Prepping right now for my 4th one. It's been 6 years. My Dad died at 48 from Colon Cancer. I'm 50. I'm sure I'm not alone here, the prepping is awful.
But considering a few of the truly sad threads we have had here in the last while, I shouldn't complain much.

You can always do the poop test and only do the colonoscopy if something is indicated. There can be complications from the colonoscopy.

That is what I’m doing.

That option wan't even presented to me. Maybe I should have asked my family doctor.

With your family history and being 50, I STRONGLY recommend doing the colonoscopy. Good luck. The prep is the worst part, for sure.

Thanks,
Yeah, that's probably what my Dr. thought.

do the colonoscopy, also ask your dr about the option of doing an annual CT scan - if your insurance covers it (it probably should if you are genetically at risk). an annual CT will pick up anything dangerous pretty quickly.

when the CT results come out, get the Dr. to play back the CT results on his screen and take a video of it (Or if he'll send you the replay file directly, even better). monitor it carefully from year to year.

Going the traditional route (no pun intended) they can remove any polyps they may find at the same time to get tested. Could make the difference.
There are worse places to run a camera line, don’t sweat it!

Wango, just got a letter in the mail the other day from Cancer Care Ontario.

link in the letter, www.ontario.ca/coloncancercheck

Something less intrusive is the Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT).

Yes, CT scan for sure. They are a piece of cake. Just make sure you know your deductible/co pay up front.

Also, ask your doctor about a CA antigen blood test too.

On the plus side... it's not a prostate biopsy. (The prep is not as involved for that, but man does it suck while they are in there grabbing samples)


I applaud your attention to the issue, and I hope you continue to get good results!

Thanks for the info guys.

Coincidence..... I'm due for one a week tomorrow on the 10th. I've had them before and am advised to continue doing so as I have other cancer issues, also last time I had a few polyps removed. The prep is not so bad imo.

Unless you have a history the poop test is fine ..... it's a lot cheaper so the clinic doesn't make as much. Cost of poop test/kit $70 max. Avg cost of colonoscopy $3,081

Just my 2 cents. 1st Best of luck to U Wango the Colonoscopy does save lives. As 4 me, I just do the Test. However , My adopted Sister hand it done and she said that It certainly Opened Her Eyes.

I am going to gently disagree here.

No history of colon cancer in my family. I passed the "poop test," but it was recommended that I get the colonoscopy.

Five polyps removed, three of which were the kind that tend to turn cancerous.

3K for a colonoscopy is a helluvalot cheaper than chemo.

+1 Dart

Its a good idea to get a colonoscopy at 45 ..... but unless they find polyps that could turn cancerous (or you have a family history regarding) I'd stick with the poop test after that. My dad never had a colonoscopy (he especially did not like doctors) and never had colon cancer.

I lost my co-worker to colon cancer two weeks ago. He was 62. He had a history of the disease in his family. He had been treated once before and they removed it from his colon. Some 4 years later in came back - by the time they discovered it this time is was stage 4

Having my 3rd one scheduled in 2 weeks.
The cleansing med and unavoidable running surprised me greatly the 1st time. Since then I have learned to have tactical iPad, magazines and books on standby for the time spent in the loos.
Is this what you guys are referring to with the awful prepping ?

The actual thing has always been the anesthesia nurse telling me to countdown to one, then I wake up speaking Swahili, or a mix of Mandarin, Cantonese swear words with a dash of French and English.
Different for you guys?

Cheers,
Slug

I had another co-worker who'd swear he enjoyed getting colonoscopies and bragged about getting the procedure done each year. He was also ex-Navy.

Yeah, they're talking about the powerful laxatives.

I didn't think it was all that bad.

But then again I've had the trots on three continents, so it's not a novel experience.

I will (and yes maybe stupidly) die before I'll have a colonoscopy. Just can't go there. Just can't do it.

Probably SHOULD do it (nearing 50 years old here), but just can't...

I'd take a root canal, 12 teeth being ripped out, a punch in the face, or a royal street beating over that. I've been through all these things, but I FEAR that kind of action like nothing else. I know I could put up with the PAIN (and it's probably not even all that painful), but for some reason that kind of thing scares me worse than anything else I can imagine....

I cannot fathom how anyone voluntarily does it...

I have been doing the poop test annually since I was 55 and I'm now 62.

Now the other end I find hard to swallow, every two years I have to get a gastroscope and even though I'm knocked out I react badly to having this tube stuck down my throat. When I was 8 I fell off a climbing frame and landed on the bottom rung of the ladder using my neck as a brake, I found it difficult to breathe and could not swallow for more than a day so I do not like anything close to my throat.
4 years ago I was in for my exam and even under the drugs I fought back and tried to bite through the endoscope with my titanium implants, not to say Derrick was upset about me trying to wreck his endoscope, Derrick is the Doctor at Genk University Hospital that does the examinations, he is also my wife's cousin so he didn't hold back when giving me hell about trying to wreck his equipment. Now I have to go for a general anaesthetic to get the exam. It costs me €800 for it mainly for the anaesthetist and all for 10 minutes of exam.

