[Palomine]

Very glad to hear it! 

What gonZo said!

[espy]

Good news mcgarp!

[mcgarp]

Hey there, I just had my three year checkup and it didn't go as planned.  While nothing in my blood work seems abnormal, in my last PET scan it showed some sort of abnormaility in my colon.  Today, in my second check up since the PET scan my doctor decided it was time for new tests.  I have unexplainably lost about ten pounds.  The guy that is a professional that read my scans said no sign of cancer, and my Oncologist said the same thing, but recommended that I have a Colonoscopy.  I guess those are pretty common umongst people that I consider my elders, but not so much at my ripe old age of 31.  My cancer doctor assured me that my past cancer and this colonoscopy don't relate to one another.  I must admit that I'm scared they do.  He said verbatem, " If, God forbid, this shows anything bad, don't hesitate to check in with me, even before I call you."  I have to admit, I'm scared.  I have an appointment next week with a nurse that will no doubt inform me of the horrors that I must endure the night before my "procedure".   
I guess I'm just asking here for good vibes, prayers, whatever you feel comfortable with.  Again, I know this is pretty much normal for those older than me, but I'm flat out scared it could mean another bout with cancer, given my track record!

[Palomine]

Hey there, I just had my three year checkup and it didn't go as planned.  While nothing in my blood work seems abnormal, in my last PET scan it showed some sort of abnormaility in my colon.  Today, in my second check up since the PET scan my doctor decided it was time for new tests.  I have unexplainably lost about ten pounds.  The guy that is a professional that read my scans said no sign of cancer, and my Oncologist said the same thing, but recommended that I have a Colonoscopy.  I guess those are pretty common umongst people that I consider my elders, but not so much at my ripe old age of 31.  My cancer doctor assured me that my past cancer and this colonoscopy don't relate to one another.  I must admit that I'm scared they do.  He said verbatem, " If, God forbid, this shows anything bad, don't hesitate to check in with me, even before I call you."  I have to admit, I'm scared.  I have an appointment next week with a nurse that will no doubt inform me of the horrors that I must endure the night before my "procedure".   
I guess I'm just asking here for good vibes, prayers, whatever you feel comfortable with.  Again, I know this is pretty much normal for those older than me, but I'm flat out scared it could mean another bout with cancer, given my track record!

Your concern (re: 'track record') is understandable McGarp, but other than being unpleasant (mostly just the prep) the colonoscopy itself isn't a big deal. You'll be on a clear-liquids-only diet for a day or so before the procedure, during which you'll also have to drink this awful-tasting stuff which will make you go the the bathroom a lot (to flush out your colon so the camera can have a good look around). You'll get a sedative for the procedure itself (often a Valium drip) so you may not even remember much of it, which is a blessing. A traditional colonoscopy is relatively cheap, low-risk and effective, as it provides much more detail than 'virtual' colonoscopies via MRI. Plus, if they see anything odd, they can biopsy a sample right then and there for the lab. So: gag down the jug of nasty crap the day before and stay near a toilet. When you wake up afterwards, your ass won't even hurt that much and you can go eat some real food. Good luck!

[pedonbio]

Your concern (re: 'track record') is understandable McGarp, but other than being unpleasant (mostly just the prep) the colonoscopy itself isn't a big deal. You'll be on a clear-liquids-only diet for a day or so before the procedure, during which you'll also have to drink this awful-tasting stuff which will make you go the the bathroom a lot (to flush out your colon so the camera can have a good look around). You'll get a sedative for the procedure itself (often a Valium drip) so you may not even remember much of it, which is a blessing. A traditional colonoscopy is relatively cheap, low-risk and effective, as it provides much more detail than 'virtual' colonoscopies via MRI. Plus, if they see anything odd, they can biopsy a sample right then and there for the lab. So: gag down the jug of nasty crap the day before and stay near a toilet. When you wake up afterwards, your ass won't even hurt that much and you can go eat some real food. Good luck!

I second everything Pal said. Many doctors offer you a choice of not having an anesthetic during the procedure. Do not be a "hero"! While there has been a lot of progress in miniturization, remember that a tv camera, lights, and surgical equipment are all going up your butt. It is not fun!

[solvegas]

Agree with Palomine and Pedonbio. It ain't no big deal. You may need a ride back home due to the dope they give you. I did not need it though. They have fruit flavor make-you-shit-like-mad formula. The pharmacist will provide it if you want it or you can be He-Man and take the regular crap. They found some polyps on mine and they snipped them right there and then. No bad ones. Pheeew ! So be a man and let them shove a camera up your butt ! 

[rtpoe]

And for the love of god, we do NOT need to see pics!

[solvegas]

Yes, yes, please spare us your pride and joy ! 

[gonZo]

.

[PregNut]

I can vouch for everyone above that it's really no big deal. The prep is indeed the worst part. And it's one of, if not the, only times in which you're encouraged to fart in the presence of a woman (if the nurse happens to be female.)

[mcgarp]

Well I had my (almost pointless) nurse appointment today.  August 16th is the day for the procedure, so don't count on me checking in here on the 15th!  I both opted for the fruit flavored evil drink and the sleepy time juice.  I'm not gonna be a "hero" as someone described here!  I just ask for good thoughts as most of you here may remember my bout with cancer!  I'm on three years clean of the terrible disease, here's to many more!  I feel that I have a pretty good shot at it not being cancer.  Of course there are many other not so pleasant things it could be, but cancer is my biggest foe right now!

[pedonbio]

And a colonoscopy is a good friend--Colon cancer is one of the totally preventable varieties.

[mcgarp]

Hey all, just thought I would check in.  I had my procedure this morning and it went off with no complications.  Certainly the worst part was the 20 or so times I had to make a quick visit to the restroom for 12 hrs before hand.  I had the evil juice that tasted like berry and wasn't that bad.  My insurance did not cover it but I'm sure it was $95 well spent compared to the traditional variety.  I also opted for the sedatives, which all but knocked me out.  I have no memory of the procedure, thank God!  The results were for the most part favorable.  They send a letter home since I was still loopy.  It said there was no polyp, no cancer, and no tumors found.  It said they found some long medical word which I don't recall but after that it said (pocket).  They took a few small biopsies of the area that had shown up in my PET scan, and I will hear about that if a week or so.  But since they specifically said they found no cancer, I won't be worrying too much about the results!  So, Good news to me!  Thanks for everyones comments and concerns!
McGarp

[DruulEmpire]

I've been holding off on a colonoscopy myself, and your pioneering narrative here helps me to gird my loins (so to speak) for my own.

V to Bio below: in the Nineties when I passed a kidney stone they fed a camera up my urethra.  I was whacked out on Demerol but still felt REALLY WEIRD long afterwards.  Maybe I'm being foolish, but this seems relatively more bearable.  But yeah, I'll still want the Demerol, or whatever.

[pedonbio]

I've been holding off on a colonoscopy myself, and your pioneering narrative here helps me to gird my loins (so to speak) for my own.

They are valuable, necessary, and will provide you with a lot of information about your inner self. I still recommend being **61**. Next time you see a TV news truck, remember that colonoscopy equipment is a miniturized version of that.