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Are you using the up to date prep information? I had a Barium Enema about 20 years ago, a friend had a colonoscopy last year. The prep has changed considerably. Basically just 2 days of a liquid diet and the bottle of goop you have to glug. She has diverticulitis too.

Whether or not you choose to proceed with the test, should be based on what you would do it the results were positive for cancer. If you would choose to have treatment, then have the test. If you would not have treatment, then why have the test?

My step Dad was in his mid 70's when he was diagnosed with colon cancer. He did have surgery and was given the all clear. When he was 84, the cancer metastasized and he died less than 2 months later.
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I am an RN and in the "colonoscopy crowd." So here's the deal. Colon cancer is a slow growing cancer and usually doesn't show any signs or symptoms until it is advanced. If you wait until you have symptoms you will face having portions of intestine cut out in surgery resulting in a "poop bag" on your stomach or facing possible loss of life if the cancer has spread. Having a colonoscopy and removing polyps (cancer) every 10 years is the usual for most folks. If the doctor finds polyps, he/she will recommend getting follow-up colonoscopies closer together. The prep has changed and is easier on the digestive tract and less likely to cause fluid/electrolyte imbalances. If you have a colonoscopy without any problems, you might wish to ask your doctor about ColoGuard that tests your poop for cancer without an invasive exam.
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disgustedtoo Jun 2021
Question: If there is such concern, then why are the "regular" tests suggested every 10 years? I should think cancers, slow growing or not, would have a better chance at being more advanced if given 10 years.
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As an RN I have seen people die of colonoscopy (because of perforation of bowel). The risk of this will be explained in any prep for the procedure. I have decided against this procedure for myself. I understand my risk of undiagnosed cancer. This is an individual decision. There are, yes, some few stool tests that can be done, but do know that they have often false positives and in those cases they will again recommend the colonoscopy. Most tumors are found in the lower bowel. You can ask for a colonoscopy that explores only this area without passage of the scopes up the more torturous turns in the bowel. This is called a sigmoidoscopy. You can discuss this with your doctor, but the prep would still have to be done. I have never heard of permanent damage from the prep, tho that doesn't mean there have not been same. You should also discuss heart issues and get a pass from your cardiologist, as arrhythmias can happen with any stimulation inside the bowel; As a nurse I never personally saw this side effect from a colonoscopy but DID see a death during administration of a high enema resulting in arrhythmia. That is, I suspect rare as hen's teeth, but should be discussed with MD.
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JoAnn29 Jun 2021
Me too and I can't explain why but I just don't feel comfortable getting it. My GF, who is a CNA, was against getting one because of the things she has seen working in a hospital. She chose the test, showed positive. The prep made her so sick she became dehydrated and was in ER until 3 hrs before her procedure. Still had the procedure and it showed she was cancer free. It was a false positive.
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As strange as this might sound, there is a “virtual colonoscopy “.
Sorry I have no personal details because mine is set for July. There is prep but it is less invasive. Check with your Doc to see if it might work in your situation. Good luck.
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disgustedtoo Jun 2021
It's been around for a while. When I asked about it, doc said they might miss seeing some smaller polyps and if they do note polyps, then you have to have the colonoscopy to have them removed. The prep work is going to be pretty much the same. The reason for the prep work is to have your intestines as "clean" as possible - that would still be required for the "virtual" test.

That said, the johnshopkins site suggests that this CT scan might actually "see" areas of the large intestine a regular colonoscopy can't access. Pros and cons:

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/colon-cancer/virtual-colonoscopy-for-cancer-screening
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All my DH had to do is eat light 2 days before the procedure and the day before take a liquid that cleaned him out. Eating nothing more than jello and drinking Gator aid.

There is that box test. Maybe try that and if comes up positive then have the colonoscopy.
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You really need to have a pre-procedure mtg with your GI doc. We can't dedtermine whether or not this is safe for you--they can.

My SIL is a GI doc and routinely does colonoscopies, obviously. He has said that he has a chat with his 'over 70' patients to see if they need one. The worries of problems really escalate with age, and he may actually deny someone one or opt for another procedure.

10 years between screenings is what is usually reccomended, unless you have problems.
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jakefix Jun 2021
Thanks! My pre-colonoscopy meeting was with the young, very nice physician’s assistant. Last Friday I received the Sutab prep prescription and started reading over the weekend. I became concerned about potentially serious side effects and then online-researched issues for over-70 year old seniors re colon prep and colonoscopies. Because I’d initiated the request for one out of fear (misplaced, I now believe) - and because 7 years have passed since my last colonoscopy, it occurred to me that the gastroenterologist office waa just rubber-stamping my thoughts. It was like asking for an optional medication and having it delivered without the warning insert. I felt guilty calling and canceling the procedure, but knew I had serious questions needing to be addressed before proceeding. My new primary care Dr talked with me today in a tele-Health call. He agreed with my decision, preferring to do a DNA Cologuard test first. If it comes back positive, then a colonoscopy is in order.

Right now I’m suffering on 2nd day with severe constipation because I started the pre-prep low-fiber/residue diet last weekend. Feels like my innards are about to burst. Miralax hasn’t kicked in yet - body’s poo-plumbing has stopped. Nothing’s moving - this was predictable, as this happens when I skip fiber. Drinking plenty of water, which runs out of me because I take a diuretic for bp. Mentioned constipation issues at pre-colonoscopy meeting with gastroenterologist’s office. Hoping I don’t end up in ER.

Thanks again!
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