. The worst part was the night before prep - so much to drink. It's just one of those things that has to be done. that's what i tell people all the time. the prep is the worst only because it's so yukky tasting and you have the drink so much. if you eat light the day before and the day of prep, you bathroom time is cut down a lot too. |
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Deleted
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Nov 27, 2024 11:47:48 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 15, 2022 21:53:32 GMT
Okay, girls, thanks for the encouragement. Not looking forward to the prep. I will find out at the beginning of September what kind of prep I will have. Oh dear.
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peabay
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,941
Jun 25, 2014 19:50:41 GMT
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Post by peabay on Aug 15, 2022 21:53:47 GMT
when you're done with it, you'll be so "that was such a big nothing!" I promise. I just got one about a month ago and was all worked up over it and it was so easy. Even the prep was not so bad. I agree with Peabay. I didn't even think the prep was that bad. Mine didn't taste bad and the whole procedure was painless and easy. first time I did one, the prep was nasty. This last time? Doc prescribed ClenPiq and it didn't taste badly and went down easily. No problem at all. |
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Post by ntsf on Aug 15, 2022 22:03:02 GMT
I am my sister's caretaker (at a distance). she suffers from severe bipolar.. and I have to coordinate her medical care. I finally got her a mammogram..12 yrs after her last one. she is overdue for a colonoscopy. and I am trying to figure out how to make it work for the prep. I might have to take her to my brother's house and camp out with her for 4 days to be sure she does all the steps. there is no way she could do it on her own. it worries me.. but I think I will try next year when I have some time. the things you never thought you would have to do... I am going to talk to her doctor for suggestions.
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momto4kiddos
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,153
Jun 26, 2014 11:45:15 GMT
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Post by momto4kiddos on Aug 15, 2022 22:14:56 GMT
Great PSA, everyone says the prep is the worst and they're right. And what is in your head about the prep is so much worse than the actual prep.
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Post by cindytred on Aug 15, 2022 22:43:43 GMT
Okay, girls, thanks for the encouragement. Not looking forward to the prep. I will find out at the beginning of September what kind of prep I will have. Oh dear. My BFF was so aggravated because my prep consisted of 3 Ducolax laxative pills and a bottle of Miralax mixed in with Gatorade. I was a big fat whiny baby because all I want to drink is Coke - and Gatorade tastes yucky to me - but apparently it is way better than the sludge my BFF had to drink 10 years ago. Another friend didn't have to drink anything for her prep - just take some pill every 5 minutes for over an hour. That seems to be the way to go! Cindy |
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Post by cindytred on Aug 15, 2022 22:47:05 GMT
Cindy, thank you so much for taking the time to write this PSA! I had my second colonscopy a few months ago and need my next one in 7 years. I am so very sorry that you're dealing with a colon cancer diagnosis. I hope it's stage 1 and that they get it all, and soon! we are here for you! Thank you, flanz. You are so sweet. Cindy |
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Post by flanz on Aug 15, 2022 22:54:01 GMT
Okay, girls, thanks for the encouragement. Not looking forward to the prep. I will find out at the beginning of September what kind of prep I will have. Oh dear. You can do it!!! And yes, the prep can be gnarly. Second time i did it was a lot easier than ten years prior, which was downright horrible. I think the difference was what I ate in the days leading up to the prep. I didn't give it a thought the first time... but the second time i ate far more easily digestible foods. |
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Post by flanz on Aug 15, 2022 22:54:49 GMT
I am my sister's caretaker (at a distance). she suffers from severe bipolar.. and I have to coordinate her medical care. I finally got her a mammogram..12 yrs after her last one. she is overdue for a colonoscopy. and I am trying to figure out how to make it work for the prep. I might have to take her to my brother's house and camp out with her for 4 days to be sure she does all the steps. there is no way she could do it on her own. it worries me.. but I think I will try next year when I have some time. the things you never thought you would have to do... I am going to talk to her doctor for suggestions. Oh wow, that's tough. Sending you big hugs! |
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seaexplore
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,887
Apr 25, 2015 23:57:30 GMT
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Post by seaexplore on Aug 15, 2022 23:19:03 GMT
I am my sister's caretaker (at a distance). she suffers from severe bipolar.. and I have to coordinate her medical care. I finally got her a mammogram..12 yrs after her last one. she is overdue for a colonoscopy. and I am trying to figure out how to make it work for the prep. I might have to take her to my brother's house and camp out with her for 4 days to be sure she does all the steps. there is no way she could do it on her own. it worries me.. but I think I will try next year when I have some time. the things you never thought you would have to do... I am going to talk to her doctor for suggestions. Can you and your sister go on the adventure together? Have your brother take you both to have it done? That would be helpful for her to make sure she takes all the prep stuff. BUT that might be an issue if there's only one bathroom. |
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Post by Lexica on Aug 15, 2022 23:37:19 GMT
I have not had a colonoscopy and I am 68. I am with Kaiser and they send a kit to my house every year where you collect a small sample on this little stick and send it in. I have been doing those for years now and they have all come back with no signs of anything wrong. I just did mine again last month. I hope it is okay to monitor that way and not have the colonoscopy. I would certainly do it if my doctor thought it was necessary.
Anyone else have a facility that monitors their patients yearly with an at-home test?
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Post by christine58 on Aug 15, 2022 23:48:14 GMT
I have not had a colonoscopy and I am 68. I am with Kaiser and they send a kit to my house every year where you collect a small sample on this little stick and send it in. I have been doing those for years now and they have all come back with no signs of anything wrong. I just did mine again last month. I hope it is okay to monitor that way and not have the colonoscopy. I would certainly do it if my doctor thought it was necessary. Anyone else have a facility that monitors their patients yearly with an at-home test? As someone else said, that test does not show precancer cells it only shows cancer. You need to go have a colonoscopy |
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Post by lavawalker1 on Aug 16, 2022 0:01:18 GMT
I have not had a colonoscopy and I am 68. I am with Kaiser and they send a kit to my house every year where you collect a small sample on this little stick and send it in. I have been doing those for years now and they have all come back with no signs of anything wrong. I just did mine again last month. I hope it is okay to monitor that way and not have the colonoscopy. I would certainly do it if my doctor thought it was necessary. Anyone else have a facility that monitors their patients yearly with an at-home test? As someone else said, that test does not show precancer cells it only shows cancer. You need to go have a colonoscopy I also have only done the kit Kaiser sends. However, you only get to do the kit if you have no family history. I have decided though, I will do a colonoscopy this year, even though no family history. |
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Post by ntsf on Aug 16, 2022 0:02:04 GMT
I can't do it with my sister.. it would not help. someone needs to be in charge. and then she gets delusional when confronted with anything negative. I am on a 3 yr schedule in my town with a specialist.. 1000 miles from her. there are some days she tries to persuade me that the doctor 15 yrs ago told her she has to smoke... or if she goes on a bus, the police will arrest her. she does listen to me but it is challenging.
even her mental health clinic staff is not optimistic on this test.
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