First Colonoscopy Today

[Wayn-o]

Taking my wife in tomorrow morning at 7, mine is in a few weeks.

 

[RVR SWPR]

I heard the pills are huge, and you have to take 4, and four pills again, and a final four…. I don’t like big pills

Correct,was 8 good size pills,that got right with what they supposed to do fast.

 

[HTTP404]

 

[OCMerrill]

Tighten what up exactly???



(Sorry, I couldn't pass that up!).

Your interest in this is interesting but not unexpected.

 

[Bullet28]

Had mine done last October. 3 polyps removed all good. I’ll be 67 in August Doc said I’m good for 4 to 5 years. Drinking that crap sucks. Prayers that everything is good. For the rest of you that are overdue get it done.

 

[rivermobster]

Your interest in this is interesting but not unexpected.

 

[Caydens Cat]

I had spent some time implementing a CRC (ColoRectal Cancer) platform here in the US and Canada. Trips to the distributor in Milan, Italy were nice but I joked it was a shitty job. Anyhow, for those not in the know, removing polyps is normal and it's screening before the cells get out of control and melignant. The polyp lifecycle is such that if you get them "snipped" early - you greatly reduce the chance for CRC. Hope this image helps understand what they are doing/removing back there. Those that have health services like Kaiser, take the at home test if possible between screenings. It's looking for fecal occult, or rather blood in the stool, from emerging polyps. Sucks, but such is life. Stay healthy inmates.

 

[RVR SWPR]

I had spent some time implementing a CRC (ColoRectal Cancer) platform here in the US and Canada. Trips to the distributor in Milan, Italy were nice but I joked it was a shitty job. Anyhow, for those not in the know, removing polyps is normal and it's screening before the cells get out of control and melignant. The polyp lifecycle is such that if you get them "snipped" early - you greatly reduce the chance for CRC. Hope this image helps understand what they are doing/removing back there. Those that have health services like Kaiser, take the at home test if possible between screenings. It's looking for fecal occult, or rather blood in the stool, from emerging polyps. Sucks, but such is life. Stay healthy inmates.

View attachment 1231883

Really makes realize the diversity of RDP membership. Every person over 40 should read your post. Nailed it. Thanks

 

[Wayn-o]

Wife done this morning - clear for 10 years. Mine is June 9th.
Just standard maintenance you gotta do.

 

[havasu5150]

Mine all started when I did the poop test and it came back positive. I was freaking out and reluctant to go in for the scope. After they found the "big one" they scheduled me for a bunch of blood work and a CT scan. Thankfully everything came back negative.

I think we all have a little somethin growing in our colon. LOL

Same scenario for me. Unfortunately, I had to undergo a resection. The pathologist doesn't think the surgeon cleared the margins. So off to the oncologist next week for further evauation. fortunately T1 and it didn't get into the wall

 

[Warlock1]

Went to the VA in Florida for stomach issues and endoscopy was done. All I remember is they said my stomach was full of polyps blah blah blah cancer. Took a couple of samples and sent me to a civilian Doctor because he didn't want to take any out. Civilian Doctor said that taking them out can have major complications and just wanted me to take some liquid medication to keep the nauseousness away.

Moved back to AZ and my first order of business was to get into Mayo Clinic. Boom, Endoscopy and Colonoscopy same time. Found 13 polyps in stomach and all were benign and removed. Found a precancerous one in my Ascending Colon removed it and see you in 5 years. It's been 3 and I'm getting kinda antsy to go back and have it all done again just because I lost my older brother to Colon Cancer when he was in his early 60's

 

[MPHSystems]

But maybe all these changes are a day late?

A chip and a chair is all you need. I get that you got scoped before you had symptoms which is great. we found my bladder cancer about 3 months after symptoms. I’ve been cancer free for a few years now. Trust me, the dick scope is a lot worse then the poop scope and the best I get from my oncologist is a thumbs up and see you in 6 months. Last year I got a sad face and I need to go back for a biopsy ( false alarm) biopsy came back clean. Latest visit my phone rang as he walked in the room. He gave me a “go ahead and take the call” I was trying to end the call quickly before he got the scope warmed up but in no time flat he had that son a bitch in there.. You try ending a call when you have the Hubble telescope shoved up your pee hole. That guy is a giant asshole LOL, the perfect urological oncologist for me LOL. He was laughing his ass off.

 

[SoCalDave]

I gave up drinking, smoking and now sex. Don’t know if I’ll live longer but sure seems like it.

Pretty much spot on...

 

[poncho]

When I came to after mine I was greeted by a hot nurse a friend of mine had dated a few years back, I said what are you doing here and she replied I cleaned you up......Shit.

