[Villages PL]

My doctor gave me a "fecal test kit". That's because I have been refusing to get a colonoscopy. I'm 71 & 1/2 years old. The Mayo Clinic website suggests there's no need to get tested over age 75. I'm almost there, so give me a break! There's no history of colon cancer in my family.

You might wonder, "What's the big deal, do the fecal test." My mother did a fecal test in her late 70s and it was positive. So she went for a colonoscopy and it was negative. She said, "never again." I think there must be lots of false positives for various reasons and I don't want to go down that road.

Here's what makes it worse: If I don't go along with the HMO and doctor's request, I could be dropped as a patient. I called the doctor's office today and notified them that I'm not going to do the test. The receptionist said she will pass it on to the doctor. So, I'll have to wait and see what happens.

If I get dropped, I'll have to look for another doctor.

Why not do the test? It's just that I have no risk factors and I'm almost 75 anyway.

Any comments/opinions.

[skyguy79]

Originally Posted by Villages PL

When I got my ear wax removed yesterday, the doctor gave me a "fecal test kit". That's because I have been refusing to get a colonoscopy. I'm 71 & 1/2 years old. The Mayo Clinic website suggests there's no need to get tested over age 75. I'm almost there, so give me a break! There's no history of colon cancer in my family.

You might wonder, "What's the big deal, do the fecal test." My mother did a fecal test in her late 70s and it was positive. So she went for a colonoscopy and it was negative. She said, "never again." I think there must be lots of false positives for various reasons and I don't want to go down that road.

Here's what makes it worse: If I don't go along with the HMO and doctor's request, I could be dropped as a patient. I called the doctor's office today and notified them that I'm not going to do the test. The receptionist said she will pass it on to the doctor. So, I'll have to wait and see what happens.

If I get dropped, I'll have to look for another doctor.

Why not do the test? It's just that I have no risk factors, I'm almost 75, and I don't want to be pushed around.

Any comments/opinions.

Colonoscopies are a much better experience than they were years ago. I had my first one at the age of 60, 10 years after I should of and a fairly large pre-cancerous cyst was found. I have NO history of colon cancer in my family and I'm glad I didn't use that logic as a reason to resist having one. The doc simply looped it and snip... voilà, it was gone. I've had another since with no abnormalities found and due for another soon. I'm no where near as hesitant now as I was before my first. However, having one done and having peace of mind is ultimately your decision to make. Not mine, not anybody else's!

[NotGolfer]

Have you had one in your past?? I've been told every 10 years "if" there aren't any issues found. I'm to have my next one in 2 years! I've always said the prep is worse than the test. I've had 2 colonoscopies and will again when it's time. Don't want to chance it...plus it's said "if" colon cancer or pre-cancer is found, it's the easiest to treat!

[gomoho]

Okay, so now that we are on the topic any recommendations for "THOSE" doctors in TV that do that test? Obviously looking for someone with experience so I don't have a problem as a result of "THAT" test.

[Mudder]

For once VP I tend to agree with you! "They" are now saying that many of the the tests we routinely were told to take are unneccesary. That fecal test is ridiculous, I'd do another colonoscopy before doing that. I have had colon surgery many years ago and my doc says maybe every 5 years I should have another colonoscopy. Had my last one at age 70, don't think I'll be doing another.

[2BNTV]

Mom had colon cancer in her eighties so I started going for a colonoscopy in my fifties. Every ten years if your clean but with a history of colon cancer, it's every five years. The prep is the worst part of the procedure, as most people are lulled to sleep during the colonoscopy.

I do it for my own piece of mind. I'd rather catch something early before it's too late. IMHO

[skyguy79]

Originally Posted by gomoho

Okay, so now that we are on the topic any recommendations for "THOSE" doctors in TV that do that test? Obviously looking for someone with experience so I don't have a problem as a result of "THAT" test.

My wife recently had her test done and she used Dr. Robert W Barish MD of Gastroenterology Associates at 13940 Hwy 441. (751-4885) I will be using the same doctor when I have mine done.

The following information is strictly based on my past experience and a qualified medical doctor should be consulted with:

- It is recommended that your first test be done at the age of 50.
- If you have no family history with colon cancer, the wait period for the next test may be a recommendation of 10 years if no polyps or other problem are found.
- If there is a family history of cancer, the wait period recommended may be 5 years.
- If a polyp is found, the waiting period may be 3 years.
- And if the equipment malfunctions, which happened to me on my last test, and a full scan wasn't accomplished, the wait period may be recommended at 2 years.

Remember though that this is only based on my experienced and only a qualified medical doctor can properly determine the actual waiting period suggested.

Note: My father-in-law died of colon cancer at the age of 59. His father also died of it at age 80..

[skyc6]

Originally Posted by skyguy79

My wife recently had her test done and she used Dr. Robert W Barish MD of Gastroenterology Associates at 13940 Hwy 441. (751-4885) I will be using the same doctor when I have mine done.

