[TMAC396]

I have to admit that this thread motivated me to get my 55 year old self in gear. Had a complete physical and my first colonoscopy last month. Found one polyp, but everything else was good to go. Today, got my results back on the polyp and everything is good. Will do this again in five years. Was not NEARLY as bad as I had imagined, except for the colonoscopy preparation. That is some VILE tasting stuff they make you drink!

[68GTOSCA]

Gentlemen:

I have a little story about a man who wouldn't go to the doctor but took the best care of his cars and everything else. He start feeling ill and shxtting blood. Still does not go to the doctor for almost two years. When he goes finds cancer the size of a tennis ball. They operate taking out almost everything. He had to carry around xx bag to use the restroom.
Couldn't leave the house. He lasted another two years and past on mother's day this year.
This man was my father - do your self and family some good - take the time to have yourself checked over once a year.

Sean

[Steve Hoog]

Sean

Amen brother!!!! Thank you

[george kujanski]

I'm guilty of procrastination also...had my first one last april after being "nagged" by my siblings for years.

Doc said she was glad i came in when i did; polyps removed, I'm on a 3-year cycle.

George

[77 TRASHCAN]

I go to my urologist every 6 months....to hopefully keep track of stones that are NOT in my body....

[goatmanmitch]

I got mine done yesterday at age 43. One polyp and I will be back in three years. I'm certain I would have waited until my mid fifties if not for this push and seeing a few of our members that wish they would have done it sooner.

[The Champ]

We all talk about preventative maintenance on our cars. Our bodies are just as important...

[Jerry H.]

Not exactly a colonocopy, but I go in tomorrow for bladder and kidney scans. I've been in stage IV kidney failure for about 4 years now, but stable. The past few months my kidney functions have been falling and they are looking for the problem. We'll see. Gotta drink two quarts of water by 8 am and can't have anything to eat. Great!

[Engine-Ear]

hang in there, Jerry!

[Jerry H.]

Went in for my 5 year colonoscopy last week, one polyp removed. Got a call back today from the nurse who said it was 'pre-cancerous' but then said I wouldn't need another colonoscopy for 5 more years and not to come in for my follow up appointment until the end of October. So I'm assuming 'pre-cancerous' isn't anything to worry about as they aren't worried about it?

[salem1912]

Don't assume call your doctor!

[400 4spd.]

I have family members who had "pre-cancerous" removals in years past, and they are okay. They removed only 1 polyp, so don't sweat it yet. What I would ask is why they are suggesting 5 year intervals rather than maybe 2 year intervals. I will bet it's because of recently changing health insurance guidelines. I would want another in 2 years.

[Alvin]

Friend and business associate has 7am surgery tomorrow morning to remove "baseball size tumor" and left testi. Won't know if it's cancerous until postoperative biopsy results come back from lab...

[The Champ]

Just had my Oncology checkup from my May renal cell cancer surgery (which was discovered as a result of my 10 year Oncology checkup in April).

I remember thinking before the April checkup that I really didn't need to keep going for these (it's a whole day deal - early morning bloodwork, mid to late morning scan and then an afternoon appointment with the Oncologist).

Really glad I did!!!

Next checkup is in January. Then July.

[Jack Peters]

Just had one. No big deal. I am 19 yrs late. 2 polyps. Removed. No cancer. Had 5 cysts (fatty) removed in 2 operations. No cancer. Had a growth removed last Friday. Get info on it this week. Anticipate no cancer. He said it was like a wart.

All this because I had a navel hernia that needed repair.

As most know I had open heart surgery and valve repair because I was feeling "bum" and had trouble breathing at night about 8 years ago. Told if I had a problem at work that I would not make it. Too far to the nearest hospital. I cancelled work for the first and only time , to this date since Sept 1, 1982.

When you are self employed, you do not call in sick.

Go see the Doctor, guys. It might just save your life.

I am glad this summer is over, though.

Thank you, David, for the reminder of how fragile life can be, regardless of how tough we think we are.

[David Jones]

Colonoscopy on Sept 11th. My 1st. I'm 57 on Sept 4th. While I was under an oncologist care (diagnosed right around 50) I was scheduled for the test twice and managed to be dealing with other issues like arm surgery or lithotripsy during the scheduled test and they never happened. I just returned (yea!) to my primary care doctor and right out of the gate I'm catching up.

[69goatboy]

Originally Posted by 400 4spd.

I have family members who had "pre-cancerous" removals in years past, and they are okay. They removed only 1 polyp, so don't sweat it yet. What I would ask is why they are suggesting 5 year intervals rather than maybe 2 year intervals. I will bet it's because of recently changing health insurance guidelines. I would want another in 2 years.

Colon cancer is slow growing, usually takes 5-8 years before a patient develops symptoms. That's why the 5 year interval.

I'm a colon cancer patient, and they suggest every 3 years for me.

[tr709]

Originally Posted by 400 4spd.

I have family members who had "pre-cancerous" removals in years past, and they are okay. They removed only 1 polyp, so don't sweat it yet. What I would ask is why they are suggesting 5 year intervals rather than maybe 2 year intervals. I will bet it's because of recently changing health insurance guidelines. I would want another in 2 years.

I agree on the 2yr interval. That is the plan I am on since removing a pre-cancerous polyp 5 yrs ago. I'm up agian in March 2016

[69goatboy]

Originally Posted by David Jones

Colonoscopy on Sept 11th. My 1st. I'm 57 on Sept 4th. While I was under an oncologist care (diagnosed right around 50) I was scheduled for the test twice and managed to be dealing with other issues like arm surgery or lithotripsy during the scheduled test and they never happened. I just returned (yea!) to my primary care doctor and right out of the gate I'm catching up.

Good luck, may your poopchute be clean and clear.

Don't refrigerate the clean out solution, room temp is better.

[Alvin]

Originally Posted by Alvin

Friend and business associate has 7am surgery tomorrow morning to remove "baseball size tumor" and left testi. Won't know if it's cancerous until postoperative biopsy results come back from lab...

Phone conversation today is he's feeling better today...won't know anything more until biopsy results received.