Butterfli19

Elle - I am sorry to hear about your husband.

Thanks to all for posting. I do have a yearly mamo, sometimes more, and have also had more than annual paps. I go to the dr annually and am (knock wood) rarely ill and am trying to eat healthier.

I think I'm just scared. In my weird way I feel prolonging it will somehow keep me young; this is the 50's test! If I don't have it and something is wrong I will regret it.

Some days I just don't understand how 52 got here so quickly.

Janette

It's a lot easier now. My last one I had to take Miralax, which is essentially tasteless, in a fluid. If you have problems with the taste, mix it in low-sugar white grape juice. Afterwards, eat sugar-free jello (as long as it's the right color). If you drink all the fluid you are prescribed, you shouldn't have a problem with dehydration. If your doctor prescribes it, don't put it off. I read the report about dropping mammograms to every two years if there's no history in your family. That's what I decided to do then in the came the yearly reminder about a mammogram. So I went, and discovered that I had Stage 1 breast cancer. I had a lumpectomy and radiation in Sept 2008. So far, so good but I wonder where I would be if I had put the mammogram off for another year.

Butterflyspain

I think there must be different diets and fluids given in the states. Colin had to have a diet of really bland stuff like broth and grilled chicken, rice, I did it with him and it wasnīt that bad. The drink he had to take consisted of two bottles of fluid both tasteless, but just donīt go out as you need to be near the toilet.

Go for it Butterfli, we will all be holding your hand, you will be so glad to know you are healthy and better for it.

Elle

littlehud

I avoided a colonoscopy for a number of years. It just scared me. My doctor really pushed for it this year. I have IBS and was having symptoms that could have been either IBS or colon cancer. I had to test. The prep wasn't fun, but the test was nothing. And thank goodness they found nothing. It set my mind at rest. The funny side of this is the DR that did my test sees me quite often at the hospital (I work there delivering food to patients) and almost never speaks to me. (DD who works with him says he is very shy ) After doing my test he talks to me every time he sees me. Gee....get naked and let this guy see your butt and he is your best friend. Tee hee. Just joking. :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

sueisallaboutquilts

So cute!!! The test really isn't bad at all though and I'm a big baby! You know- nurses make the worst patients?That's ME :D:D

sueisallaboutquilts

Nancy- you are not alone!! Our thoughts have a way of twisting things, good or bad :D

redrummy

I believe we must decide what is important to each of us. Cancer that is caught early can be removed and person can live a long full life. Or that person can wait till it is too late, complain thru treatments about how horrible their life is at that point.
I want it caught at the earliest possible, that means I get my mamagram yearly, colonoscopy this year (50) and being a 3 year survivor of breast cancer, I know my life is worth it.

Mousie

wow! we learn, learn, learn from this board and the sharing.
I had a near migraine too, but thought that was just me, bc I dehydrate easily anyway.
The prep was not fun, the waiting for the 3 pm actual test bc of the stupid doctors was not fun, I was knocked out for the test bc I had a colonoscopy and an endoscopy at the same time.
The 'after the test' was not fun, bc like I said, I dehydrate easily anyway.
Get the earliest appt. time for your colonoscopy that you can get, if you have to set your alarm before the roosters.
Go on, do it and get if over with.
Here's another reason why, in spite of all I just said:
BIL died three years ago from undetected colon cancer and DH's own brother died a year and a half ago from colon cancer.
You don't know there is a thing wrong with you!
It's one of those silent killers and you will chalk up eventual symptoms to age and just having one of those days.
We were there with hubby's brother. Our kids were there some of the time, and the grandbabies were there some :shock:
We shielded them as much as we could, but those that visited...since he was in his sister's home with hospice care...those that visited had never seen anyone in that condition.
His daughters all got colonoscopies immediately after his passing and one already had polyps...in her 30's!
You don't want to go that way, and surely not from something preventable.
There is no way I wouldn't do it again, and I had an exceptionally hard time, bc i wasn't there for my colon. I was already very sick with other things, but we had to be sure.
I had extremely...EXTREMELY elevated cancer antigen levels, and you don't know it, and you don't know from where...testing is the only way to find out, and even with discomfort and a headache...it is your best friend.
It's a love/hate thing, but can save your life...your quilting life...and the quality of life of all those that love you and don't want to lose you.
No way I would say, skip it. no way. love and hugs, I do however, respect an informed person making their own decisions. Do think about doing it for those that love you.
You'll live through the test. :thumbup:
btw, my colon was clean but I have to have cancer antigen levels checked every six months (blood tests)...and I will! :thumbup:

Cat18

I think the colonoscopy is a good idea. Neither my husband nor I have a family history of polyps, but both of us had to have some removed. Better safe than sorry. (We're both in our 50's)

Mousie

you crack me up! :lol: :lol: :lol:
I guess you made an impression! :mrgreen: