SparkPoints: (249,559)
Fitness Minutes: (198,439) Posts: 35,876 8/28/11 12:17 P
No fair!! i want pics too!!
Holly Northern NY
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JUNEBUG1944
SparkPoints: (110,384)
Fitness Minutes: (105,955) Posts: 11,306 8/23/11 10:53 P
Oh yeah, my doc always gives me a sheet with pics. This time he had a polyp to show me plus the diverticuli. And, as an added bonus, they took a picture of the sticker I put on my butt and that was on the sheet of pictures. (BTW, if you haven't read the story behind the sticker, it's somewhere in a couple of my posts...the post said "Top Secret Adventure.")
The first time I got the pics, I scanned them and emailed them to my sister, niece, and BIL! They thought it was a hoot!
♥ .•*´¨ Louise **)♥♥ RTKR - 7/26/10
Your stomache shouldn't be a wastebasket!
I am NOT fat, I'm just easy to see!
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GARDENCHRIS
SparkPoints: (125,996)
Fitness Minutes: (55,259) Posts: 7,179 8/23/11 8:55 P
My Doc took pictures for me to see... and they were in COLOR!
3HOURLADY: Have you scheduled an appointment yet? As many of us have said, with your family history, it is VERY important that you have a colonoscopy. Be sure to ask your doctor about using a prep product which is tasteless and can be put in any clear liquid (except red liquid). One product, MiraLax, looks like finely granulated sugar and dissolves very quickly and doesn't change the taste of anything you dissolve it in. I didn't have results as "explosive" with the MiraLax as I had previously with another product.
I hope our replies on your Topic (and many other Topics on this team) have helped you overcome your fears of having a colonoscopy. If you haven't make that appointment, JUST DO IT! If you have, please let us know about it.
The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes their way. --Unknown
There are two rescues from the miseries of life--Music and Cats. --Albert Schweitzer
There is one good thing about egomaniacs: They never talk about anyone else! --Will Rogers
NIGHTSKYSTAR
SparkPoints: (249,559)
Fitness Minutes: (198,439) Posts: 35,876 8/23/11 12:40 P
HEY I didnt lose 5 pounds with it..i didnt lose ANYTHING!!!! oh..and someone said WHO would want to be aware of what was going on? I wanted to watch. they wouldnt let me. bummer. that kind of thing fascinates me (i had a hickman catheter break off and a piece ended up in my heart and i had them set me up a monitor so i could watch them retrieve it...LOL. it actually calmed me down) I know..different strokes for different folks...he did let me watch the last 5 mins.
Holly Northern NY
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GARDENCHRIS
SparkPoints: (125,996)
Fitness Minutes: (55,259) Posts: 7,179 8/13/11 11:10 A
Be kind and polite to everyone, even those that are unkind and rude to you, Not because they are nice but because you are. Class will always shine through.
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GARDENCHRIS
SparkPoints: (125,996)
Fitness Minutes: (55,259) Posts: 7,179 8/13/11 10:42 A
to the team!
The prep stuff is not awful, just time consuming. Look at it this way you get to stay in loose clothes for the day and get to read a good book!
It is a small price to pay for the assurance of YOUR good health.
We all took charge of our health, by getting this done, for a large variety of reasons. The peace of mind that you will have is so worth, any inconvenience of having to spend a good part of a day sitting on the toilet! Just do it ....
SparkPoints: (54,288)
Fitness Minutes: (49,632) Posts: 1,415 8/10/11 11:26 P
I believe that the occult blood cards may be of some value, but if you are over 50, I would strongly (too mild of a word) recommend a colonoscopy. My dad died of colon cancer at 89, refused colonoscopy, and was having normal bowel movements right up until he died. Chat with the staff at the clinic, they will work with you about the prep. Many now have a morning component so you don't go as long without liquids, usually 4-5 hours before you are to report. Much more comfortable because all of the purging is not done at once, milder and gentler if you ask me. My SIL just had his and I took him to IHOP immediately after, LOL.
Be kind and polite to everyone, even those that are unkind and rude to you, Not because they are nice but because you are. Class will always shine through.
