Colonoscopy risks

[Villages PL]

Colonoscopy: Is It Worth The Risk? (http://gutsense.org/crc/crc_transcript.html)

The above link serves as a reminder to me that I'm doing the right thing by not getting a colonoscopy. It's definitely not for me. I've decided to resist the pressure put on me by others, including my HMO/doctor.

Read the link and decide for yourself whether you should get tested.

[Polar Bear]

Death By Colonoscopy: Side Effects of Screening (http://gutsense.org/crc/crc_side_effects.html)

Colonoscopy: Is It Worth The Risk? (http://gutsense.org/crc/crc_transcript.html)

The above links serve as a reminder to me that I'm doing the right thing by not getting a colonoscopy. It's definitely not for me. I've decided to resist the pressure put on me by others, including my HMO/doctor.

Read the links and decide for yourself whether you should get tested.
It's an individual decision of course, VPL. But I hope you at least give it due consideration. I want to share a little family history. Again, each situation is different. Just take this as one piece of information for what it's worth...

My dad died of colon cancer in the early 80's. At that time, it was recommended for a little while that high risk individuals, like myself, should have a colonoscopy every year. Thanks goodness that changed not long thereafter to once every few years. Now it's pretty much every five years. Suffice it to say, I have had a few colonoscopies. I have had no adverse effects in any way. And I do get a good feeling knowing I'm doing okay after the procedure.

My dad was not one to go to the doctor. I've never shaken the feeling that if he had gone for more checkups, which likely would have included occasional colonoscopies, he could have lived a lot longer life. I so wish I had encouraged him to do so.

Now comes the fall of last year, and we get word from Ohio that my sister-in-law has stage four colon cancer. I was very surprised that she also had not seen a doctor in far too long. She has been sole care-giver to my brother, sick with Parkinson's Disease, for a very long time. Now my brother has had to be moved to a care facility, and my niece has to take care of both of her parents. It's been devastating to say the least.

Please don't think that I (or any of my family) is looking for sympathy. My only point is that colon cancer has had a huge impact on my family. And I firmly believe that if my father and sister-in-law had had colonoscopies, we could have easily been a cancer-free family. Imagine the difference.

The decision for me to have periodic colonoscopies has been very easy.

[Skip2MySue]

Colonoscopy: Is It Worth The Risk? (http://gutsense.org/crc/crc_transcript.html)

The above link serves as a reminder to me that I'm doing the right thing by not getting a colonoscopy. It's definitely not for me. I've decided to resist the pressure put on me by others, including my HMO/doctor.

Read the link and decide for yourself whether you should get tested.

I've been diligent with colonoscopies since I passed the 50 mark. 16 years later cancer was found and I immediately scheduled surgery. It's an unknown when you go under the knife but luckily for me it was caught in the early stages and was stage 1. Surgery removed 8"'s of my colon and in 2 months I was good as new. No chemo or radiation needed because it was caught early. I'm would advise any and all to have this easy procedure done knowing that it could easily be a life saver. :pray:
Skip

[wereback]

17 years ago had my first colonoscopy after many years of putting it off. Needless to say I had a late stage colon, rectal cancer after 9 month of surgery chemo and radiation I am still here. What many years before was what was a small plops that could have been simply removed. I have spent years trying to have people do it early. The doctor sounds like the ones against shots.

[Polar Bear]

I didn't read the article prior to my first post. I was just relating my own experiences.

After reading as much of the article as I could stomach, I have only one word to summarize my feelings...and it's the sound a duck makes. The only problem with using that word to describe the author is that it usually applies to a doctor, which the author is not.

[graciegirl]

If someone in your family has had colon cancer than the risk increases significantly. Many people find reasons not to have a colonoscopy because of fear. Your link is not a credible one VPL.

I will find one from a respected medical facility like Mayo. Or Sloan Kettering or MD Anderson

http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/colonoscopy/basics/risks/prc-20013624

http://www.mdanderson.org/patient-and-cancer-information/cancer-information/cancer-topics/prevention-and-screening/health/whogetscolorectalcancer.html

http://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/adult/colorectal/screening-guidelines-colorectal

[dewilson58]

Has anyone else heard this????..............My dad told me, his doctor told him he does not need the scope any more (after age 80). Never had any issues and told him no more.

[KayakerNC]

Has anyone else heard this????..............My dad told me, his doctor told him he does not need the scope any more (after age 80). Never had any issues and told him no more.

"The USPSTF says screening colonoscopies should be performed on a case-by-case basis for people between the ages of 76 and 85, and it recommends no screening for people over age 85."

