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11-20-2006, 08:59 AM
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#1
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Recycles dryer sheets
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 362
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Colonoscopy, Guess What
I put it off and put it off, finally my family doctor took control. I am now four weeks post-op and the cancer was removed by a procedure called TEMS. I am now the expert regarding colonoscopy, rectal ultrasounds, bowel preps and transanal endoscopic surgery. Do it now. I have been changing the subject around my wife who so far has avoided the dreaded, "I told you to do this two years ago".
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Fat, drunk, and stupid is no way to go through life, son.
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Re: Colonoscopy, Guess What
11-20-2006, 09:28 AM
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#2
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: San Francisco
Posts: 8,827
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Re: Colonoscopy, Guess What
Quote:
Originally Posted by poboy
I put it off and put it off, finally my family doctor took control. I am now four weeks post-op and the cancer was removed by a procedure called TEMS.
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Thank goodness. All the best.
Most likely another life saved.
__________________
Rich
San Francisco Area
ESR'd March 2010. FIRE'd January 2011.
As if you didn't know..If the above message contains medical content, it's NOT intended as advice, and may not be accurate, applicable or sufficient. Don't rely on it for any purpose. Consult your own doctor for all medical advice.
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Re: Colonoscopy, Guess What
11-20-2006, 09:37 AM
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#3
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Full time employment: Posting here.
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 944
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Re: Colonoscopy, Guess What
I just turned 50 and know this is something I need to have done......it is also a very easy thing to put off - -
__________________
Freed at 49. You only live once - live it
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Re: Colonoscopy, Guess What
11-20-2006, 09:41 AM
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#4
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Dryer sheet aficionado
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 42
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Re: Colonoscopy, Guess What
They knock you out, it's painless. Saved my wifes life, don't put it off.
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Re: Colonoscopy, Guess What
11-20-2006, 09:44 AM
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#5
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Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: LaLa Land
Posts: 4,698
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Re: Colonoscopy, Guess What
This is about the easiest thing to have done. You won't even know it happened, you'll be in lala land.
I've had 4 already and once you've had it done you'll laugh at how easy it was.
Just get it done!
__________________
Work is something you do to get enough $ so you don't have to....Me.
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Re: Colonoscopy, Guess What
11-20-2006, 11:27 AM
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#6
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Recycles dryer sheets
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 478
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Re: Colonoscopy, Guess What
Ditto to all of the previous replies. I've had 4 at five year intervals since my brother was diagnosed with cancer - he later died of it. The procedure itself is nothing to dread, as others have said. The embarrassment factor is zero if your doctor is any good.
Even the prep, which is really the worst of it, has gotten easier, at least for me. The first couple of times I had to drink a gallon of the godawful stuff, & the last couple of pints were a bear to get down without hurling. But now it only takes 4-5 ozs to do the job.
I've thankfully been clear so far; nothing at all until this past year, and just 2 polyps then.
Just do it, folks. If you're over 50 or have a family history, insist on getting it done even if your PCP doc forgets to recommend it.
__________________
I still don't get it...
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Re: Colonoscopy, Guess What
11-20-2006, 11:45 AM
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#7
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Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Central MS/Orange Beach, AL
Posts: 9,072
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Re: Colonoscopy, Guess What
Just had it done. The test is a piece of cake. The prep worked sucked but so what. Just one afternoon of drinking some %$# and going to the bathroom.
Good luck poboy!
__________________
Retired 3/31/2007@52
Investing style: Full time wuss.
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Re: Colonoscopy, Guess What
11-20-2006, 11:49 AM
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#8
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Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: South Texas~29N/98W Just West of Woman Hollering Creek
Posts: 6,674
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Re: Colonoscopy, Guess What
Quote:
expert regarding colonoscopy, rectal ultrasounds, bowel preps and transanal endoscopic surgery
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Congats, everyone needs to be an expert in something. Glad all went so well in your favor.
I had a scope a few years ago (my first). I was not looking forward to it, especially after the laxative process, but after I woke up and realized that my ass did not hurt, all I wanted was a couple of Whopers from BK.
__________________
Part-Owner of Texas
Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read. Groucho Marx
In dire need of: faster horses, younger woman, older whiskey, more money.