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SPBENNETT
Posts: 81 8/8/11 2:26 P
Hi, Glad you're participating in the study. For some people with no family history of colon cancer, the Fecal Occult Blood Test (stool sample cards) may be an OK screening tool, especially if someone is under 50 or lacks insurance to help with the costs, but as stated in other posts, they cannot determine if you have polyps which can be precursors to colon cancer. With your family history, I would strongly advise talking to you doctor about having the colonscopy done. I've had 2 and won't say much about the prep as several have mentioned it already. Just use that prep time as an excuse to keep from worrying about anything else (because you really CAN'T worry about anything else - you just end up taking a little vacation in your bathroom - LOL). The procedure is easy since you are usually sedated (I highly recommend that, too!) and you won't remember much afterward. In fact, it's usually recommended that you have someone with you who can listen to what the doctor says afterwards because your memory might still be a little fuzzy once you wake up. You also need someone to drive you home. The wonderful thing is that a colonoscopy is thorough and not only determines what's going on inside you, but if there ARE polyps, they can be nipped at the same time -- no 2nd procedure. If, by chance you do have some early precancerous activity, it can also be treated and your peace of mind makes it all worthwhile. Give yourself the gift of prevention. Just because your father and grandmother both had colon cancer doesn't mean you will get it, especially if you get your screening colonoscopy and follow through with subsequent recommendations. Make a resolution to pick up the phone and make the appointment. It will all fall in place after that.
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JUNEBUG1944
SparkPoints: (110,384)
Fitness Minutes: (105,955) Posts: 11,306 8/6/11 2:19 P
Absolutely get sedated...who wants to know what is going on? I sure don't. I don't mind them at all and I don't remember a thing until I wake up and that's the way I want it! I can't imagine anyone wanting to be awake although my DH did the first time.
I know a woman and her DH who scheduled them one after another! When then got to the hospital, they were told that they needed a driver and could not both be sedated! The husband told the wife that he HAD to be sedated and she was just going to have to have hers without sedation! She did (personally, I'd say forget it and come back another day and probably poison his dinner that night...LOL!) and said it wasn't too bad. She said she got even with him that night because they have cocktails EVERY night and the Doc said he couldn't have one that night and she could.
♥ .•*´¨ Louise **)♥♥ RTKR - 7/26/10
Your stomache shouldn't be a wastebasket!
I am NOT fat, I'm just easy to see!
current weight: 221.0
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DARLA47
Posts: 7,848 8/6/11 4:30 A
Hello and welcome to the team. I can't tell you enough how important it is to get screened, especially with a family history. And, actually, the prep is not that bad, albeit the drink is not the best, but it works, and I've had 4. We are here to help so ask as many questions as you need to.
Life is too short, it is time I start living a little.
Darla
GJSISSON
Posts: 988 8/6/11 12:29 A
Welcome to the team! It appears that you have received a load of good information. I agree with all the comments. It is much easier and "tastier" these days than it used to be and it gets better all the time. Whatever you do, don't put the exam off; with family history it is critical that you reduce your potential of colon cancer by having the colonoscopy. When it is over you will be asking yourself why you put it off - the "amnesia" anesthesia they use is great! Good luck, let us know how you do!
Gayle
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DBMATT
Posts: 40 8/5/11 11:11 P
Hi and welcome to this team.
Yes, definitely find a doctor / office that sedates you. I think all the ones around where I live do that now.
It really isn't that bad at all. My husband was scared but after I had mine with no problems and he read that Dave Barry post, he did his. No problem there either. Now we both have much more peace of mind.
Read our stories that are posted here and feel free to ask questions either in this forum or privately. That's what we here for.
Have a great weekend.
3HOURLADY
Posts: 1,607 8/5/11 7:56 P
Thanks so much for the information. About 10 years ago I chickened out of a colonoscopy through my HMO because they didn't sedate patients at that time, and they told them to use enemas the day before. Now I'm on a PPO, so I'll look into it.
TRICIAN13
Posts: 361 8/5/11 7:12 P
I don't know how "new" MiraLax is, but the doctor who did my colonoscopy several years ago recommended it to me for prep. It is a tasteless powder that you mix with any clear liquid (except red liquids, of course) then drink over a period of a few hours. It does not change the taste of the liquid you are mixing it with--you can mix it with water if you want; no real need to add any "flavoring" but I know some people have a hard time drinking plain water. Also, I didn't have near as much cramping from the MiraLax as I had another product previously.
You can buy MiraLax in probably any drugstore--I now use it for my family (in much smaller doses of course) when any of us are constipated and need a stool "softener." It can be mixed with such things as orange juice, cranberry juice, coffee, tea, etc. when used this way.
Again, talk to your doctor, especially about your family history and set up an appointment for a colonoscopy. Just do it!
