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Colonoscopy
I had one this week.
The procedure itself is a walk in the park. Even though they said they were putting me in to "twilight responsive mode", I went into deep sleep and don't recall anything of the time they were doing the deed.
The preparation is just plain awful and has to be about equal to waterboarding. I was feeling mean as a snake by the time I got to the hospital.
My last one was 9 years ago. They removed a bunch of polyps then, but all were of a type that stays benign. This time they removed 7 of a type that tends to get cancerous. The biopsy report said all were still in precancerous condition. That's the good news. The bad news is that this result means I will have to go through all of this again in a mere 3 years.
I offer this experience up as encouragement for you to ask your doctor if you should have one. Much as I hated the experience, I'm really grateful that they were able to remove those polyps before they became lethal.
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Because there is history of colon cancer in my family...i get one every other year since 48.
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If you're 50 or older, get one, regardless.
And yes, the prep is a pain in the you know what.
I'll never drink Gatorade again!
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Thanks for the reminder, I need to schedule one myself. From what I tell some doctors have a different and slightly more pleasant prep than others. I have never (yet) been through the gallon of stuff that my buddies fuss about.
That is one day a year no one can tell me I'm full of it.
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I visited the Doc just this week for the annual run down and she seemed to get some delight in reminding me that I'm up for the scope next year (not my first, just continuing the tradition!) This while she was checking that special place and asking me if I get up at night to pee!!
While these procedures can be uncomfortable, they can save your life. Don't hesitate if your health care provider recommends it.
Jeff
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Drinking a gallon of that "stuff" is really yucky, the doc told me later they do have an alternative - pills. If I ever have it again I would opt for that.
If we all do the stuff we're supposed to we might even get to fish for a few more years! By the way, have I mentioned we are going to the Big Horn the week of Sept. 17th? I may even be able to fish...wahoo!
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Oldfrat,
I agree with everything that you stated...
If your 50 or over, you need to have this done! I thank God that my wife's and mine were clear (although it is almost time for me to reschedule, i.e.almost 5 years), but like you, at 55 my brother had several pre-cancerous polps removed.
My grandfather died of intestinal cancer... It appeared when he was just 56 years old. He passed at 61. He was far too young... and I can grantee ya' that it wasn't a easy way to go.
Bowfin47
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I'm due for my next one in a couple of years. The first one was clean so I'm keeping my fingers crossed for the next one. I didn't have to drink anything for the first one, just took a bunch of pills.
Steve
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I 'm recovering from prostrate surgery. Don't forget to schedule a PSA while you are at it.
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Please! As unpleasant as the preparation is for a colonoscopy, it lasts less than one day - this is nothing compared to the disease. Mom passed away in April this year from complications related to colon cancer. If she had had a colonoscopy several years ago, she would most likely still be here with us and in good health.