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Re: Colonoscopy, Guess What
11-20-2006, 01:18 PM
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#9
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Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 4,459
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Re: Colonoscopy, Guess What
Ugh. You guys are feeding my hypochondria. There's nothing like asymptomatic killer diseases to ruin your day.
So, of those of you who were diagnosed, did you have the traditional risk factors?
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Re: Colonoscopy, Guess What
11-20-2006, 03:33 PM
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#10
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Re: Colonoscopy, Guess What
I am not afraid of the Prep or the procedure itself, but the risks with having it done. People need to know that this test is not without risks!
I had one scheduled last year but canceled it after a friend of mine that was 75 and had a colonoscopy and contracted an infection that put him down for 6 months. Lost 25% of his body weight, was rushed to the hospital twice in that 6 months from 911 calls, and just about died. That is all the colonoscopies for him! He realizes that he does not have that long on this planet, and does not wish a repeat of last year. He gave up one year of fishing for a test that just about killed him!
It is also important to note that that .2% of patients that get a colonoscopy have their colons punctured!
I have to admit to being a little distrustful of the Medical Profession. I have not had very good luck with my allergies and found I knew more after 1 year than most of the doctors that I was visiting. The main piece of information that the medical offices wanted was my Insurance Company. I could tell they were listening for this information. I certainly can not explain all of the appendectomies and tonsillectomies that were done on a routine basis in the 1960's. Add to that if they find Polyps during the procedure and take them out, the hospital makes a lot more money, than if it were just a test. A less invasive procedure is needed. If .2% of airplanes crashed during their flight, I would not fly either.
That being said, if I had a family history of colon cancer, or any cancer or had any abnormal symptoms I would take this test in a heartbeat.
Edit: Corrected my error my a factor of 10
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Re: Colonoscopy, Guess What
11-20-2006, 03:57 PM
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#11
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Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Central MS/Orange Beach, AL
Posts: 9,072
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Re: Colonoscopy, Guess What
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cut-Throat
A less invasive procedure is needed.
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There is one but most doctors tell you that the benefit of the less invasive one is not worth the effort to do it.
__________________
Retired 3/31/2007@52
Investing style: Full time wuss.
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Re: Colonoscopy, Guess What
11-20-2006, 04:16 PM
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#12
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Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,743
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Re: Colonoscopy, Guess What
had one a couple of years ago after putting it off for a year. It was apiece of cake and I was awake through the whole procedure. A little in lala land but awake. The prep is the worst part but even that wasn't too bad.......I am all set for about 8 years.
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Re: Colonoscopy, Guess What
11-20-2006, 05:04 PM
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#13
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Full time employment: Posting here.
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 926
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Re: Colonoscopy, Guess What
Quote:
Originally Posted by Corporateburnout
..I am all set for about 8 years.
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I am all set forever as I am not having any.
JG
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Some of us have pretty stories, about good friends, good times and noodle salad.
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Re: Colonoscopy, Guess What
11-20-2006, 05:16 PM
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#14
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Recycles dryer sheets
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 228
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Re: Colonoscopy, Guess What
I had some distressing symptoms earlier this year (which I'll not relate here.) Had the colonoscopy and gained peace of mind. I do have diverticulosis so I have made those changes to my diet we all hear about, for instance eating 5 servings of veg and two of fruit daily, more fiber generally, ect.
The procedure was painless--the meds were actually kind of fun, wish I had an IV drip like that at work. The prep was unpleasant, but not soooo unpleasant that I wouldn't do it again. No, it was the waiting room that was the worst. 10 patients in the waiting room, butts clenched, fasted, prepped and ready to go--the nurse steps in to apologize, the doctors are running late so the wait is at least 45 more minutes. One bathroom all the way down the hall ... and then a delivery boy shows up with a big basket of sandwiches for the staff. Groan.
edited for peace of mind--duh.
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Re: Colonoscopy, Guess What
11-20-2006, 05:25 PM
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#15
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Full time employment: Posting here.
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 926
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Re: Colonoscopy, Guess What
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tawny Dangle
I had some distressing symptoms earlier this year (which I'll not relate here.)
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Thank you.
JG
__________________
Some of us have pretty stories, about good friends, good times and noodle salad.
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Re: Colonoscopy, Guess What
11-20-2006, 05:43 PM
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#16
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Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Central MS/Orange Beach, AL
Posts: 9,072
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Re: Colonoscopy, Guess What
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr._johngalt
I am all set forever as I am not having any.
JG
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What pushed me over the edge to do it was a co-worker and his problems. No family history of colon cancer but he started having some problems(age 60) and decided to have it checked out. Wound up having a good portion of his colon removed, a kidney removed and a chunk of his liver. Long term prognosis, not good. All orginated from colon cancer.
But we all have choices to make. This is just one of them.
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Retired 3/31/2007@52
Investing style: Full time wuss.
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Re: Colonoscopy, Guess What
11-20-2006, 07:56 PM
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#17
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Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: LaLa Land
Posts: 4,698
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Re: Colonoscopy, Guess What
Hey if you guys don't want to have it at least go for the new virtual colonoscopy. Not as good but better than nothing.
__________________
Work is something you do to get enough $ so you don't have to....Me.
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Re: Colonoscopy, Guess What
11-20-2006, 09:55 PM
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#18
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: San Francisco
Posts: 8,827
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Re: Colonoscopy, Guess What
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cut-Throat
I am not afraid of the Prep or the procedure itself, but the risks with having it done. People need to know that this test is not without risks!
I had one scheduled last year but canceled it after a friend of mine that was 75 and had a colonoscopy and contracted an infection that put him down for 6 months. Lost 25% of his body weight, was rushed to the hospital twice in that 6 months from 911 calls, and just about died. That is all the colonoscopies for him! He realizes that he does not have that long on this planet, and does not wish a repeat of last year. He gave up one year of fishing for a test that just about killed him!
It is also important to note that that 2% of patients that get a colonoscopy have their colons punctured!
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Sorry, CT. You're off by a factor of 10.
The rate of major complications (perforation and major bleeding) is about 1 to 2 per 1000 procedures. In a Medicare population, the risk of perforation was 1.96 per 1000 procedures [Gatto, NM, Frucht, H, Sundararajan, V, et al. Risk of perforation after colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy: a population-based study. J Natl Cancer Inst 2003; 95:230]. So, 99.8% safe.
The stakes here are too high not to have the correct evidence available so that others can properly decide for themselves.
I had mine and would agree it was no more than inconvenient and a little embarrassing (I knew virtually everyone in the room). Glad I did it.
__________________
Rich
San Francisco Area
ESR'd March 2010. FIRE'd January 2011.
As if you didn't know..If the above message contains medical content, it's NOT intended as advice, and may not be accurate, applicable or sufficient. Don't rely on it for any purpose. Consult your own doctor for all medical advice.
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Re: Colonoscopy, Guess What
11-20-2006, 11:29 PM
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#19
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Recycles dryer sheets
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 179
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Re: Colonoscopy, Guess What
Had mine finally done a year ago, after having put it off for several years. The doctor found one small hyperplastic polyp (non-cancerous), which was removed during the colonoscopy. Glad I did it for peace of mind as my grandmother died from colon cancer. And as other posters have mentioned, I did not feel a thing. Was out like a light during the whole procedure. Even the prep part wasn't as bad as I thought.
I've been pestering my brother to get one as he just turned 50.
News anchor Katie Couric's husband died from Colorectal cancer a few years ago. He was the picture of health prior to his diagnosis and I believe I read that he had no family history of the cancer. Think he was still in his early 40's when he passed.
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Re: Colonoscopy, Guess What
11-21-2006, 12:03 AM
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#20
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Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: the City of Subdued Excitement
Posts: 5,588
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Re: Colonoscopy, Guess What
Quote:
...once you've had it done you'll laugh at how easy it was.
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I am getting ready to 'laugh' between Christmas and New Years.
Brother woke up in the middle of his. Demanded more drugs RIGHT NOW!
By the way, thanks, Rich, for the update on the mortality figures. Really! I feel ten times better now.
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I have outlived most of the people I don't like and I am working on the rest.
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