The following information is strictly based on my past experience and a qualified medical doctor should be consulted with:

- It is recommended that your first test be done at the age of 50.
- If you have no family history with colon cancer, the wait period for the next test may be a recommendation of 10 years if no polyps or other problem are found.
- If there is a family history of cancer, the wait period recommended may be 5 years.
- If a polyp is found, the waiting period may be 3 years.
- And if the equipment malfunctions, which happened to me on my last test, and a full scan wasn't accomplished, the wait period may be recommended at 2 years.

Remember though that this is only based on my experienced and only a qualified medical doctor can properly determine the actual waiting period suggested.

Note: My father-in-law died of colon cancer at the age of 59. His father also died of it at age 80..

I had a colonoscopy recently with Dr. Marianna de Jongue Very pain;ess and the prep was not that bad.
My hsband used Dr. Mathew. Same office.

[Villages PL]

After posting this thread I found a nice message from my doctor on my answering machine. He called to tell me not to worry about it. He said he loves having me as a patient and looks forward to seeing me again at my next appointment. That's a big relief to me because I thought for sure I'd soon be looking for another doctor. And I really enjoy being his patient.

As far as colon cancer risk I would just like to add something about lifestyle: For me it's not just that there's no family history of colon cancer. I'm eating a special "anti-cancer" diet, and that means I have given up practically all animal protein and all processed foods. So I figure that makes my risk a whole lot less than for those who eat the standard American diet. Diet and exercise definitely plays a big important part and that's why I don't eat processed foods in moderation.

[asianthree]

its not the procedure that i would be concered with, its what type of anesthesia they are using, some use a twilight and you are in a comfortable state others use very little drugs and it can be very hard on you, if done right this can be a fifteen minute procedure

[graciegirl]

I think that your subject matter is incorrect. "Screening for Colon Cancer, when is it needed?".

It seems that you have already made up your mind.

Not sold on fecal blood test.

I think that a colonoscopy is a valid test that is saving many lives. When I had a routine one four years ago they found some cancerous polyps that were removed while I was "under". Had nothng after the procedure to make me feel they "did" anything, no bleeding, no pains, nothing. At my recent one, they found nothing. I must add that I had not one symptom from those polyps.

It must be an informed choice and I don't go to my doctors to tell them what to do. I try to choose doctors who I can trust to guide me to good health decisions. I will go back to Ohio for my next one because we have family there and the endoscopy lab has my records.

[jimbo2012]

Originally Posted by Villages PL

I'm eating a special "anti-cancer" diet, and that means I have given up practically all animal protein and all processed foods. So I figure that makes my risk a whole lot less than for those who eat the standard American diet.

As a vegan I understand what you're saying, however our diet does not preclude us from standard medical tests.

I welcome any regularly accepted testing to confirm my dietary choice.

U are remiss to think otherwise IMO, at your age it will likely be the last time to consider it, just do it.

[2BNTV]

Originally Posted by skyguy79

My wife recently had her test done and she used Dr. Robert W Barish MD of Gastroenterology Associates at 13940 Hwy 441. (751-4885) I will be using the same doctor when I have mine done.

The following information is strictly based on my past experience and a qualified medical doctor should be consulted with:

- It is recommended that your first test be done at the age of 50.
- If you have no family history with colon cancer, the wait period for the next test may be a recommendation of 10 years if no polyps or other problem are found.
- If there is a family history of cancer, the wait period recommended may be 5 years.
- If a polyp is found, the waiting period may be 3 years. - And if the equipment malfunctions, which happened to me on my last test, and a full scan wasn't accomplished, the wait period may be recommended at 2 years.

Remember though that this is only based on my experienced and only a qualified medical doctor can properly determine the actual waiting period suggested.

Note: My father-in-law died of colon cancer at the age of 59. His father also died of it at age 80..

IMHO - To not have this procedure done is taking a risk with your life.

Vince Lombardi, the great football coach died of cancer as he would not let a doctor examine him. I don't want to get graphic.

[KayakerNC]

Originally Posted by Villages PL

I'm eating a special "anti-cancer" diet, and that means I have given up practically all animal protein and all processed foods. So I figure that makes my risk a whole lot less than for those who eat the standard American diet.

From The flowers of wit, or a choice collection of bon mots, by Henry Kett, 1814:
...observed the eminent lawyer, "I hesitate not to pronounce, that every man who is his own lawyer, has a fool for a client.

Could also apply to Doctor/Patient relationships.

[Mikeod]

Please consider the fact that while your lifestyle choices have been positive for your health, they likely do not reduce the chances for colon cancer to 0%. It would be a shame for you to have made these changes only to succumb to a disease that is detectable in its early stages and treatable.

I agree that the fecal test for occult blood is almost worthless. The only difficult part of a colonoscopy is the prep, and that is really just an inconvenience for a day. The actual procedure is painless when done under sedation, and it's good to know all is well.

I avoided it as well until I was over 60 and was relieved when all was OK. I will have another one done when it is time.