 

[941Punk]

I'm 47 and did mine yesterday, they found 1 polyp. When I woke up, they asked me how I felt, I said "I have no desire for a Bud Light or to use pronouns, I guess pretty good!" Looks like I'll have another one in 3 years.

 

[Socalx09]

Glad you went in to have it done. Hoping the best for results. I know this is hard because I stress so much about results and waiting, but googling and thinking about it will drive you crazy. Enjoy life and as my doctors tells me, don’t worry until there’s something to worry about.

 

[stephenkatsea]

Some Docs have gone to pills instead of the liquid prep. Same resulting draino effect.

I’ve done both. Much prefer the liquid prep.

 

[Willie B]

… never had one… The only time I attempted one the guy that was going to do it had silver teeth… Whoops… No thanks….lol..,

 

[gqchris]

Glad you went in to have it done. Hoping the best for results. I know this is hard because I stress so much about results and waiting, but googling and thinking about it will drive you crazy. Enjoy life and as my doctors tells me, don’t worry until there’s something to worry about.

Thanks I appreciate it.

No word yet so far so Ill take that as good news. I have been pretty somber all week. I have just been coming home and walking 2-3 miles with my daughter by the beach and trying to keep my mind off things.

Down 23lbs so far. Only 70 more to go.

 

[Kachina26]

you did the best thing - got checked
now you known you have a couple items to address

100% stressful when you are told you might have cancer. Waiting for the test results eats at you.
I was full on stressed when my wife had a bump behind her knee that was tested. Dr called my wife 3 days later (dr was on vacation) and told my wife the news. Surgery scheduled 1 week later and it took a week to get margin tests back. I was full on stressed and in a shit mood until we got word margins came back clear (all cancer removed).

Easy to say don’t stress, but harder to do.

Was there some sort of pain leading to the discovery of the bump?

 

[Singleton]

Was there some sort of pain leading to the discovery of the bump?

Zero. Wife had no idea she even had an issue. You could hardly tell she had a growth when she came home from the first visit, when they took the initial biopsy. Wife now gets a full body scan/review quarterly. Was told behind the knee is one the skin cancers deadly spots!

I get an annual review.

 

[gqchris]

Update: I had my post follow up visit yesterday. I waited in the Exam Room for 1 hour for the Dr. to come in. It was like being in a dungeon. My mind was racing and it was shitty to say the least.

He came in, tells me right way that the Biopsies came back negative for cancer. I just about hugged the guy. I told him I was panicking all week, and he joked that if it was cancer, I would have heard about it way sooner. The term for my polyps is Tubular Adenoma, and according to him, that's the kind you want if you have them.

But he also said I am not all the way out of the woods yet. Even though he scraped and biopsied the mass ( now its called a mass, not a large polyp which is what I would prefer to hear) there is always a chance underlying beneath it is bad. OK, I understand.

The mass is 6cm. But flat and rounded. He texted his surgeon friend right away and I am scheduled for Consult this Friday. he told me not to worry, Dr Wang is the top person in this field and it will all be done Robotically at Hogue. He even told me see ya in 6 months and then 1 year I have my next colonoscopy.

So, I am rolling with this news and I know some guys aren't so lucky to even get this chance. He told me if I did not have this done, in 2-3 years this would have been worse news. He said I saved my life and to thank who pushed me to do this.

So I thank you guys again. And those on the fence, dont fuck around, go get scoped!

 

[LuauLounge]

Da Vinci System
Only 4 each 3/4" scars on my otherwise imperfect abdomen.

 

[gqchris]

Da Vinci System
Only 4 each 3/4" scars on my otherwise imperfect abdomen.

That looks crazy advanced!

 

[gqchris]

Met with Surgeon yesterday. Peter Wang from Newport Beach (Supposed to be the best at what he does) . He advises I cut and splice most of my ascending colon out to remove the mass and make sure its all eradicated. He told me I am lucky so far it tests no cancer, but that they dont know 100% until they get to the bottom of this flat area. Surgery will be end of August and thats with him squeezing me in.

He also told me it is critical I continue to lose weight ASAP. For my recovery and also his success in surgery.

Been feeling down today and yesterday. My wife refuses to accept that this is still a serious surgery and thinks its just an easy wart removal or something. Maybe thats her way of processing it. Maybe I am over reacting.

I am getting my trust and Will etc handled ASAP, so that's good that this has lit a fire on me for that. Hitting the gym daily to supplement my extreme diet.

@LuauLounge id love to PM you on your experience and recovery times etc. I am the sole provider for my house and it scares me to be down so long.

