Should I be glad, or what?

[steve-norrell]

I am scheduled to have the dreaded colonoscopy exam next week and, in talking with the doctor about it, I asked, "Since I have no symptoms what would be the risk of putting it off for a year or two (or three, or four)?"

He responded: "Well, you are relatively healthy and the experts recommend one every ten years when there are no symptoms. Its pretty good insurance for staying well."

Its not that I disagree with that, but if you ever had one, you know what I mean.

Any way, in seeing my hesitation he added, "Well look at it this way, the experts also say that folks in the age group when your next one is due almost always die of something else, so . . . .

. . . this may well be the last one you will ever have to have!"

Now should I be glad or what?

Regards, Steve

[Hellrazor]

Steve,

If he is smiling and is wearing 2 shoulder length gloves.. RUN.. run for your life


(sorry couldn't resist a bit of ill humor)

[herb fellows]

Don't exactly know what the numbers are, but a lot of people with 'no symptoms' end up with problems.
Do yourself a favor, swallow hard, and get it done. If you've never had one, the hardest part BY FAR is the preparation. Even that has been toned down somewhat, there are now pills you can take, flavored stuff (although I don't know how good flavored salty grease would be) etc.
The actual test is a piece of cake, really.
I speak from way more experience than I would like to, I've had over 10 due to problems.

[leehljp]

I personally find a prostate exam more dreadful than a colonoscopy! The prep for a colonoscopy is bad enough . . . but the prostate exam - I did have one by a woman doctor once and it wasn't nearly as bad from her.

But concerning symptoms - I had none at 50 and no polyps either. At age 59, I had 3 small ones which were removed with a recommendation to have an exam again at 60. I skipped that one (at age 60) but had one at 61. AT 61 I had 14 removed. Still no symptoms. I timidly look forward to the next one in 4 months.

[Lee4847]

Prep

Yes the prep is the worst!! I don't want to EVER see any more ORANGE GATORADE!!

But the peace of mind knowing their is nothing there is worth it.

And now I can tell LOML that I am "A Perfect A**hole"

Lee

[steve-norrell]

If he is smiling and is wearing 2 shoulder length gloves . . .

Better shoulder-length gloves than a haz-mat suit . . .

I am a firm believer in preventative medical exams and tests. Actually, I have had more than one C-scope exam and hopefully will have a at least a couple more -- when the time is right.

I was more impressed with the doctor's comment than I was worried about the C-scope exam.

Regards, Steve

[Texas splinter]

Go ahead and get it done. Both my parents died of colon cancer, my dad at age 54, my mother at age 87. As a result, the docotrs I have seen have ALL recommended I have one every 3 years., So, every three years for the last 12 years, I have gone through the prep and exam. The others are rignt, the prep is the worst part, you are unconcious (SP?) for the exam. But, they are comming out with better and better prep materials eact time I have one.
Oh by-the-way, donn't plan any activities furthur than about 4 feet from your bathroom the afternoon of the prep day...

[Ed62]

if you ever had one, you know what I mean.

I've had 2 colonoscopies and 3 prostate biopsies. I'll have more if needed. I've had no symptoms, but high PSA numbers. I'm guessing you never had it done??

Ed

[Richard in Smithville]

At age 43 my first one is pending. After my second run in with diverticulitus in three months, the surgeon has decided it best to go in for a "deeper" look at things. If all it does is gives me peace of mind, I'm willing to give up a day or two for it.

[ironhat]

Yep, prep is the pits but not horrible. As I laid on the gurney in the procedure room the anesthesia nurse injected a white milky substance into my I.V. which she called 'Milk of Amnesia'. I recall chuckling and then I was in the recovery stall with my wife. She says that I asked her if they were gentle. I don't recall that or anything else. Have fun!

[jackellis]

My middle brother passed away at 49 from colon cancer. He had no symptoms and then all of a sudden, unexplained discomfort one night. Next thing we knew, he was scheduled for surgery, but by that time it had spread to his liver and when that happens...

My youngest brother has Crohn's disease and probably gets 'scoped as regularly as most people get their teeth cleaned. He laughed at me when I told him I was going in for my first. The prep is a pain in the *ss but the exam itself is painless and there's no discomfort afterward.

No matter how much you might dread the prep, the exam or the dumb jokes, it's a piece of cake compared with the alternatives.

[gsmittle]

Yep, prep is the pits but not horrible. As I laid on the gurney in the procedure room the anesthesia nurse injected a white milky substance into my I.V. which she called 'Milk of Amnesia'. I recall chuckling and then I was in the recovery stall with my wife. She says that I asked her if they were gentle. I don't recall that or anything else. Have fun!

My first one they used Demerol and Versed. Talk about being one with the universe... I'm told I asked for a to-go order.

The last one they used Propofol (?) the "Milk of Amnesia." I was out like a light and woke up after everything was over. The effects wear off pretty quickly, too. The Versed was a lot more fun.

g.