I am not the type of person to post a lot of personal things but I am posting this in the hope that this helps someone.For starters I am a 51 year old male.A couple of months ago I started having some mild pains in my lower abdomen. I did not think too much of this as I have some major back problems and I am always pulling a muscle somewhere or another.After a couple of months my Bowel Movements changed (I know TMI) so I decided to go see my Doctor. She set me up for a Cat Scan on a Thursday to be followed by a Colonoscopy on Monday. I went for the Cat Scan at 8am and at 11:15 am the same day I received a phone call from my Doctors Office (Doctor was out of the office that day)telling me to go the the ER right now.At the Hospital I was told that I had Colon Cancer! The admitted me right away and I was scheduled for a Colonoscopy on Friday Morning and Surgery on Monday.After the Surgeon reviewed the report on the Colonoscopy stating that they could not get passed the growth he pushed the surgery up to Saturday Morning, he later told my DW and I that the reason for doing the surgery on Saturday was he did not think I would live through the weekend without the surgery.They removed 1 1/2 of my Colon.After surgery when the Oncologist came to see me, he told my DW and I that before the surgery they were thinking that I was either stage 3 or stage four cancer. After surgery they were all shocked that I was barely stage one. I am now cancer free, but they will be doing frequent test on me to keep a watch on me but I do not need Chemo or Radiation. The Oncologist kept looking at me and saying I hope you realize how lucky you are.So, I hope that everyone gets checked, as had I not had the pain and gone the the Doctor when I did I doubt I would be here to tell this story.

first at 50 and every 5-10 years after that.

I'm mid 50's and have had several already, due to family history. I agree, get it done, if only for peace of mind. The procedure sounds worse than it actually is. The life you save may be your own!

Not sure I would call it lucky. More so BLESSED. If you were lucky, you never would have had a problem. Regardless, so glad you had good people to take care of you, in time.I am the lucky one. Had a colonoscopy two months ago. Doctor informed me that I am even better looking on the inside than I am on the outside. Then he went even further to say that I have the colon of a 16 year old girl. Not sure I like this doctor any more. But after all that news, I am lucky....with the good news.

Had my first 'fanny cam' at 55 just because.....Doc said good for another 10 yrs. Just had my first (and last I hope) 'Pee Pee Cam'I get routine tests due to thyroid meds. Found microscopic blood in urine.Had the camera scope of bladder......nothing. CAT scan showed tiny, tiny stone in right kidney.Point is I had NO symptoms of any problems.So get that 'fanny cam' done at least at age 50.And get blood/urine tests done just for piece of mind.And pay attention to any symptoms...change in weight, fatigue, mood swings etc.Your body will talk to you...listen up!There are several private labs that do testing inexpensively.

Just had my latest one last week. Good report. Removed one 5mm polyp that did not appear to be problematic but will be tested anyway. Come back for repeat in 5 yrs. The colonoscopy itself is nothing. They insert an IV, say they am going to give a little something to relax you, and next thing you know they are asking if you are ready to sit up and get ready to leave. Never know a thing.It is very good peace of mind since I had to watch a favorite uncle die of colon cancer years ago.Interesting info in packet I received. Said on average the kind of polyp that turns to cancer will do so in about 7 yrs. So a 5 yr schedule is good.

Colonoscopy | Good Sam Community

carp65
Explorer
Oct 28, 2013
In 2010 I had a seizure. While in the hospital it was discovered that I was
anemic and was told to schedule a colonoscopy when I was released. This I did,
and a stage 4 tumor was found on the lower colon. Had chemo, radiation together
and then surgery. Have been cancer free ever since. I guess the seizure was
a message!!
Chock_Full_o__N
Explorer
Oct 25, 2013
TugCE wrote:
I am not the type of person to post a lot of personal things but I am posting this in the hope that this helps someone.

For starters I am a 51 year old male.

A couple of months ago I started having some mild pains in my lower abdomen. I did not think too much of this as I have some major back problems and I am always pulling a muscle somewhere or another.

After a couple of months my Bowel Movements changed (I know TMI) so I decided to go see my Doctor. She set me up for a Cat Scan on a Thursday to be followed by a Colonoscopy on Monday. I went for the Cat Scan at 8am and at 11:15 am the same day I received a phone call from my Doctors Office (Doctor was out of the office that day)telling me to go the the ER right now.

At the Hospital I was told that I had Colon Cancer! The admitted me right away and I was scheduled for a Colonoscopy on Friday Morning and Surgery on Monday.

After the Surgeon reviewed the report on the Colonoscopy stating that they could not get passed the growth he pushed the surgery up to Saturday Morning, he later told my DW and I that the reason for doing the surgery on Saturday was he did not think I would live through the weekend without the surgery.

They removed 1 1/2 of my Colon.

After surgery when the Oncologist came to see me, he told my DW and I that before the surgery they were thinking that I was either stage 3 or stage four cancer. After surgery they were all shocked that I was barely stage one.

I am now cancer free, but they will be doing frequent test on me to keep a watch on me but I do not need Chemo or Radiation. The Oncologist kept looking at me and saying I hope you realize how lucky you are.

So, I hope that everyone gets checked, as had I not had the pain and gone the the Doctor when I did I doubt I would be here to tell this story.

Oh wow! :E You really dodged a bullet, didn't you? I'm so glad it all worked out and I wish you an uneventful recovery.
Dashonthedash
Explorer
Oct 25, 2013
It's kind of corny but funny:

The Colorectal surgeon song
bsinmich
Explorer
Oct 25, 2013
I have had a couple of those with the last one last year. I asked my DR. if he had ever heard the act from their FL, convention a couple years earlier. I went to sleep with him singing "Here's to the colorectal surgeon" Check it out on U Tube for a great laugh.
Pirate1
Explorer
Oct 24, 2013
Did mine at age 50 with no anesthesia because I didn't want to sit around in recovery. I was interesting watching the progress of the camera. Doc explained everything to me as it was happening. The pain wasn't too bad until it had to make the last big turn, but it went quick.
TugCE
Explorer
Oct 24, 2013
As for having to drink the Prep, a good friend of my DW told her that when she had the test they gave her a couple of pills rather than the liquid. She did say that they were not cheap ($120.00) but it was much better than drinking that crap!
sdianel_-acct_c
Explorer
Oct 24, 2013
Thanks for sharing. So glad you went and didn't second guess your symptoms. My cousin died from Colon Cancer. I hate, hate, hate the prep but some things you just have to do. Mammograms is another one.
fla-gypsy
Explorer
Oct 24, 2013
Had my first colonoscopy at 54. My Father is terminal with colon cancer and fading quickly.
emzee
Explorer
Oct 24, 2013
Thanks for sharing your story. While we all know what to do, and the docs tell us when to do it, it gives us a kick in the pants to hear stories like yours. So happy to hear you are doing good!
pa_traveler
Explorer
Oct 24, 2013
Glad to hear your okay.Everybody should get one and if they find something hopefully catch it early.