Originally Posted by ger715

Caroline, I am very close to your age. I didn't feel I needed Colonoscopies; after 50 or even 60 since there wasn't any cancer on either of my parents side; so why get a Colonoscopy...??.

A few years ago, I went to the ER because of my having awful constipation and difficulty have a BM....Eventually was admitted because no matter what was administered, still somewhat impacted.

After being admitted; the following day, a GI doctor came to see me trying to convince me I should take the Movi Prep, etc. and get a Colonoscopy. It took some doing, My children sided with the GI doctor. I gave in and gave the "okay"....

Drank the awful "stuff"; next day my scheduled Colonoscopy took place. Results; I had a cancerous tumor at the top of my rectum.....Following day had surgery to remove the rectum and a few feet of colon. I was able to have enough muscle to attached remaining colon to an.al area. (NT does not allow the actual word so that's why the an.al).

I live with daily abdominal pain. Eventually developed 3 Abdominal Incisional Hernias They were repaired with another surgery adding to the additional painful side effects due to rectal cancer. I feel this very well could have been avoided had I had done timely Colonoscopy as had been suggested.

BTW: My 3 adult children all had a Colonoscopy done.... and will continue. They are not taking any chances....

Gerry