I found that out the hard way, presumptive old biddy that I am. I had my second colonoscopy back 4 years ago- not really a screening procedure, I had both an upper and lower endoscopy to look for a source of GI bleeding. I had a positive occult blood test, and the next step was the endoscopies. Well, they found the source of the bleeding in my stomach, a couple of bleeding ulcers. But the colonoscopy was clear. I was age 70 at the time.
The doctor told me to come back for my next colonoscopy in 10 years. I didn't say anything, but I had no intention of doing that as I figured at that time I would be age 80, and that is well outside the screening guidelines. So I figured that colonoscopy was my very last one.
Well, fast forward four years, and a routine checkup with my PCP showed my hemoglobin had dropped significantly since the last visit 6 months previously, and I was significantly iron deficient. Bleeding, somewhere. More occult blood tests showed it coming from the GI tract. Another upper and lower endoscopy scheduled, and the colonoscopy showed a large bleeding tumor in the transverse colon. Surprised the heck out of all of us, me, my family, the doctors- especially since the last colonoscopy 4 yrs before was clear.
Fortunately I think we got the cancer before it spread to the lymph nodes or to other organs, and it's just surveillance for me at this time, no chemotherapy. But guess what's included in those surveillance measures- more colonoscopies! I'm told I will need those yearly for a couple years, then depending on results, less frequently ( 3-5 yrs). While I think the colonoscopies are a small price to pay to keep the cancer demon at bay, I still have to think ruefully about my smug assumption that I, as an old woman, had left colonoscopies in the rear view mirror ( LOL, couldn't resist) after the last one 4 yrs ago.
Seethru, I am SO glad you got your colonoscopy, and even gladder that it was ok. I know they're a pain in the you know where, the prep is yucko, but if a colonoscopy is the best way to monitor your ongoing GI issues, then IMO it's a small price to pay to keep you well. And it's good to know that the doc doing the procedure knows you well, and plans to be gentle and careful when you go through that.
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