So far both ends are clear

My younger brother died of oesophageal cancer - he left it too long before getting it checked, and my mother died from colonic cancer. so I'm in a higher risk group.

Just waiting on notification on my next visit for the gastroscope... swallow...

I've shared my story, pretty much as it happened: The Big "C"

Coincidentally I'm headed to a scheduled checkup with my oncologist in just an hour or so, first one since December. I was seeing him every few weeks this time last year.

I cannot recommend a colonoscopy highly enough, especially if you have any family history of colon cancer.

Like Dart I find it to be no big deal, take the prep meds, sit on the toilet and read. Next morning go have the procedure, wake up and enjoy a good meal.

That sounds awful, and terrifying Alicatt. Your neck hit the rung ? damn.

Sluggish, the awful prep I was talking about is the laxative/roto rooter, you have to drink. It has a gross fruit punch flavor , and it slightly oily in texture.

The procedure itself is not bad, I get knocked out. One time I did start coming to, while they were still in the process, I was looking at a monitor and could see what they see, kind of weird.

Those who fear the procedure, it does not hurt at all. It's a little inconvenient for 2 days, with the only clear liquid diet. But I'm sure your family would appreciate you looking after yourself, especially if you have children/grandchildren. I'd rather go through the procedure every few years, than find out I have stage 4 colon cancer one day.

I think my wife gets the worst of it, she has to wait with me in the recovery room, and listen to my giant farts (they blow a lot of air up there).

Now, I am off to drink another liter of that yummy drink.

I too am about to have one of those ahead of double hernia surgery; the Doctor wants to make sure that there aren't any other issues and I'm pretty sure that there are because I told him why I thought there were and he agreed. It will be my second in probably 8 years, far less scary than the other surgery for me.

My mom got to Stage 3 colorectal cancer. She had chemo, radiation, and ultimately surgery. They tried to get all o fit but it got 1 or 2 mm into her sphincter so they had to remove that so now she is on a colostomy. Had she not ignored the signs she would not have gotten to that point. But she always was the strong matriarch who toughs it up. She almost died. She survived, but a few weeks after her surgery she had a complication where her intestine somehow twisted upon itself and caused a section to get cut off and nearly go septic. So they had to go back in and remove that section of intestine and reattach it.

So don't wait.

Because of my family history with cancer I was told I have to get a colonoscopy when I turned 40. I kinda missed the age but I did get it done--I too was expecting a very bad prep but my doctor gave me a prep I had never heard of which worked great. You basically drink a concoction of Durolax and Gatorade and you only have to drink it twice to finish it off and it cleans you out easily. So it does the trick and tastes fine. Ask your doctor about it. If I find the recipe I'll post it online. But it at least takes away one of the dreads of a colonoscopy prep.

v6,
boNes

I have heard that the Gallon Liquid cleaner is really harsh. I had the powder Cleaner, and it was not bad to drink. Results were the same. (the single dose powder path was recommended by my nurse friend that works with colonoscopy dr)
Just plan on camping in bathroom for awhile. Really wasn't that bad an experience for me.
As for the procedure, I got to "97" counting back from 100 and the next thing I know is the nurse and my wife are waking me up 90 minutes later.
I did ask the Doc to take pictures to prove to my Wife that my head was NOT up my colon....

Zamzow, I let my fear get the better of me when it came to getting checked. I have payed a heavy price. Talk to your doctor about your concerns, a better understanding can help ease the fear. I used to get anxious just walking into a doctor's office. I would almost pass out just getting a shot. Now almost nothing bothers me. It's amazing what you can handle when you have had the $#&@ scared out of you and you no longer have a choice. That and after watching two children being born, I felt I had better just bite the bullet.

KRT, I now have two post surgical hernias from my first big operation. That surgery does have me a bit concerned. I just had my gall bladder taken out and a fourth hernia fixed.My friends and family joke that they should just put a zipper in instead of constantly opening me up.

Get checked early. The alternative realy, really sucks.

All done, 2 small polyps, took them out. I had 2 removed 6 years ago, I imagine they would have grown a bit in that time, if not taken out. I feel good being proactive with this. I encourage it, especially if you have it in your family.

That’s why you get it done, glad it went well. And that it’s over with for a while!

5 years

Good call, WT.

I turned 50 at the end of August last year, had a colonoscopy the following October (after having to reschedule)...



I had 3 4 small polyps snipped, told to return in 5 years. Wife had her's a few weeks later and was clear, told to return in 10 years.

++++++++++

My fear of doctors and dentists is great, but not in comparison with my fear of divorce or worse, going back to a #%&*$# marriage. I wanted my fun girlfriend back and she wanted me to start taking my health seriously for a change, we've been meeting each other's needs for about 10 years now (especially the last 4). She's all the motivation I need...as long as she schedules my appointments and holds my hand in the lobby before any major procedures (also whispering 'happy thoughts' in my ear sends me to a better place, especially when including the promise of an extra-wonderful weekend). That's how I endure it, by focusing on better times to come.

