Colonoscopy

[Warl0ck]

Just a question for anyone whose had one of these. What does it encompass? My Mom has stage 4 colon cancer and she's been pushing me to get in to get one of these things. Does your family doctor start the process? And how long as you in the hospital (assuming it's done there)

 

[papasmerf]

Start with you primary care physician.....

Figure a few hours for the exam and the rest of the day to rest.

 

[Warl0ck]

Do they put you out or are you awake. I'm guessing it's painful?

 

[papasmerf]

Do they put you out or are you awake. I'm guessing it's painful?

.
actually once it is in there is no feeling..........So you are awake under local.
Get it done......Better to be forewarned than playing catchup

 

[Wise Guy]

It's a 20 minute procedure. They put you to sleep and you may feel a little discomfort if your abdominal swells. Whatever you do, don't look at the size of the tube :biggrin2:

 

[Virus]

When they ask you to bend to your side.


Run.

 

[DannyDevito]

Don't forget to bring the lube.

 

[Prick]

Without joking or sarcasm. Get the damn test man.

 

[cristycurves]

My thoughts go out to your mom, Warlock. I've lost two relatives in the past 6 months to cancer, both female, both breast, and both under 50yrs old. Cancer is cruel. Get the test, if for nothing else, for your mothers piece of mind. In Halifax you can call 611, I believe, to talk to a nurse, I think every province has this service, just might be a different number. A medical practitioner is the best person to query about any medical test. Good luck.

 

[oldguyzer]

A colonoscopy is usually done with you awake. The procedure involves inserting a camera system (looks like a hose about 3/8-inch thick) through your anus and thread it through the colon and lower intestines looking for growths. Men over 40 should get this done at least every 10 years; more often if there's a history of colon cancer in your family. The hose includes tools to snip samples (biopsy) any growths and bring them out for analysis. Most growths are benign and won't harm you at all, but a careful check for cancer can save your life.

The only discomofrt most people feel is the insertion of the hose (try sticking your little finger...or someone else's...up your butt to get a similar sensation) and the feeling of it moving around inside you, but there's no pain in my experience. You can get locals, but I never do. You can watch on the TV the whole time to see what your colon looks like!

Never avoid a colonoscopy...it may save your life!

 

[Warl0ck]

Thanks for the information. I am indeed getting it done. I've got a short business trip ahead, then I'll go to a clinic & start the process. I wasn't sure how.

@Cristy: Thank you. My mom didn't react well to the chemo initially and it nearly killed her. It's been difficult. They live at the other side of the country (I'm in the west) and it's difficult to get down there a lot to see her. Each time I see her I sadly assume "this is the last time". Cancer does suck. My long term relationship ended it. My ex had a family member pass away from a particularly nasty type of cancer. The death was traumatizing & she got up one day, went home to take care of her family and never came back. The last year or so has not been very nice.

Cancer is just brutal on the body too. It's a 'my God' type of thing. Long time friend of mine's husband has cancer. He used to be an obese fellow. Today he's skin and bones. It was shocking to see how fast it happened.

On the positive side, I have used it to focus on myself more. I've lost some 60 pounds in the last 6 months. I exercise every day and I cook all three meals. I've even attempted to go gluten free and I find there are positive benefits with no wheat in my diet. I also decided about a month back to stop drinking entirely. Up next is relocating to Vancouver full time. I was living in Alberta and the economic climate is brutal. My friends are all unemployed, some for over a year & it weighs heavily on you You keep asking "am I next". So a restart of my life has happened. I'm actually pretty stoked about it. You've got to kick at the darkness until it bleeds daylight.

 

[Jasper]

I'm overdue for my next test.
I wasn't put to sleep, it was interesting to watch the camera make its way through the system. They use the same idea to investigate your sewer drain to the street, seeing where the problems are.
Maybe they can retrieve your keys? :blush2:



It wasn't painful, the worst part was fasting and being on a liquids to flush out the system prior to the procedure.

 

[Jasper]

Though whistles aren't very clean if you think about it. Hmmmmmm