Do I Really Need to Have a Colonoscopy?

Jane, so glad your colonoscopy was fine. 

Other then the prep stuff you have to drink, a colonoscopy is a walk in the park for me.  I don't mind the phospho soda stuff it's the NuLightly gallon jug of stuff that kills me.You get that good sleep medicine and you don't know a thing about it.  My Dad had colon cancer in 2004, but he has been fine since, so I'll have one any time the Dr. thinks I should since I've now had breast cancer.

I have never even heard of a virtual colonoscopy.

I'm 39 and have a regular colonscopy scheduled for Sept. 2nd.  I'm super nervous because it seems like I've always had "digestive" issues.  Also, My grandfather had colon cancer at age 50, so we're being proactive and checking 10 years before that.  Hopefully, this is early enough and I'll be able to put my mind at rest!  (I had always planned on having a colonosopy AND my first mammongram at age 40--didn't ever think I'd get cancer BEFORE turning 40!)

I am so glad you all know the importance of a colonoscopy, my 1st one saved my life and I am now an advocate for everyone to be screened as early as allowed. Congrats on the all clear Weety, celebrate!

addendum to my previous post: insurace companies are considering dropping the coverage for colonoscopy anesthesia.     They'd like us to go back to the old cost-effective way where the GI does the scope while he manages the pt with IV drugs that put pt in a "twilight sleep"   

I told my husband that, even if we had to borrow $, I will always require diprivan for a colonsocopy.       For some people, it is not a big deal.    But I went thru the "twilight sleep" screaming and remembering withdrawing my consent over and over. The GI was shocked when I remembered this.    You are "supposed" to have amnesia.         I was terrified to go back but GI promised me dble dose of IV pain-killer.     Even then I was screaming but would intermittently fall asleep.      So diprivan is my drug of choice (for this procedure).     As long as it is administered by a highly qualified anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist.    

Every person is different in their bodies reaction to medication, their pain tolerance, and their colon curves! I work in GI and assist with these procedures. A few people require anesthesia, but most  do very well with the "conscious sedation". The medicine is for any cramping pain and amnesia. Most people want to know NOTHING! And they wake up wondering when we are going to start. Some try to insist that they were awake the whole time, and are surprised to find that it has been 30 minutes or so. The medicine works quickly and yet so gently that you drift off and don't even realize you are asleep. I had my colonoscopy with no meds - my choice - and was pleased to be able to continue my day as usual (I didn't have to stay an hour afterwards, I could drive myself home and run errands on the way!). But, some have more curves in their colon, making it more uncomfortable. Some just want nothing to do with the whole process. Some can't tolerate the meds we give. Some take alot of pain meds for other reasons, making it harder for us to get them sleepy enough. There are so-o-o-o many variables, but we know how to work with them - including using anesthesia if you have a history requiring it!

Most of all - finding the polyps before they are cancer is the goal. Prevention of cancer is always best, and avoids surgery!

The prep really is the worst part, followed by the time spent in an unfamiliar setting and having an IV started. But if there are no polyps, you have 10 years before you need to do it again. If there are polyps, you want them out. Then you have 2,3, or 5 years depending on the pathology report. You also have peace of mind knowing you have done the recommended thing and are not risking colon cancer!

For me, the positives greatly out-weigh the negatives.

Had one at age 50 and then waited 11 years - way too long!  But all is well.  They removed one polyp a couple weeks ago and I have to repeat in 2 years and then if all is well, 5 years.  I have an aunt who is stage 4 colon cancer now and just entered hospice.  She is 79 and never had colonoscopy.  Only found out recently, because of her dx, that colon cancer may be history in the family.  Like other cancers, secrecy was the norm.  She's been/going through a very tough time. 

I was okay up to half of that foul cocktail and then wanted to throw up each time I had to down another glass.  And, no way would I want to go through that procedure without being totally knocked out!  I have nitrous oxide to clean my teeth - if I had to go to 17 docs to find one who would put me totally under that's what I would do.  Yeah, big baby, I know - that's me!

 I am a 10 min. new member and your comment jumped out at me because I started my cancers the other way around.  I had colon cancer then 9 years (I think) later it was breast cancer.  That of course makes me vote for.....yeah, go ahead with the colonoscopy. At least you get a nice nap for the rest of the day and an assured mind. This is my first post so I hope this comment is okay.

Your comment is certainly OK! I got both the nice nap AND the assured mind out of mine, and won't be at all afraid of, or nervous about doing it again in a couple years.

YramAL- Smart Lady! WOW, what a prep! At least you didn't get tired of the same thing the whole time! I'm sure it worked well, too! The doctors here use Golytely - 1 gallon of the same stuff until it's gone! My husband and I both had Fleets phosphasoda which is an 8 oz bottle - but they have since taken it off the market, so it's the gallon for us next time!

And it was really smart to choose your least favorite flavor of gatorade! I've heard so-o-o-o many comments like, "I never want to see the ______ flavor again"!

Once you grow polyps, you often grow more - so please follow up. If there are no more polyps at that time, they will let you wait longer the next time!

hello Judithann, I had colon cancer also, dx with breast cancer the following year, lets hope we are done now! I keep having bc scares but my MRI a few months ago said I was OK, praying for us all ♥

Just FYI, all polyps are not created equal. Most are quite benign and not likely to change. Some are clearly pre-cancerous. Your GI doc should let you know what is found. I've had both, and willingly endure the prep every three years to keep them at bay!

One gastroenterologist I work with says it's still every 10 years. BUT - there's obviously a difference of opinion and practice, so I WILL be checking with my own GI MD and my oncologist!

The main thing is at least do the screening and definitely follow-up from there. The inconvenience of the prep is far better than missing something! And the KNOWING it is all fine, or that the small polyp is gone - is also well worth it!

I was just finished with treatment Jan 31.  Had 4 A/C, 4T and 35 daily doses of radiation.  Now on Arimidex.  My tumor was small but very aggressive.   In the next 5 weeks I have a long list of appts  Follow up with radiation folks, port flush, appt to check my tolerance of Armidex and treatment meant I had to have a change of high BP med.   On top of this I am to have screenings for pap smear, mammo, DEXA scan (Armidex can cause bone loss) and a colonoscopy.  After that I believe it will be a mammo/ultrasound that will be every six months. 

Go for it.  After all, since you've had a colonoscopy before you know that once you get past the night before prep, the procedure itself is a piece of cake.   Or at least mine was since I was totally out during the process.