 

[rivermobster]

Met with Surgeon yesterday. Peter Wang from Newport Beach (Supposed to be the best at what he does) . He advises I cut and splice most of my ascending colon out to remove the mass and make sure its all eradicated. He told me I am lucky so far it tests no cancer, but that they dont know 100% until they get to the bottom of this flat area. Surgery will be end of August and thats with him squeezing me in.

He also told me it is critical I continue to lose weight ASAP. For my recovery and also his success in surgery.

Been feeling down today and yesterday. My wife refuses to accept that this is still a serious surgery and thinks its just an easy wart removal or something. Maybe thats her way of processing it. Maybe I am over reacting.

I am getting my trust and Will etc handled ASAP, so that's good that this has lit a fire on me for that. Hitting the gym daily to supplement my extreme diet.

@LuauLounge id love to PM you on your experience and recovery times etc. I am the sole provider for my house and it scares me to be down so long.

Extreme diet? Don't do it!!!

Those are very hard on your body and that's the Last thing you need right now.

Eat healthy. Quality food. I eat from this cook book regularly. It really helps keep me on task...

The Complete Diabetes Cookbook

Take control with more than 400 healthy and inspired diabetes-friendly recipes. Without compromising flavor, we’ve tailored these recipes to fit within the often-daunting nutritional parameters of a carbohydrate-conscious diet, paying special attention to fat, sodium, and calories. This...

shop.americastestkitchen.com

I'm also just started reading this book. He's the guy from Chris Hemsworth Limitless show. So far, it's been a good read...

Outlive: The Science & Art of Longevity - New Book by Peter Attia

A groundbreaking manifesto on living better and longer that challenges the conventional medical thinking on aging and reveals a new approach to preventing chronic disease and extending long-term health, from a visionary physician and leading longevity expert.

peterattiamd.com

Nothing wrong with being concerned about going under the knife. It definitely has its risks.

But...

The good news is you are WAY ahead of the cancer game!!! After getting this done, starting to exercise and eating properly your whole life is gonna change for the better.

You got this Chris, don't stress!!!

 

[gqchris]

I have been also looking at a Second opinion as far as if surgery is the end all solution. EMR is highly successful now for benign polyps. I have a call to UCLA and to my GI as well.

Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR)

www.uclahealth.org

Removing a Large Flat Colon Polyp by EMR without Surgery

Removing a Large Flat Colon Polyp by EMR without Surgery

www.sease.com

 

[gqchris]

Extreme diet? Don't do it!!!

Those are very hard on your body and that's the Last thing you need right now.

Eat healthy. Quality food. I eat from this cook book regularly. It really helps keep me on task...

The Complete Diabetes Cookbook

Take control with more than 400 healthy and inspired diabetes-friendly recipes. Without compromising flavor, we’ve tailored these recipes to fit within the often-daunting nutritional parameters of a carbohydrate-conscious diet, paying special attention to fat, sodium, and calories. This...

shop.americastestkitchen.com

I'm also just started reading this book. He's the guy from Chris Hemsworth Limitless show. So far, it's been a good read...

Outlive: The Science & Art of Longevity - New Book by Peter Attia

A groundbreaking manifesto on living better and longer that challenges the conventional medical thinking on aging and reveals a new approach to preventing chronic disease and extending long-term health, from a visionary physician and leading longevity expert.

peterattiamd.com

Nothing wrong with being concerned about going under the knife. It definitely has its risks.

But...

The good news is you are WAY ahead of the cancer game!!! After getting this done, starting to exercise and eating properly your whole life is gonna change for the better.

You got this Chris, don't stress!!!

Thanks Brother. I should have clarified Extreme to me is eating only healthy. heheh. I guess a better word would be strict. I appreciate the words of encouragement and its a life changer for sure!!

Getting those books as we speak.....

 

[angiebaby]

That diabetes cookbook is really good. I had a dietician turn me on to it.

 

[rivermobster]

That diabetes cookbook is really good. I had a dietician turn me on to it.

Everything from America's Test Kitchen is great! I have a number of their books and an online subscription.

Best investment ever.

 

[gqchris]

Well, today is the big day I go in for my surgery at lunch today. Been clear liquid diet for three days. Feel pretty hung over this morning. Luckily a specilist at Hoag said he can do my large Polyp with the EMR procedure at the Speciality GI Lab . If all goes well Ill be up and back to normal quickly.

Just wanted to update on my journey.

 

[steamin rice]

Good luck!

 

[SoCalDave]

Good luck and report back once your back with us.

 

[HNL2LHC]

Good to see that you are getting things attended to. Post up when you are able.

 

[gqchris]

Will do fellas.

 

[havasujeeper]

Good luck, and just keep whistling this little song!

 

[TPC]

For all of you skipping it you’ll wish you didn’t avoid it when you have a shit bag connected to a hole in your stomach 24/7 for the rest of your life and you smell like a over ripe outhouse.