Colonoscopy for Over 70 May Not Be Necessary - Colorectal Cancer Screening -AARP (http://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-04-2013/do-you-need-that-colonoscopy.html)

Research suggests caution on colonoscopies for seniors - amednews.com (http://www.amednews.com/article/20130325/health/130329980/6/)

[ivanhoe]

Has anyone else heard this????..............My dad told me, his doctor told him he does not need the scope any more (after age 80). Never had any issues and told him no more.

Risk at that age and above is high and patient history and health are major factors.

My wife work for a prominent gastroenterologist and he managed to lose two senior patients by puncturing the intestine.

Extend your arm out straight and grab at the elbow.
This is the density and strength of your large intestine.

We are not doctors.

[kansasr]

Colonoscopy: Is It Worth The Risk? (http://gutsense.org/crc/crc_transcript.html)

The above link serves as a reminder to me that I'm doing the right thing by not getting a colonoscopy. It's definitely not for me. I've decided to resist the pressure put on me by others, including my HMO/doctor.

Read the link and decide for yourself whether you should get tested.

I'm not about to take medical advice from a self described "not a medical doctor".

"I (Konstantin Monastyrsky, author) am not a medical doctor. The opinions expressed in my books, videos, and websites reflect my personal experiences and ongoing investigations into functional (i.e. reversible) conditions related to everyday health and nutrition. "

[graciegirl]

"The USPSTF says screening colonoscopies should be performed on a case-by-case basis for people between the ages of 76 and 85, and it recommends no screening for people over age 85."

Colonoscopy for Over 70 May Not Be Necessary - Colorectal Cancer Screening -AARP (http://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-04-2013/do-you-need-that-colonoscopy.html)

Research suggests caution on colonoscopies for seniors - amednews.com (http://www.amednews.com/article/20130325/health/130329980/6/)

Very interesting Kayaker. I feel I learned something important from the information you linked.

[graciegirl]

Colonoscopy: Is It Worth The Risk? (http://gutsense.org/crc/crc_transcript.html)

The above link serves as a reminder to me that I'm doing the right thing by not getting a colonoscopy. It's definitely not for me. I've decided to resist the pressure put on me by others, including my HMO/doctor.

Read the link and decide for yourself whether you should get tested.

Would you mind telling us how old you are, VPL?

[2BNTV]

Another post by VPL but this time clearly stating, he was never going to have a colonoscopy, procedure performed.

"A man convinced against his will, is of the same opinion still" Dale Carnegie

Samo, samo, opinion. Nothing new under the sun!!!!

I sincerely hope you don't get colon cancer.

[sunnyatlast]

Colonoscopy: Is It Worth The Risk? (http://gutsense.org/crc/crc_transcript.html)

The above link serves as a reminder to me that I'm doing the right thing by not getting a colonoscopy. It's definitely not for me. I've decided to resist the pressure put on me by others, including my HMO/doctor.

Read the link and decide for yourself whether you should get tested.

Finding colon cancer that has metastasized to the bones, rectum, bladder, spine, lungs, and/or brain is a whole lot riskier than a colonoscopy.

End of story IMO.

[Oneiric]

The Government's stance on colonoscopies is trying to save money. Do you really think cancer takes a holiday just because you turn 85 ? If you have a history of any polyps,you are at risk at any age. This is a very safe,very quick procedure.

[fred53]

Colonoscopy: Is It Worth The Risk? (http://gutsense.org/crc/crc_transcript.html)

The above link serves as a reminder to me that I'm doing the right thing by not getting a colonoscopy. It's definitely not for me. I've decided to resist the pressure put on me by others, including my HMO/doctor.

Read the link and decide for yourself whether you should get tested.

to do something...do you know the risk of driving a car? Yet I'll bet you still do it...and for the record...unless your source is reliable(and not much of a negative nature is from the internet)you're a fool for putting your decision making on such garbage and not on reliable doctors and experts...you've found a way out and no matter what common sense says your fear says do it your way. R.I.P.

[Barefoot]

Colonoscopy: Is It Worth The Risk? (http://gutsense.org/crc/crc_transcript.html)
The above link serves as a reminder to me that I'm doing the right thing by not getting a colonoscopy. It's definitely not for me. I've decided to resist the pressure put on me by others, including my HMO/doctor.

I've been diligent with colonoscopies since I passed the 50 mark. 16 years later cancer was found and I immediately scheduled surgery. .... No chemo or radiation needed because it was caught early. I'm would advise any and all to have this easy procedure done knowing that it could easily be a life saver.

17 years ago had my first colonoscopy after many years of putting it off. Needless to say I had a late stage colon, rectal cancer after 9 month of surgery chemo and radiation I am still here. What many years before was what was a small plops that could have been simply removed. I have spent years trying to have people do it early. The doctor sounds like the ones against shots.

