moondoggy
10-31-2007, 01:11 PM
On Monday October 29 I went for my one year anniversary colonoscopy after surgery in October 2006 for removal of a cancerous large polyp. I was given clean bill of health. You will all know how grateful and relieved I am.
My focus and message forever will be early detection. My only symptom was some ocassional rectal bleeding and blood on stool and some irregularity. I had over the years some patches of irritable bowel.
My Doctor, was very dismissive, probably hemorroids, don't worry, have a supository! It was only through my own persistence that I finally got a sigmoidoscopy which led to a colonoscopy and then diagnosis of a very large cancerous polyp. It was stage 1, very close to the rectum and required an open surgery. Thanks to the skill of a wonderful surgeon who cut just enough and not so much that I would be left with issues of continence.
I guess my point is, be pro active for yourself, if you feel shaky about speaking out take an advocate along with you. Do not dismiss or allow anyone else to dismiss your concerns, no matter how insignificant they may seem.
Do not put off getting tested because of fear of a colonoscopy. People are fighting higher stage cancers because they were afraid of this examination. With easier prep and good sedation this is not to be feared. Pico- Salax is an easy prep to take.
Thank everyone on this board who are so helpful and supportive even as they struggle with their own journey with this disease. I will continue to visit here and pray for all.
Moondoggy
My focus and message forever will be early detection. My only symptom was some ocassional rectal bleeding and blood on stool and some irregularity. I had over the years some patches of irritable bowel.
My Doctor, was very dismissive, probably hemorroids, don't worry, have a supository! It was only through my own persistence that I finally got a sigmoidoscopy which led to a colonoscopy and then diagnosis of a very large cancerous polyp. It was stage 1, very close to the rectum and required an open surgery. Thanks to the skill of a wonderful surgeon who cut just enough and not so much that I would be left with issues of continence.
I guess my point is, be pro active for yourself, if you feel shaky about speaking out take an advocate along with you. Do not dismiss or allow anyone else to dismiss your concerns, no matter how insignificant they may seem.
Do not put off getting tested because of fear of a colonoscopy. People are fighting higher stage cancers because they were afraid of this examination. With easier prep and good sedation this is not to be feared. Pico- Salax is an easy prep to take.
Thank everyone on this board who are so helpful and supportive even as they struggle with their own journey with this disease. I will continue to visit here and pray for all.
Moondoggy