Colonoscopy

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-14-2006
Colonoscopy
5
Fri, 12-14-2007 - 10:58pm

Hey everyone!


I'm new to this board and I have a few question for you guys about colon cancer.  A semi long story is to follow!  :  ) 


I'm 36 years old and was told by my gastro(after being refered to him by my primary care phys.) that my symptoms:  severe diarrea, bouts of constipation, severe abdominal pain, gassiness, and feeling of a "blockage" when I sometimes BM...probably mean IBM but (because of a STRONG incidence of colon cancer on both sides of the famiy) he would go ahead with a colonoscopy. 


During the colonoscopy, they found 3 polyps.  They scheduled a follow-up for two weeks later.


After about a week (before I was to see the doc. for a follow up), I started to have the painful diarrea again, but this time when I went to the bathroom I noticed that my stool was maroon in color (this would be monday afternoon).  This went on for the rest of the day each time I went.  I called the gastro, mentioned my bleeding and they scheduled an appoinment for the next day with my regular dr's PA (my dr was busy)  The PA told me the results of my colonoscopy.  She said that all of the polyps were benign but, one of the polyps she described as pre-cancerous.  She said he biopsied other (random) parts of the colon and they came back fine.  She also said that I wouldn't have to be scheduled for another colonoscopy for 5 years.  I told her about the bleeding, let her know that I still was bleeding and she gave me the testing strip thingys to determine if it was actually blood.  It was.  She also tested for anemia.  I was negative for anemia.  I continued to have maroon colored stools until that Thursday night, when I went the next day after that...no blood.


They had scheduled a follow up after all of this and this time I actually visited with the doctor.  He said that the bleeding was probably from hemmorroids, even though he told me that he didn't see any when he did the colonoscopy.  He said he still thinks I have IBS (even though my sis has Crohns) and wants me to take a med. he prescribed for when I get the bouts of diarrea and pain.  He scheduled another follow up for 3 months later and told me to call them if I noticed the blood again.


 


My questions are: 


Do you think, given my family history, I should have been more adament for further testing because of the bleeding?


Do you think that, again given my family history, that I should have another colonoscopy sooner?


Your advice is greatly appreciated!


 


Thanks,


Jennifer

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
In reply to: athomemom2006
Sun, 12-16-2007 - 8:52pm

Hello Jennifer and welcome to the board.


Well the one thing that you said that concerns me is "She said that all of the polyps were benign but, one of the polyps she described as pre-cancerous."

Hope everyone has a great Summer!

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iVillage Member
Registered: 02-14-2006
In reply to: athomemom2006
Mon, 12-24-2007 - 9:11am

Hey, thanks for the advice.

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-08-2003
In reply to: athomemom2006
Mon, 12-24-2007 - 11:25am

Philly already answered your ???s, but I have one.....didn't they remove the polyps during the colonoscopy?

Avatar for cyclegirl36
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-09-2003
In reply to: athomemom2006
Sun, 01-27-2008 - 1:36pm

Hi Jenn


I know this is an old post but I had to reply as I was diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer in September. I am 44 years old. I thought I had IBS. I had signifigant problems a year prior and was told by the primary care that it was hemorroids. I scheduled a colonscopy and voila..my gastro md found a tumor the size of tennis ball in my lower colon...she estimated it had been growing in there for 6 years..which means it started when I was about 38..other times I complained of seeing blood in years prior the doctor said it was hemorroids..no one every suggested getting a colonscopy because of my age...I dont' have immediate family history of the disease..


What I am learning about this experience is to take charge of my situation and DONT take no for an answer...its your body....if one doctor is passe about it..find another..I am VERY lucky to have had wonderful doctors taking care of me..I don't plan on checking out anytime soon..good health to you and God Bless..


Cyclegirl
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
In reply to: athomemom2006
Sun, 01-27-2008 - 11:28pm

Hi and welcome to the board.


Thank you for sharing your story.

Hope everyone has a great Summer!

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