I went to my regular doctor and asked for a referal to see a GI. The appointment isn't for a few weeks, but I'm going to talk to the GI and see what they think about my on-going bowel problems. I would like to have a colonoscopy anyway just to put my mind at ease, but then I start thinking if I do have it done suppose if they find something and since it's been 3 years it's most likely too late! CancerDad for example says he waited 3 years before going to a GI(due to mis-information) and they found his cancer at stage 3. Suppose if that's the same case for me or suppose if it's stage 4 or beyond for me?!

You are getting way ahead of yourself and it is going to drive you nuts if you keep it up.
If there is anything there at all then 3 weeks will make no significant difference so don't sweat the wait.
You can't walk over a bridge until you get to one and in this case you don't even know if you are approaching the river(to stretch the analogy).

You can inform yourself as I believe you are doing. Follow the prep directions, drink plenty of clear liquids including more than just plain water and wait for the results. If a polyp is removed then wait dor the path report on it and listen to the doc. If you wish get a second opinion about the path report.

My surgeon reccomends a c'scope after one year if a polyp is found, 3 years if none is found. I missed a 3 year c'scope by 2 more years and bingo, complete rectal resection (no rectum, permanent colostomy) but the cancer had only just reached the outer wall of the rectum, no lymph node involvement. Had I gone in at 3 years I would not be in this situation.

Jaydees,
Thank GOD you are back to our Rescue!!! How have you been. Know that you have been missed! Welcome Back. :wave:

Jaydees,
Thank GOD you are back to our Rescue!!! How have you been. Know that you have been missed! Welcome Back. :wave:

James, I am well. In fact lately, and just like that (snaps fingers) I have noticed an improvement in two areas.
As you know I am able to urinate but I am unable to bear down as before, if one wants to pee faster for instance. However last week , and so far only the once, I was suddenly able to do so again. It's gone again but was encouraging. At the same time I have noticed a change in the ED dept. I have had trouble with this since the operation in not getting as tumescent as before and not feeling the same 'oomph' at the end. Again, suddenly both those areas got a little, but noticeably better. This, after nearly 4 years.

Thanks for the welcome back. :wave:
Got burned out there for a while and was not visiting any forums very much.(including not only this or the ostomy forum but also personal interest forums I usually frequented)

Jaydees:

I hear you with that one, believe me I HEAR YOU!!! We are glad to have you here, and ALWAYS will be!

As far as nerve regrowth goes.... THAT IS EXCELLENT AND ENCOURAGING NEWS... not just for you, but for ME as well! They keep telling me that when the nerves are cut, they try to grow down the same tract... when they can't find their way, they go crazy and grow everywhere (hence, part of the pain I feel). Eventually, it's the hope that they will find their way back to where they belong and reconnect.

I was also told that this will come in spurts if you will. It doesn't all happen at once. Sometimes it will work, other times NOT. Even if you use medication, sometimes it will work, othertimes not... especially with regard to the ED. Don't get discouraged. It's a great sign, and will happen more and more frequently. YOUR ON YOUR WAY MAN!!! I am so ecstatic I can't even tell you!!!! :D

Warmest Regards,
CancerDad