Would you mind telling us how old you are, VPL?

Gracie, VPL has told us he is 73. I hope that he lives a long and healthy life, and that he gets a colonoscopy and any other tests recommended by his doctor. I hope that the sharing of these stories changes his mind.

Finding colon cancer that has metastasized to the bones, rectum, bladder, spine, lungs, and/or brain is a whole lot riskier than a colonoscopy. End of story IMO.

[VT2TV]

That article, and their rationale is ridiculous!!!!!!!!! Not to mention that the so called supporting data is 8-10 years old. And yes, depending on the patient, there are doctors who stop recommending colonoscopies at a certain age-but depending on their health history. They shouldn't "pick" an age where you can stop treatment or procedures for anything. You do have to weigh the benefits verses the risks, but that should be a doctor's decision who understands the patient or the risk factors.

[Bonanza]

When I saw what this thread was about, even without looking, I knew who started it.

[Nightengale212]

A friend of mine lost her 31 year old son this past Friday after a 3 year battle with colon cancer. There was a strong history of colon cancer on both sides of the family and it was recommended my friend's son have his first colonoscopy in his early 20s but he put it off. Three years ago he went into the hospital with symptoms of appendicitis, and in surgery it was discovered he had stage III colon cancer. Had he had a colonoscopy when it was recommended the cancer very likely would have been caught at an early stage and he would still be here today. RIP J

[rubicon]

While colon cancer is the main focus of this thread pertaining to do or not to do a colonoscopy there are other health reasons to do so for preventive reasons.

[Laurie2]

VP, I am asking you nicely. Please stop it.

What you do for yourself is your business. I am not here to tell you to have a colonoscopy. I am here to ask you to stop this harangue.

A colonoscopy, like so many things medical, is a risk vs. benefit decision. Statistics are overwhelmingly on the side of benefit for colonoscopies.

I hope when you come in here with your highly questionable "medical" sources that you are not harming someone else.

The reason I say that is because having a colonoscopy is not anybody's idea of a good time. Sometimes it can be way too easy to put off making that appointment. So I sure hope someone whose life could be saved does not pick up on this stuff you say and use it as an excuse not to have a colonoscopy that could find cancer and give them their life back. (When there is something that we do not want to do, we human beings can be masters of rationalization.)

But I really do think that what you have said here probably has reminded a few of us to make that appointment. -- Not the goal you had in mind. I know. But on the outside chance that somebody who needs a colonoscopy is buying in with you, well. . .I just hope that is not happening.

I know you will not stop, VP. But I just had to get into this one. (But I refuse to engage any further so please don't think I am flinging down the gauntlet.)

My dad's life was saved by a colonoscopy. That evil cancer was caught very, very early.

[graciegirl]

Colonoscopy has been troubling to Villages Place for many years. It is ultimately HIS decision.

I am glad we had this thread to remind folks they may be old enough now to have their screening one. I want to say again, it doesn't hurt, you are sedated, it doesn't hurt afterward, and even if they remove polyps...I felt nothing both times they removed the polyps . NOTHING. We got outa there and went to breakfast.

It is the laxative you have to take and doing without solid food the day before that is difficult. But NOT that bad. You get jello, but NOT RED or BLUE.

[billethkid]

I would hope no one would make a decision based on an article like the link provided.

Also there are story after story of how folks lives have been saved as a result of a colonoscopy. It seems the only place we hear about the negative aspects of the procedure is in one study or another. And the recommendations based on age are (IMO) an attempt to rationalize the older one becomes the more likely they are to die from something other than what could be discovered in a colonscopy.


To each his own. All we can do is help educate those with concerns and let them do as they feel most comfortable doing (or not).

[Bonnevie]

yes, I have heard of the recommendation to stop colonoscopies but I thought it was after 70, provided there is no history of polyps.

[Oneiric]

The only negative aspect of the procedure is you have some irritation from going to the bathroom multiple times to cleanse your colon before the procedure, i.e. the prep.
You're put to sleep like a light switch with propofol, which is ultra short acting. A good gastroenterologist can scope your colon in 15 minutes. You then wake up like a light switch. Isn't some minor skin irritation in the peri-anal area worth avoiding a killer?

[dewilson58]

The only negative aspect of the procedure is you have some irritation from going to the bathroom multiple times to cleanse your colon before the procedure, i.e. the prep.
You're put to sleep like a light switch with propofol, which is ultra short acting. A good gastroenterologist can scope your colon in 15 minutes. You then wake up like a light switch. Isn't some minor skin irritation in the peri-anal area worth avoiding a killer?


Just as I'm finishing my oatmeal.

:yuck: