Too much information?

[The empressof all]

OK, I know it's a weird thing to be proud of but I survived my first colonoscopy today. I was soooo nervous but once I laid down on the table it really wasn't bad. In fact I was so relaxed they didn't give me as many drugs as they could have. (Damn--I felt deprived)

They found 3 very tiny polyps but got them all out. Won't know if they are malignant or not for about two weeks but Dr. felt very very positive that I would have a good result.

Other than feeling really hungry and crampy afterwards in the scheme of all medical procedures I think it was better than a root canal.

[latebloomer]

1. Hmm!

I've had a prescription lying around from my last physical-- in May!! I'm 52 and they say it's time. Somehow I just haven't gotten around to it!! (can't imagine why!)

So they didn't put you out?

[The empressof all]

2. No I never went to sleep

I expected to be more loopy but the nurse anesthetist said they taper up based on your anxiety level and tolerance for discomfort. I got both a narcotic and ver-sed (anti anxiety).

It really wasn't as bad as I had imagined it to be. There was some cramping but no worse than menstrual cramping.

I am so relieved to have finally gotten it over with. I put it off for months too which just gave me even more time to worry about it.

Go get it done----It honestly wasn't horrible.

[ramapo]

3. Yep. not so bad

I'm due for my second as it's been almost five years. I started a bit early due to family history.

The prep was certainly more unpleasant than the actual procedure. It seemed to take about 30 seconds as I fell asleep pretty quickly and only got a few peeks at my insides.

[msgadget]

4. Not too much

at all! Everybody should have one and you made it seem like a positive experience.

Thanks!

[The empressof all]

5. Important Update

Please if you are of an age to get this procedure done---go ahead and do it.

My results came in yesterday and of the three polyps they found two were benign and one was the kind that could develop into cancer. They removed all three

I have no family history of Cancer of any type. I would have never known that I had this polyp without this procedure. The poopie smear test would not have shown any problem.

I am so so grateful that I had it done. Now I have nothing to worry about. Next one scheduled in five years.

Certainly, the little discomfort I experienced was a hell of alot better than pooping in a bag for the rest of my life.

[Longhorn]

6. So glad to hear they made an early catch!

At what age are you supposed to have this done? I'm 49 and so is my husband. Is it time? Thanks!

[The empressof all]

7. I'm 49 too

My MD had suggested a smear test about two years ago
--but I was too squeamish to handle fecal material. After having bloody stool caused by a hemorrhoid they suggested the test. I found it easier and now obviously more comprehensive than the schmeer test. I think you guys are getting to be just the right age to get this done.

I've now seen the light about getting tested so I would say talk to your MD's and get it done. You never know what's lingering in there unless you do.

[ramapo]

8. 50 unless there's history

I think the rule-of-thumb is age 50 unless immediate family has had colon cancer. That's why I started early. I've got to make an appointment for round two.

[seventythree]

9. ramapo is right

the age is 50. But some aren't so lucky. A friend of mine was in her early 40's and a persistent anemia problem had the doctor suggest a colonoscopy. They never expected to find anything as drastic as they found -- full blown cancer. Her sister had died at an early age of cancer, but brain, not colon. Another friend's husband died of colon cancer a few years back -- he must have been early 50's. DO NOT PUT THIS OFF!! I put it off until 54 because I was just freaked out about the procedure. I just kept telling myself I could back out at any time, which allowed me to just take it step by step. It was much consternation about nothing because it really wasn't bad, and everything was fine. I bragged about having done it for a month, I was so proud of myself.

There is a correlation between skin tags and colon polyps, and they, of course, can turn to cancer. My husband's grandfather had colon cancer, and hubby has skin tags, so when I read of the correlation, I started hounding him -- from about age 40 - 45, when he finally gave in. They found two and removed them. Had he not gone in early, I don't know what shape he would have been in when he turned 50.