slo’s THURSDAY 8/24 poll - Colonoscopy

[slo]

Yeah yeah…..not a fun topic today.
But, I want my polls to be fun and sometimes meaningful.
These polls almost always give people something to think about, even if it’s a silly topic.
Today, the topic is a little more serious.

I’ve never hid anywhere how I have severe Ulcerative Colitis - I don’t want sympathy - instead I want people to feel comfortable talking about IBS, bowel issues, colonoscopies and etc with me. This is a topic that many are embarrassed to talk about, and it‘s with that embarrassment that causes people to brush their issues under the rug and hope they go away - the result of that can be terrible and sometimes deadly. I don’t mean to be preachy today, but I feel very passionately about getting these done.

So today I ask……

Have you had a colonoscopy?
If yes…..when was your last one?
(multiple choice)

*poll inspired by me having a colonoscopy this morning.

*no “other“ choice today


For Me……Before today - 2 years ago, which is great for me. I’m currently taking Entyvio, which is given to me through an IV every 8 weeks - it’s been life changing for me. You all don’t even want to know what I had to do before that - let’s just say it was not fun. But it was what it was - everything is bearable as long as you keep smiling and keep a positive outlook.

Keep in mind…you‘re never too young to get a colonoscopy. Last summer when DD20 was still 18, she was having issues and had her first colonoscopy and endoscopy done. She knows the importance of these and did not hesitate to get these done - she handled it like champ.

 

[WDWEPCOT]

I’ve had three long before the age you needed to unfortunately they still can’t figure out my problem
I’m glad they got yours figured out and I’m happy that you’re on a medication is helping you
Good for you to spread the word and advocate for others people should be able to discuss things openly and honestly without any embarrassment or fear

 

[john7994]

Good topic and important information, even in terms of preventative screenings - hope all goes well.

 

[Disneylover99]

I’ve had a couple of colonoscopy’s due to family history of colon cancer and this is a good reminder for me because I’m due for another one. So, time to book an appt.

 

[Kitty 34]

I'm due for one. My other one got canceled because of Covid.

 

[mumto3girls]

Good luck today Slo! I have not had one. I have done the box test. Anesthesia is tricky for me so I most likely will only have one if at some point the box test indicates there are issues.

 

[MamaMermaid]

I had some GI issues and had a colonoscopy probably 5-7 years ago. Thankfully all was ok.

Good luck today @slo !!!

 

[LoveSpringsteen]

I had my first one in 2021 when I was 54. I am very glad I had it done.

 

[Minnesota!]

My dad died of colon cancer at 51, so - started them in my early 30s. Just had one 2 years ago this month. Not due for another year or so.

 

[slo]

My dad died of colon cancer at 51, so - started them in my early 30s. Just had one 2 years ago this month. Not due for another year or so.

I’m very sorry to hear this
It’s good you’re being very proactive with yourself now.

 

[MIGrandma]

I think I’ve had 3, my next one is due this December.

 

[Meriweather]

My mother died of colon cancer at 59. I get them ever 5 years. Last one was June 2022

Good luck today, slo

 

[#1hoosierfan]

I am 51. I fell in that category where they started to recommend them for people starting at age 45 after I turned that age. Two years ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer and went thru 16 rounds of chemo. I figured that probably killed anything that is lurking in body, but I am on the call back list to get a colonscopy scheduled. Gastro doctors are ridiculously hard to get in to around here.

 

[slo]

My mother died of colon cancer at 59. I get them ever 5 years. Last one was June 2022

Good luck today, slo

I’m very sorry to hear this Meriweather
Glad to hear you keep up with your testing and thank you.

 

[slo]

I am 51. I fell in that category where they started to recommend them for people starting at age 45 after I turned that age. Two years ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer and went thru 16 rounds of chemo. I figured that probably killed anything that is lurking in body, but I am on the call back list to get a colonscopy scheduled. Gastro doctors are ridiculously hard to get in to around here.

Hugs to you - I’m very sorry to hear about your breast cancer. A friend of mine is currently going through all her breast cancer treatments and I see how difficult this is. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

 

[JaxDad]

Good luck!

I had one a few years ago. FWIW, it was the best nap of my life! I also had a great celebratory lunch with my friend who drove me.

 

[jo-jo]

I need to call. It's time, but last time, had such issues drinking the prep. Half of it came back up. Who do you call at 3 am? I so wish my dr used the pills. Reading threads here, some people mention not even taking anything special but just like double amount of normal over the counter stuff.

 

[rajak73]

DW has had breast cancer, they checked for a genetic gene, she has the Lynch gene so she is more susceptible to certain types of cancer. Has colonoscopy every year. It's worth it. Biggest tip I gave her about the prep which everyone hates, don't stuff yourself with food the day before the prep because you think you're going to starve to death on just liquid for the day, it's not staying in you anyway. She had a co worker told her one time, she had a procedure the next day, they said nothing to eat or drink after midnight so she got up at 11:30 pm to eat because she didn't think she could survive. LOL

 

[GAN]

I need to call. It's time, but last time, had such issues drinking the prep. Half of it came back up. Who do you call at 3 am? I so wish my dr used the pills. Reading threads here, some people mention not even taking anything special but just like double amount of normal over the counter stuff.

If it was the flavor -I used liquidIV last time and it did make it easier. If it was the volume there isn't much you can do about that unfortunately

 

[PollyannaMom]

I had my first one about a year ago, and was pronounced good for 10 years. I was a nervous wreck leading up to it, but the prep and procedure weren't as bad as I expected.