Edited by: TRICIAN13 at: 8/5/2011 (19:24)
The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes their way. --Unknown
There are two rescues from the miseries of life--Music and Cats. --Albert Schweitzer
There is one good thing about egomaniacs: They never talk about anyone else! --Will Rogers
NIGHTSKYSTAR
SparkPoints: (249,559)
Fitness Minutes: (198,439) Posts: 35,876 8/5/11 6:43 P
Hi there!! the nurse when i had mine told me there is a new prep..i believe it is called miralax, that is tasteless and like water. why not ask your doc for it? The moviprep i had did not taste great but the peace of mind i got from the test being done far outweighed the few moments of unpleasantness drinking the prep.
Holly Northern NY
Pounds lost: 63.5
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40.75
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JUNEBUG1944
SparkPoints: (110,384)
Fitness Minutes: (105,955) Posts: 11,306 8/5/11 6:34 P
My Dad died from colon cancer so I know how important it is to have a colonoscopy. Tell your doctor about your family history and she/he will most likely tell you it's time for one.
The prep and the procedure are not that bad. You have a liquid diet on the day before your procedure and then start the prep sometime that day. Most of the preps consist of a jug of water that you add the prep to. Chill it so it's nice and cold...some doctors let you add flavoring (lemon-lime packet sometimes comes with the prep). Then you drink. I think I was supposed to drink 8 oz every 10 minutes or something like that. I took four ducolax tabs at noon and started drinking the yummy drink about 4. The faster you drink, the faster you're through! Stay close to the bathroom because after a few glasses or the "magic elixir," you'll be staying in the bathroom! I took a book and read. I was probably finshed mostly by 7 and was able to watch TV. It's not bad, just a little inconvenient.
The procedure itself is a snap (I've had three of them). The staff is so helpful and compassionate. They really put me at ease. When you get into the procedure room, you lie on your side, they put the knockout drops in your IV and that's all she wrote until you wake up in the recovery room.
I didn't have any polyps the first two times and what a relief when I was finished. No more wondering if I was following in my Dad's footsteps! The third time I had one or two polyps and the Doc removed them during the colonoscopy. I got the results in a week and they were benign. I have five years before my next one.
I came home, took a nap and was refreshed. The next day, I was back at the Y.
Please don't wait to talk with your Doc. With your history, you have to be careful. Don't be afraid...just do it!
♥ .•*´¨ Louise **)♥♥ RTKR - 7/26/10
Your stomache shouldn't be a wastebasket!
I am NOT fat, I'm just easy to see!
current weight: 221.0
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220
200
180
160
TRICIAN13
Posts: 361 8/5/11 6:24 P
Welcome to the team! I suggest you read the stories and messages from the members of this panel--you will learn a lot from those. Also, don't hesitate to ask questions of any or all of us by posting here and/or sending a Private Message/SparkMail to any of us. We will try our best to answer your questions and allay your trepidations.
It's great that you have at least done the stool sample cards; so many don't bother to even do that (probably because it is kind of "yucky" to do). However, I do not believe the stool sample cards are enough especially once your reach the age of 50. Those sample cards will only allow the lab to detect blood in your stool and will NOT indicate whether you have polyps or other abnormalities in the bowel. I am a good example of that: For many, many years (probably at least 20) I have done a stool sample card (aka fecal occult blood test) at the time I had an annual exam. Every one of them came back negative. However, a few years ago, my doctor suggest I have a sigmoidoscopy where it revealed that I had 2 polyps in my lower intestine. I then had a colonoscopy to scan the whole large intestine; another polyp was found higher up, but all three were removed during the colonoscopy and all were benign. But since I did have those polyps, I am on a 5 year repeat schedule.
The prep for the colonoscopy is the worst part of the whole procedure, but there are many new things available now that make it a lot more pleasant. I haven't had any experience with them so I don't know how good they work, but I understand that there are now pills available to do the job. You will have to have only clear liquids the day before and you will still have to stay near a toilet for a few hours, regardless of which product you use, but at least the stuff you have to drink is now much more palatable. As I said before, read our stories and messages and you can see how the prep has improved over the years. The prep should not intimidate you and it really isn't that difficult, just kind of a pain in the you-know-where!
Since you have a family history of colon cancer, it is VERY important that you arrange a colonoscopy. Call your doctor and set one up. Just do it!
Again, if you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask. We're here to help.
The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes their way. --Unknown
There are two rescues from the miseries of life--Music and Cats. --Albert Schweitzer
There is one good thing about egomaniacs: They never talk about anyone else! --Will Rogers
3HOURLADY
Posts: 1,607 8/5/11 5:57 P
Hi, I am part of the colon cancer study screening. I volunteered for this because my father and grandmother both had colon cancer when they were older. I don't mind doing the stool sample cards, but the whoe prep thing for the colonoscopy is really intimidating and difficult. Is the stool sample card enough? Thanks for inviting me to this team.
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