Coincidentally within hours of my first post I got to use this section for research - on colonoscopy, whereas I imagined it would be on vans and motorhomes.
After having been preoccupied with family matters for years (most have been there, it comes with the territory), I sent in a faecal occult blood test just like I should have been doing before. I had some polyps removed many years ago but somehow the years passed without a return for more tests.
It is amazing how the years pass and how easy it is to set aside then forget the screenings one should have done. Anyhow, can't be beating oneself up over that. It is back on the horse and the doctor has given a referral to a public hospital on the Gold Coast, but there may be a some wait. Fingers crossed.
Since becoming solo I have been making a conscious effort on self care, walks, dental etc. I have discovered some very worthwhile, quality, free and easy, short courses available on the Net too if others are interested. For example, Google FutureLearn.
Well, Leo, I have had many invitations in my time - but never one to a colonoscopy, that's for sure - hope they have fairy bread, and "little boys" - oooh and an ice cream cake!!!!!!!
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jules "Love is good for the human being!!" (Ben, aged 10)
Now you have got me thinking Leo, as I am in the same boat and had my last check about 5 years ago. Oh bugga it, I am 78 next Jan and something else will probably get me anyway. Anybody else share my thoughts? or am I out on a limb all by myself. I wait with baited breath for any replies.
. You show the best of forums like this, where understanding and humour can lighten the load.
I was given free drinks for the last colonoscopy party, which was many years ago - I thought 15yrs but it is more and I was supposed to front again regularly. Oh well...
I went from " clean " in 2013 to stage 3c in 2015 the **** moves fast. statisticly I have 36% chance of making 5years and 29% chance of getting to 7. take up the invitation.
Yes, thank you. I am taking it up this time and am awaiting the appt. Blood test -> no anaemia which is good so far the GP said.
I don't know how the years managed to slip past when I should have been having regular tests, but there was a succession of life events, family caring and death of near relatives. All water under the bridge now.
I am thinking of you and wishing you the very best as well.
Definitely, this is a serious business. we have friends with a 40 yr old daughter who had bowel cancer diagnosed about 3 years ago. She is lucky to be alive now, but has lost a significant portion of her colon. My wife has Ovarian cancer and has just come out of hospital, missing a significant pert of her colon as well. So do take Colonoscopies very seriously.
An oldie but a goodie... On the subject of Colonoscopies...
Colonoscopies are no joke, but these comments during the exam were quite humorous..... A physician claimed that the following are actual comments made by his patients (predominately male) while he was performing their colonoscopies:
1. 'Take it easy, Doc. You're boldly going where no man has gone before!'
2. 'Find Amelia Earhart yet?'
3. 'Can you hear me NOW?'
4. 'Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet?'
5. 'You know, in Arkansas, we're now legally married.'
6. 'Any sign of the trapped miners, Chief?'
7. 'You put your left hand in, you take your left hand out...'
8. 'Hey! Now I know how a Muppet feels!'
9. 'If your hand doesn't fit, you must quit!'
10. 'Hey Doc, let me know if you find my dignity.'
11. 'You used to be an executive at Enron, didn't you?'
12. 'God, now I know why I am not gay.'
And the best one of all:
13. 'Could you write a note for my wife saying that my head is not up
there?'
Two years ago when donating blood the Red Cross commented that my iron level seemed down which I then mentioned to my doctor who then ordered a colonoscopy which found a suspicious red thing up where the colon meets the small intestine. A fortnight later I got it chopped out (200mm of bowel) and since then all clear as it was at stage 1.
I went private as we have cover and was told I could go public but would have to wait about a year.
Bottom line is that if I'd waited that year it would have progressed up the scale and possibly spread into other organs as the specialist said it was a very healthy and active example, so if you can somehow afford to get the colonoscopy done sooner it will work to your advantage.
I am recovering from urgent surgery that took far more than that. I will not go into it. The colonoscopy took a while. But once performed, everything became urgent and no time to dwell on things (and nor would I dwell on it anyhow).
I have a couple of other health essentials to attend to that were identified during the process. The first being a sleep study - sleep apnoea. Noted by medical professionals, but I will require a sleep study for advice on most suitable device and for billing. That will have to wait a month (recovery).
