Colonoscopy???

[Italian888]

I am 37 yrs old. No history of colon cancer in the fam... However, recently one of my employee's husband went on a routine check up. They said since he is 47 he should have a colonoscopy... When he was done with that, he is now doing radiation and chemo... He has full blown cancer all over his pelvis...

My gp advised with no history in my family, I am good to wait until I am 50 but if I did have a history of it, she'd recommend that I did it when I was 40...

Now I am thinking about lying to her just so she'll write orders for one...
I am not in a hurry to have someone head north in the rectal region... but, I want to be put at ease...

Is this a procedure that would be recommended to take just in case or am I getting ahead of myself and worrying for nothing??

Thx.

[Deligirl1]

I agree to get it done.  I have had loose bowels, cramping  and pain in my lower left quadrant.  (I also told the dr I saw what looked like blood in my stool-that was to get there attn).  My primary gave me a referral, I went in for a colonoscopy, found multiple precancerous polyps, I am 38 yrs old, no family history.  Told me they were large enough that I am blessed I did not wait until I was 50.  They also diagnosed me wiht spastic colon which was causing my pain and loose bowels.  First time in my life I was thankful for loose bowels and discomfort, other wise I would not have gotten it done so young.    Please do not completely falsify but I dont think it hurts too bad if you just exagerate little bit ,,,  take care and good luck.  

[l-horn]

Doc is right. Get one at 40. If you have pollips they'll remove them and you'll get another in FIVE years. If you're clear, you should get another at 50 and go from there.
I had one a few years back because I had to go to the ER because I had severe abdominal pain. MRI showed diverticulitis. Had the colonoscopy and had some pollips removed. I have another in 5 years. Also got a HEPc diagnosis, treated that last year, and cleared, currently SVR.  ( totally unrelated but ...it was found as a result of some blood work ). Dont' sweat the exam. They give you these killer drugs. One minute they're starting the procedure, the next minute your done, but 45 minutes have gone off the clock. I confessed to several crimes during this procedure, all of which were passed the statute of limitations. haha...

[bamboo007]

Get a scope, asap, people are wrong that you have to be 50 to get it, I got one when I was 27, I saw blood in my stool ( or looked like blood) and doctor ordered it right away thou scope was negative for cancer, I was dx with IBS

[jeh57]

I totally agree with the above post.I would not falsify your medical records.It just wouldn't be wise. What you could do is.....Have your Dr.give you a HEMOCCULT II SENSA ..it is the most effective fecal occult blood test.I am not sure if you are familiar with it...it is a take home test that you can do yourself in the privacy of your own home.It will test for hidden blood in your stool.There are many conditions that can cause blood detections,such as GI problems and bleeding hemorrhoids.However,blood in the stool can occur from a polyp or early stage cancer.Colonrectal cancer usually begins with a benign polp that may be detected with this in home test,and can be removed as part of a follow-up colonoscopy.Hope this helps you.....Janice

[Brndnsdad]

Part of your decision needs to consider the cost of the procedure and the trust you have with your doctor. Your insurance won't cover it until you're 50 unless you have a family history. If you lie about your family history you may lose the trust of your doctor and will have the false family history in your insurance records. The last option is to pay for it yourself, which is an option if you can afford it. Personally I don't think it's wise to falsify your records since it could result in higher insurance premiums or denial of insurance one day if you find yourself in an individual insurance plan. You are probably worrying for nothing.