Every 3 years colonoscopy recommended in my case.

Posted , 4 users are following.

Every 3 years I have a colonoscopy anyone else? I have had pylops removed in the past during colonoscopies. It has been recommended to  have a colonoscopy every three years. 

I have a really hard time with the prep it is very difficult and seems to really cause stomach issues for weeks later. Getting back the bacteria balance. Probiotics and yeast.

Foods are difficult to pass have had galbladder removed and find my doc adding to eat more fiber. Some of the fiber foods I do not seem to digest. Especially cabbage and peas. Several other veggies as well. I also drink fiber added to water and other types of fiber available. 

Anyone have this problem after colonoscopy? 

 

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  • Posted

    Does he think u already passed them, since theyre no longer visible on CT?  Or were they just too small for adequate detection? Also, detetction may in part depend on where in the ureter it is located (not sure of this.mostly guessing)

    I had one kidney stone 3-4 mm detected on CT last summer with only oral contrast, not IV contrast.  yes, I did collect it using a strainer they gavem me , so I was able to see it. felt a twinge when it finally came out.  There is some increasing discomfort on urination as stone gets closer to the bladder.That might be a clue as to wheterh its still there or had already passed  beforeThe purpose of collecting it is so they can see chemical compositiion of it n make dietary recs accordingly.

    Were u given such a strainer to try n collect it?

    • Posted

      I had iv contrast.  He did not seem bothered and said they were not there. I did not have any discomfort so do not know what to believe may be they were too small for detection.  I do not thinkk I have passed them the ultrasound said two  small areas of calcification so we presume they were kidney stones.  I guess I have to trust the professional. I went for ultrasound for something else intermittent flow and post micturition.
    • Posted

      Either way its good youre drinking lots of water. Good habit to get into for future stone prevention. And just in case theyre still there, it can help flush them sooner
  • Posted

    I've had mine done yearly, first year it wasn't too bad, the prep was a pain though, had me going through the bathroom most of the day, felt nausea and lightheaded since it was emptying the stomatch. Was sedated, woke up feeling like nothing happened the first time with this doctor. Had precancerous and benign polyps removed, wanted a repeat the next year. The next year same process, but woke up feeling like I had a hole in my stomach, couldn't eat for days because of stomach cramping, doc said it might be due to the air that went in while I had the procedure. Same results, pre cancerous polyps and benign removed although the degree of risk from the pre cancerous ones found udring the 2nd procedure was less dangerous than the ones found the first time is what I was told. Scheduled for another repeat after a year, which is this upcoming April.

    Not sure why my doc wants me to have one done yearly though, no history of colon cancer or polyps. I also read that polyps returning after they are removed is very rare so I'm not sure why I even had more found during the 2nd year..doc said sometimes they might miss them, although fewer were found during the second time. I read that pre cancerous polyps being found puts you at higher risk so they want you to have one done anywhere as soon as 6 months to 3 years.

    • Posted

      I think much depends on the size of the polyps and biopsy findings (such as dysplasia, villous features, etc)  in terms of risk for new polyps or for very small ones growing and potentially becoming cancerous much later on

      I had my first ever colonoscopy this Monday. And like many, the preparation was the worst part. I felt nothing during the procedure. My discharge paper said two verysmall polyps 3-4 mm were found , removed and sent to biopsy. And that I'm to have next colonoscopy in 5 years (instead of the usual 10 year interval)

      From my own readings, anything less that 5mm is very rarely cancerous and usually not advanced adenoma. But I'm still on edge. I never had biopsy or minor surgery before

      The doctor reassured me after procedure that those polyps were not cancerous. But I'm still very anxious about that biopsy. And it'll be weeks before results are available

      How large were the polyps found in your case? Often , thats the key to deciding the frequency.  Another possibility is that intervals in the USA and UK may follow different guidlines.

       

    • Posted

      Not quite sure about the size. But I did read the description mentions "oth high grade dysplasia and intramucosal carcinoma are in situ lesions." So looks like high grade dysplasia was found during my first procedure, during the 2nd procedure dysplasia wasn't identified but still pre-cancerous polyps were found. During both procedures it was mentioned that they were removed but i'd still need a follow up the next year.

      I'm sure all will go well with yours, I've had many other small polyps removed and they all came back to be benign.

    • Posted

      Thanks Grapes:

      It's a bit disturbing to me that descriptions of polyps, colorctal cancer n colonoscopies directed to laymen/patients neglect to point out that simply increading fruits and vegetable consumption and fiber, and increasing daily exercise-both moderate and intense-will significantly cut down on polyp growth and colorectal  cancer. This is well established in the epidemiology of much medical writing. I cant say for sure if that will help once the polyp growth process is already underway. My sense is it would. But will ask around further. I've already started such prevention measures on my own

      BTW: Im curious what "oth" stands for in your quote:

      ===============

      "Not quite sure about the size. But I did read the description mentions "oth high grade dysplasia and intramucosal carcinoma are in situ lesions."

      ===============

       

    • Posted

      Hi

      I always think it's best to be safe than sorry.  I have had 2 colonoscopies.  I also had pre cancerous uterine cells removed 9 years ago.  I was told they were slow growing (die with rather than of) but because I was HPV positive I had a 1 in 6 chance of recurrence.  So I was tested yearly until last year, under a general anaesthetic.  Finally I was HPV clear and told my chance had dropped to less than 1% so no longer needed testing. 

      So though it's an inconvenience and uncomfortable it becomes a great reassurance.  The prep is a real pig though, and yes I too has bad cramps, bloating and could have won the world wind blowing competition!!  Best wishes

    • Posted

      Sorry it was a typo, meant to say "both". One thing about colonscopies are that docs never mention preventive ways to reduce polyps, but as you mentioned I've been trying to add more fiber to my diet. I used to be a long-time smoker and I know smoking and alcohol are two of the most common causes for the growth of polyps as well as factors that increase the chances of colon cancer. Glad I quit smoking 6 months ago.

    • Posted

      Also to cut down on red meat and fat. Lots of fruit and vegetables

      As noted earlier, this isnt merely "nutritionist " intuition but is based on solid medical info. Much of it based on immigrant groups and changes in polyp/CRC incindece when they adopted diet n lifestyle of the home country. other type studies as well.Why they dont share this with patients is beyond me

    • Posted

      Glad to hear everything went well.  I am sure the polyps will be benigh at least your dr explained that he found.  With mine there was no mention of biopsy taken and was wondering whether he took one the polyp was 8mm.  After 4 weeks had to chase report which was good. Rescope in 5 yrs,10 yrs is a long timemay be the 10 yrs intervalif no polyp was found.
    • Posted

      In the USA the current guideline is if u remove anything u need to send it in to pathology. There's a move underway called "Resect and Discard" which would allow the endoscopist to make his/her own decision as to whether biopsy is really needed. Since most small polyps r benign, the polyps taken out can simply be discarded according to this proposal. And that would save lots of money. But i dont think theyve instituted that yet here. Maybe in UK they have

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