 

[HTTP404]

Hoping for the best outcome. Good luck.

 

[boatnam2]

Someone pretty close to me procrastinated doing this and it went to stage 4 with 11" of colon removed as end result, which i will say makes a little camera up the ass seem like a day at Disneyland. Biggest problem i see cause i'm trying to get mine done again is getting one scheduled, like a 6-7 month wait. Good luck with procedure ggchris.

 

[stephenkatsea]

Continues to be one of the easiest detected and treatable forms of polyps/potential cancer. Do it. Or don't. My Dad didn't. We lost him about 6 months later.

 

[dezrtracer]

Wishing you a full and speedy recovery ....

 

[Flat freak]

Nightmare exam. I had the jelly thumb from hell experience. I made my prostrate appt. With a now retired proctologists in Santa Barbara. I had heard he was a big man but this is ridiculous. So I checked in for my appointment and was ushered into the exam room for the wait of Doom. When the door opened I turned around and this guy was taking up the whole door frame. I looked at this monster’s hands & he looked like he was holding a bunch of bananas in each hand. That’s when I started to sweat, he was all business, checked my name & birthdate then told me to get up on the table against a wall laying on my left side. When he slipped that banana finger in my ass I actually yelled out “you mutherfucker” while I was trying to climb that wall. This is no shit right here, I will swear on both my parents grave. While he was buggering me with that banana finger he said “I can tell you’re not from San Francisco” I wasn’t able to laugh about that for about three days . That was the worst 20 seconds of my life , that’s a one way valve as far as I’m concerned

 

[gqchris]

For all of you skipping it you’ll wish you didn’t avoid it when you have a shit bag connected to a hole in your stomach 24/7 for the rest of your life and you smell like a over ripe outhouse.

So True sir. I just visited my friend on the 11th floor ICU here. He waited too long. He is 65. He almost didnt make it. Been here three months. He is 6,7 and now weighs 140 lbs.

Dont put it off guys!!

I left his room because his shit bag was leaking and he was pissed.

 

[gqchris]

Nightmare exam. I had the jelly thumb from hell experience. I made my prostrate appt. With a now retired proctologists in Santa Barbara. I had heard he was a big man but this is ridiculous. So I checked in for my appointment and was ushered into the exam room for the wait of Doom. When the door opened I turned around and this guy was taking up the whole door frame. I looked at this monster’s hands & he looked like he was holding a bunch of bananas in each hand. That’s when I started to sweat, he was all business, checked my name & birthdate then told me to get up on the table against a wall laying on my left side. When he slipped that banana finger in my ass I actually yelled out “you mutherfucker” while I was trying to climb that wall. This is no shit right here, I will swear on both my parents grave. While he was buggering me with that banana finger he said “I can tell you’re not from San Francisco” I wasn’t able to laugh about that for about three days . That was the worst 20 seconds of my life , that’s a one way valve as far as I’m concerned

Thats a prostate exam sir. This is the full camera action, but the good news is Propofol is sent from heaven.

 

[attitude]

Good luck!

 

[Sherpa]

The best part is when they don’t tell you that they are filling up your bladder with water and you think you just pissed all over yourself and the table. Good times.

Yeah, at the start of my appt (with my wife present) the little cute 22 year old gal was like “ok, take off everything below your waist”. I’m like, uh, I thought this was a follow up consultation appt.
Nope. We’re going in like marines. (I was working that day; this was a lunchtime appt….)

I asked if I could just wear my underwear still.
Ok.
Then comes “probe-time”. I’m glued to the monitor.
During parts of the procedure I said the same thing: I feel like I’m peeing… dr said you are..

After the horror was over, my shorts (now completely soaked) and I’m like: can I at least have some wet wipes and a towel? You guys never said I’d get soaked! I gotta go back to work now! I had to return to work commando.

Arg….

 

[LB247XS]

I'm getting my 1st colonoscopy on Tuesday.

 

[ChumpChange]

Good luck Chris.

 

[gqchris]

Thanks all.

I am back home. Procedue was said to be a success according to Dr Korc. Which is amazing by the way in his bedside manner and explaining everything.

I was out much longer then expected. Close to three hours. Usually takes 30-45 mins but he said mine was “complicated”. They used 11 hemostatis clips, which is pretty high.

At home now with my girls, feel like was run over by a truck. Got some chicken noodle soup. But overall sucess.

Follow up camera in 6 months. I feel truly like I dodged a huge bullet!

 

[gqchris]

I'm getting my 1st colonoscopy on Tuesday.

Good luck and if you need an tips hit me up! Im becoming a “pro” now. Hehe.

Try to ask for the Suprep. Less liquid to drink