NFR - Bowel cancer test - what fun!

[Jims Dentist]

Colonoscopy.  You can handle it on the day.
Would not look forward to having to drink that awful stuff to clear you out the night before again.

[bobbo]

Just done my routine bowel cancer test with the home kit. Now ain't that fun! Told my wife and kids what I had to do and they can't stop laughing. Getting old is a bitch.
[/quoteToo much information , I was just sitting down to dinner

[Forever Fulham]

I've had at least three, maybe four, colonoscopies. I was so nervous before the first one, not really knowing what to expect.  It seemed like it took forever to down that vile tasting jug of liquid the night before.  I recall they found a few polyps on two of the procedures.  They excised them as a routine part of the procedure.  Apparently, polyps are presently benign, but they can turn malignant over time in some people.  And when they do find polyps, they ask that you return more frequently for the next colonoscopy, until they don't find any.  My father in law didn't get annual physicals.  And then one day,a problem developed, and he went to the hospital and found out he had colon cancer.  They operated and it was a success with no re-occurrence.  He made it to 85.  Many aren't so lucky.  After my second colonoscopy, I woke up in the hospital hallway on a stretcher, naked, with a sheet down to my thighs.  Hospital personnel likely got a good view of me during that post op time I was recovering from the anaesthesia.  I was more than a little mad at the gastroenterologist and switched specialists after that.  He probably had an assembly line of colonoscopy patients scheduled that day to maximize his revenue stream, leaving us to wake up in a nearby hallway on a stretcher.  I distinctly remember how he treated his practice like a corporate business.  He had a trade name, something catchy, which I found a little odd.  And a stylized depiction of the gastrointestinal tract as a trademark which he displayed on letterhead, promotional materials, office doors.  It's too bad he didn't spend the same amount of energy and attention on patient dignity and well being.  That medical practice trademark summed up for me what's wrong with the U.S. system of medical care.  Anyway, since they found no polyps last time, and everything checked out fine, I don't have another colonoscopy for five years.  But eventually you reach an age where it doesn't matter that your last procedure found nothing--they want you back every two or three years.  Just another one of life's little grin and bear its that comes with getting older. 

[hovewhite]

this is a good subject as you never can take your health for granted I always believe prevention is better than cure and I have regular year check ups for prostate, liver etc because if you have any doubts I have lost a few friends to cancer and  poor health that was ignored because they were frightened about the outcome of tests.

[King_Crud]

My dad found something in early stages as part of the blood test. Day surgery and the cancer was removed, no issues. All because of early identification

[Logicalman]

Oakshott, great post mate, and thanks for sharing. As said, this is a very serious subject for so many on here, or will be sooner than some think.

I agree that the medical profession often overlook such exams until the patient presents symptoms. I have only ever been asked to undergo 2 such (finger) exams, though it's been some 8 years since I entered the arena for the annual ones, and this has reminded me to get onto my GP and get it sorted for this year. On a related subject, a close friend of mine has a colonoscopy and they found the dreaded polyps, after removal they returned a couple of years later and it ended up with half the colon being removed.

Getting old and having to have such examinations may be a bitch, but dying earlier than you should have is by magnitude worse.

[Oakeshott]

Logicalman

A problem with prostate cancer is that, like some other cancers, it often doesn't generate symptoms until quite advanced. I have no symptoms and wouldn't know I'd got it unless I'd been told I had.

The PSA test is similar to the every-two-year bowel cancer test in the sense of being capable of picking up potential problems before symptoms show and before, if there is cancer present, it becomes untreatable. And the PSA test can simply be added to the list of other tests to be done from one blood sample that most GPs recommend patients over 60 to have annually. Much less fuss than the bowel cancer test!

I agree with your last sentiment, of course, and feel we may have to live a good few years more if we are to see Fulham back in the Premiership.

[Vienna1]

Colonoscopy.  You can handle it on the day.
Would not look forward to having to drink that awful stuff to clear you out the night before again.

I had colonoscopy already twice. Second time was last year. No joke, they had a new stuff to drink the night before. I am not saying it tastes well, but a lot more bearable than the first time. It had a slightly sweet taste. Nothing you would really like, but still much better than the usual thing. Ask for it next time.

Precaution is very important indeed. For men as much as for women. We have only ONE  life...

[Logicalman]

Oakshott,

You provided great information there. I guess it would be logical ('scuse the pun) that any indicators/symptoms might appear chemically prior to physically as the body tends to act in this manner.

Anyways, for all those that have survived it, I raise a glass, for those who are going through it, I can only wish you the best, we all live within it's shadow.

[Logicalman]

In the same vein, Pancreatic Cancer, UK scientist appear to have made the breakthrough required:

http://www.bbc.com/news/health-33738917

Pancreatic cancer urine test hope

With just a 3% survival rate after 5 years from current diagnosis, this is SO promising.

[epsomraver]

To lighten the mood, I went for my prostate exam yesterday, I said "where shall I put my pants"? " Toss them over there next to mine" was not the answer I was expecting............... 064.gif 064.gif

[snarks]

Had a test at a medical 3 years ago, another medical is due now.

Oh and I reread the "agent picolax" thread from somewhere, always makes me laugh

[Logicalman]

To lighten the mood, I went for my prostate exam yesterday, I said "where shall I put my pants"? " Toss them over there next to mine" was not the answer I was expecting............... 064.gif 064.gif

yeah, on my last one, I braced myself, and then felt two hands on my shoulders!   fp.gif

[GloucesterWhite]

In the same vein, Pancreatic Cancer, UK scientist appear to have made the breakthrough required:

http://www.bbc.com/news/health-33738917

Pancreatic cancer urine test hope

With just a 3% survival rate after 5 years from current diagnosis, this is SO promising.

Thanks, that's interesting. Although not sure I wanted to be reminded that only 3% survive 5 years!! I'm 9 months and counting!