I know 2 people who had colonoscopy complications. One ended up with a kidney misdiagnosed as cancerous and removed in error. The other had internal bleeding and ended up with her entire stomach removed (the day after the colonoscopy—this happened just last month to my friend; she’s learning to eat without a stomach and doing well).
I had one colonoscopy at 50 but I think I’ll go back to the stool sample method going forward.
Twice, about eight hours after colonoscopies, I’ve had brutal UTIs. Doc said that the membrane separating the poop chute from the urethra is very thin. If there’s a small puncture during the procedure the two areas can mix. Sounds made up, but maybe it’s true.
In any case, I’ve had my last one now in my 70s. Have done Cologuard, and will continue with that method.
Nobody mentions the test developed in Israel where you swallow a little camera in a capsule. It sends a continuous video as it goes through your system, and is supposed to be very accurate.