thanks for the colonoscopy advice

[kimmjmc]

Months ago I posted here about some symptoms I was having that I thought were probably just due to hemorrhoids, but others community members here urged me to get a colonoscopy to sure, despite my fear of the procedure.  Colonoscopy done this morning, and it was not at all painful.  Thank you ladies and gentleman (I tried to find my original post so I could thank individuals, but was unable to do so) for allaying my fears.

Rectal bleeding for six months, a feeling of not being able to have complete bowel movements, frequently are symptoms of hemorrhoids, but at 52 years old, getting health insurance permission for the procedure was not a big deal, so I followed this community's advice and stop shrugging off the symptoms.

I didn't even have hemorrhoids, but four colonic polyps that were removed, one "large."  Maybe the doctor said how large, but I was still coming down from Versed/Fenatyl, so I don't remember.  Now that I'm home and mentally alert again there are other questions I wish I had asked, since as of now there is no follow-up appointment with the gastroenterologist; I just supposed to get something in writing in the mail in a few weeks on the biopsy results.

I'm assuming this "large" polyp caused my symptoms, so does this mean I should now expect a cessation of symptoms?  He also said I should get another colonoscopy in two years or less.  Why so soon?  I also got a diagnosis of diverticulosis, but looking that up on the internet showed it be nothing at dire, a not uncommon and usually symptom-free condition (although I know now to suspect diverticulitis if I ever have acute abdominal pain accompanied by fever).

When a biopsy result is mailed, is it usually very detailed?  You do get a copy of the actual pathology report?  Internet sites explain the types of polyps and which ones are most likely to evolve into a malignancy.  For instance, I'd like to know if the smaller ones were merely hyperplastic (I assume the large one was adenomatous).  Will doctors' offices give copies of pathology reports on request?  I guess I'd also like to know how many centimeters "large" the "large" polyp was.  I remember the doctor saying to my husband he did not think any of the polyps indicated a malignancy, which is nice hear.

The worse thing about a colonoscopy is not the colonoscopy, but the preparation the day before with the drinking of (gagging down of) a gallon of vile swill causing chemically-induced cholera.  Surely there is a better a way.

Once again, thanks to the community for urging the test.  And I can testify that despite horror stories, it does not hurt.  Getting rid of that "large" polyp may have prevented colon cancer five or ten years down the road.

[mammo]

As we age, the chances of us developing colon polyps increases, and that's why we are encouraged to have regular colonoscopies beginning at the age of 50.  Once a polyp(s) is found, you have a higher chance of developing more, so they want to scope you every 2 years to watch for these.  This way they can catch it before it becomes malignant.  You have prevented yourself from developing colon cancer by getting scoped and having the polyps removed. You should have no other symtoms than what you may get from the diverticulitis.  If there is anything in the biopsy to worry about, they will let you know.
I totally agree, the prep is the worst part of it all.   I'm happy all is well.

[kimmjmc]

Turns out I was a bit optimistic.  I got a card in the mail today from the gastroenterologist's office with the box checked for malignant polyps, repeat colonoscopy in six months.