Public Service Announcement to the....................

[deuces wild]

............members out there over the age of 50.

Get a colonoscopy. It could save your life as it visually detects polyps (possibly turning malignant) and cancer in the colon. Mine was completed this morning.

The procedure calls for a one day fast (clear liquids only) and complete purging of the intestines (using a sodium phosphate solution called Fleet). The toilet seat becomes your best friend after drinking the first Fleet solution at around 5 p.m., followed by another one at 8 p.m. One drinks 24 ounces of water or other clear liquid after drinking the Fleet solution. The colonoscopy is performed the next day. Mine was performed this morning at the Cleveland Clinic. Results: No polyps, no abnormalities. ;-) I would recommend this test to any guys out there over the age of 50. The toughest part was the fasting and purging. The procedure itself was painless and took only an hour, including prep and recovery time. I also had 2 very pretty nurses. :D

edit: I had originally only thought this test was for men, but learned from my wife (after Nel's question) that both men and women should be tested. Thos's post also confrims that.

[andsome]

About four or so years ago I went to the doctor with a minor problem. He sent me for a colonoscopy. A polyp was found. Two weeks later I had a phone call to tell me that the polyp was of a pre cancerous type. If removed as they occur you escape bowl cancer, but if left you almost certainly will get bowel cancer. I was told that a drug was available that they hoped could be used to prevent recurrences of this type of polyp. I was asked if I would take part in a blind clinical trial, to which of course I agreed. The trial did not complete because of problems with the drug. Within the next few weeks I should find out officially whether I was taking the drug or a placebo. I will have to have regular colonoscopies for the rest of my life to ensure that I stay fee of bowel cancer. I can only stress that any slight suspicions should be reported to your doctor.

[nellie2]

Is this just a man thing or can women have one too.

[deuces wild]

My wife had one several years ago when she was having some abdominal problems.

So yes, a woman can have them also. The reason I targeted the guys is because colon cancer is more prevalent in men.

Edit: I edited my original post as the test is recommended for both men and women.

Andsome, did they remove the polyp during the procedure and do a biopsy on it?

[Thos]

My wife has a colonoscopy every three years. Unlike yours, DW, it was not completely painless and I had to be there to take her home afterwards. She has had several polyps removed.

I have had a flexible sigmoidoscopy which is a similar examination with an endoscope but of the lower part of the colon only. That was certainly painless and quite interesting as I was able to watch the TV screen of the camera searching around my gut.

All was clear.

Thos. :)

[andsome]

My wife had one several years ago when she was having some abdominal problems.

So yes, a woman can have them also. The reason I targeted the guys is because colon cancer is more prevalent in men.

Edit: I edited my original post as the test is recommended for both men and women.

Andsome, did they remove the polyp during the procedure and do a biopsy on it?

I was only drowsy, so heard them say that they would remove the polyp which had been found. I remember saying, "do I have to brace myself", he replied "too late we've already got it". Painless, DEFINITELY YES. No problem whatsoever.