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I know this will sound sick -- but I found my recent colonoscopy an interesting and reassuring experience..

Last year, I was scheduled for a mini colonoscopy, which is where a quick look is taken at a limited length of the colon without any anesthesia. A number of polyps were found and removed for examination.. None were malignant, but it raised my Doctor's suspicion.

So he order a full colonoscopy, which required anesthesia and about 10/15 minutes of "probe" time. Another few polyps were found and removed for examination.. Good news, nothing to be concerned about..

NOW - the interesting thing about both procedures is that the patient is provided a video monitor to watch and see exactly what is going on. The capability of the "probe" was amazing -- Clear video, well lighted - pumps air to "inflate" the colon to see into all the crevices, the ability to excise a polyp and cauterize the wound. The Doctor kept up a running dialog of what we were seeing and why is was so.

Folks should NOT avoid having the procedures - especially those over 55 or 60.. I've already lost a couple of seemingly healthy friends to colon cancer that was not caught in time to prevent death.

Believe me -- the WORSE part of the test is drinking that damned gallon of laxative to flush the system the evening before the test... The test was a piece of cake, and reassuring to get good news.

Semper Fi

the interesting thing about both procedures is that the patient is provided a video monitor to watch and see exactly what is going on

Were you watching it during the proceedure or on a video replay later? If you could take this live, I have gained even more respect for your "Semper Fi". Wow.

especially those over 55 or 60

Make up your mind :-)

... I had one recently, at age 57. The doctor told me afterwards that he had removed one polyp, and that I should have another exam in 10 years.

Then, I got a card in the mail with various categories checked off, indicating that this polyp was "pre-cancerous" and that I should have an exam in FIVE years. So, did a biopsy reveal something the doctor didn't know? or what? I tried calling back, but I hit an automated answering barrier, so I figured I have five years to think about it. I tried to impress the five-year date in my mind, but I forget it already. ... OK sixty two! "... if man is still alive ..."

I agree with you have had the same thing done myself no drugs I watch every inch as it goes thru even asked for a 5x7 glossy of some shots for Christmas cards for people who send those boring Christmas letters. Seriously everyone should have it done their is only a little discomfort and once its done you go right home.

"Folks should NOT avoid having the procedures - especially those over 55 or 60.."

Had my first one last Monday, age 55. The worst part is definitely the day before with that Phospho Soda poison. But even that didn't amount to much. The procedure itself was a big nothing and now I have a medical opinion, in writing backed up by a video tape that I am a "perfect as*hole"! In all seriousness, colon cancer is no joke. All of us of an age have lost friends and family to it. Everybody ought to get this test.

"Believe me -- the WORSE part of the test is drinking that damned gallon of laxative to flush the system the evening before the test... The test was a piece of cake, and reassuring to get good news."

You might want to talk to your doctor. There are alternatives to drinking a gallon of laxative. I've had three of these things, I know.

The first one was three years ago. The doctor found a few polyps. He told me later that he didn't have time to remove them so I'd have to come back for a second a couple of weeks later.

Three years later, I had to have another. I insisted on another doctor. This one offered me three alternatives for the prep. I could drink the gallon. I could take two pills and drink two four oz. laxatives. Or, I could take a bunch of pills. I choose the combination. Much better. Found more polyps so I'll have to redo in three years.

Still, I wonder if the first doctor who didn't have time during the first procedure is the kind who only spends a few minutes. Evidently, there is a chance that the second doctor is much more thorough since he obviously doesn't stack his appointments so tightly.