Comments on: Over 50? Join the ‘Colonoscopy Club’

By: Cathy

Cathy — Sat, 11 May 2013 16:53:27 +0000

Last summer, my husband got coerced into getting a colonoscopy just because he was 60 years old. No problems, no symptoms, no issues. Just go get one ‘because’ it’s the thing to do. The idiot doctor removed a so-called ‘polyp’ and sent it to the lab. In removing this ‘polyp,’ the idiot managed to laser burn a quarter sized hole in Doug’s colon. With this perforation, within 24 hours after the colonoscopy, Doug had to have about 7 inches of his colon removed, pieced back together, and fortunately did not have to have a colostomy bag. The emergency room charges at our hometown hospital, then the ambulance to take him to a larger city hospital for the repair surgery, plus that hospital bill, surgery, anesthesia, etc. amounted to over $35,000 approx. His deductible amount was $5,000. He missed 8 weeks of work, has a scar from breastbone to belly button, and is still paying the bills the insurance didn’t cover. Oh, by the way – the ‘polyp’ was benign. It is now supposed to be ‘my turn’ to get a colonoscopy, and I will not get one unless I have some damn good reason to because of symptoms.

By: paul

paul — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 17:18:29 +0000

i too am a physician, worked mostly in ICU, currently getting ready to turn 65. generally healthy, happy, learning to live on medicare and social security.
decided not to have any screening tests; if illness strikes will receive medications for pain.

otherwise i lived my life, totally satisfied, will not parasitize on still living/working persons to pay for my ‘terminal care’; will leave in peace when the time comes to go.

By: crg

crg — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 17:08:18 +0000

Please, never under estimate the need for Colonoscopy if you have
1. change in bowel movement
2. blood in stool
3. fatigue and loss of weight – do a occult blood test first.

Never ever think that only above 50 needs to screen for Colonoscopy. Even if the doc says so, get a second, third opinion .

Believe me when I say this – as a Cancer Patient.

By: E Gold MD

E Gold MD — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 17:05:36 +0000

The incidence of colon cancer varies widely across ethnic groups and countries. As one example, if people with a family history of colon cancer are excluded, the lifestyle (read: red meat) risk of Japanese in Hawaii is nine times that of Japanese in Japan. Since my wife and I do not have a lifestyle that causes colon caner or a worrisome family history, we are skipping this screening test.

Current best estimates are that 70% of cancer in the US is lifestyle related. Much of the remainder segregates to the people with positive family history of cancer below age 60. That group would be well served by judicious use of targeted screening.

The earlier post by ‘Artist’ is spot on.

By: Wolfie

Wolfie — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 16:45:46 +0000

My sister passed away January 27th from colon cancer, after a harrowing 2 year battle, including living with a colostomy bag, at 53 years of age – turns out she had rectal bleeding for years, and attributed it to hemorrhoids – and the embarrsment of telling anyone about it – so she basically had it from age 46ish to not being diagnosed until it was stage IV. No other health problems, ate well, was at the gym regularly, no smoking or drinking, no family history. GET A COLONOSCOPY AND AVOID DYING A TERRIBLE DEATH – YEARS IN THE MAKING……….

By: D9

D9 — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 16:09:09 +0000

Welcome to the “Club”, Richard!

By: Terrry

Terrry — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 15:58:03 +0000

This is why healthcare costs have skyrocketed. Too many “recommended” test to check your health only to eventually die anyway. I think if you avoid risks like smoking, too much alchohol, illegal drugs, etc., your chances of living a long life are pretty good. Of course, some people are predisposed by inherent problems in the family tree to get cancers, certain diseases, etc. But, my opinion is, if you come from good genes and avoid risky behavior, you’ll probably live a good long life.

By: artist

artist — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 15:52:02 +0000

What a scam!

By: Jimmy

Jimmy — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 15:40:41 +0000

When are they going to come up with a less invasive and risky test? 5 n 1000 colonoscopy patients face serious complications. I think ultrasound technology is underused and underrated.

By: dangerous

dangerous — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 15:34:11 +0000

Colonoscopy is not risk free. .7% of patients are hospitalized as a result of complications. Perfectly healthy people have had their colons punctured and died as a result.