Don't take that as "gospel". Keep an eye on "things", if you have an issue go to the doctor and see if you need a colonoscopy at 3 years from now, or 2 or 1.

I had my first routine colonoscopy at 49 and was told "Looks great, see you in ten years". I had colon cancer in less than 5 years from that statement and if I had ignored my symptoms for much longer than I did (figuring my ten years wasn't up so it can't be "that") I would probably be wearing a colostomy bag right now if not dead.

I couldn't help but think that I'm REALLY glad you weren't as thorough with the pictorial coverage on this, as you were with the N.Y.C. trip !!!

If there are symptoms I would definitely go to the Doctor.
If you don't mind sharing, what symptoms did you have F4UDash4 ? And how quickly did you react ?

It's usually visible blood in the stools or acute diarrhoea with no apparent cause. Anything unusual, see the doc pronto.

This. Or as I described to my doctor, and he said he was going to adopt the term, "constipated diarrhea". That is: having a diarrhea like bowel movement but not being able to "finish", hence having to go back to the toilet again and again all day long.


However I would never assume that only symptoms like mine were the ones to watch for as an indication of a serious problem, it could be manifested differently in others. So I always recommend that if your bowel habits change unexpectedly for no apparent reason (diet, other sickness etc) and remain changed for a few weeks to go have it checked out.

My symptoms persisted on and off for months, until it was near constant, before I sought medical attention.

Ah, yes, but the stool would be of a tarry, dark consistency. Pain may be involved depending how far along it is. If it is a bright red and liquidy, then it's more likely a fissure/tear or hemorrhoid.

v6,
boNes

Thanks for sharing guys. My Dad has had polyps removed a few times. His doc said to pass on that info to my GP. Being 47, along with that, it’s time to get checked.

Hahahaha, it's the old guy poop thread!

Only on SimHQ.

So might as well share the dirty details of why I got checked out.

First, I started pooping ribbons. Instead of the healthy logs, they were extruded for some reason. One cannot insist the wife come down and see the impressive poop ribbon before flushing it down. Only a log will do for that.

Second, it got to be poop, wait fifteen minutes, then poop again. Weird.

But mostly it was the ribbon poop that I did not like and wanted fixed.

Went to the doctor, who took an x-ray. Poop was being anti-social, with big gaps in the line on the way out. She recommended that since I was 50 and had spacing in my poop that was turning into ribbons, it was time for some RotoRooter action.

Prep kit is powerful laxatives. The key is to be well hydrated BEFORE taking it. Hydrated as in "I have to pee every minute I drank so much water." One will have the water in their system to feed the intestines and won't cramp up or have serious pain that way.

The whole procedure itself is quick, dead simple and painless - provided one learns a critical medical "hack." When they mention the word "sedation" immediately shout "General!" They will smile and say yes. When one requests a bit of morphine afterwards "just to make sure" they will not smile and say no - and then ask to review the section of the questionnaire involving drug use.

The halting poop was polyps acting as gates.

The ribbon thing? Apparently one can have a hemorrhoid on the inside that rotates out to shape the poop. The poop doctor said that while it's disappointing, it's harmless and not worth trying to fix, and it will wax and wane. A feature, not a bug. I look at it as a metaphor. While my a--hole looks normal in every way, it has a hidden special surprise that can really mess sh-t up in weird and unexpected ways.

I'm actually kind of proud of it.

Ah the extruded ribbons, I had that as well (when there was proper constancy to hold a shape). Mine was being formed by the golf ball sized cancerous tumor in my lower colon.

I like my story better.

It's a lot less scary, and kind of funny.

Yours is actually kind of terrifying.



But the key here is to look at your poop. If one is making weird poop, see a doctor.

You know, I was a little worried before but now as I'm sitting here waiting on the Nurse to return my call about the Colonoscopy they are scheduling I'm starting to worry a bit more. I've had This issue for a while myself and it is pretty terrifying.

This subject is one of the many slight indignities of getting old. I am constantly reminded that women go threw much worse over time. Gone are the days of being able to just "drop your ordinance" and get out the door. When you find you can't get the three "S's" (sheet, shower, and shave"), in under 10 minutes , maybe it's time to talk to your doctor. The "poop test" can show false positives or show blood traces from things as benign as slight "roids". Having a desk job for almost 30 years, a high fat diet, and getting lazy on exercise don't help much either.

Just a hint the next time you go in for the procedure. Just look your doctor in the eye before they start and tell them that you are entitled to at least half of everything he or she finds. This should endear you to your doctor because they have probably never heard this before.

Seriously though. The last time I had to get the prep powder, the nurse at the doctor's office gave me a great hint. It used to be at least a gallon or more, but is only a half a gallon now. Anyway, it came with some flavor packets, but the nurse told me to throw them away and go get a container of sugar free Crystal Light pink lemonade to flavor the prep mix instead. It totally covered up the nasty upchuck taste of the prep powder. I got it down with no problem at all. Of course I still wouldn't drink the stuff if I didn't have to, but it really made the mix very drinkable.

Cheers

The last 3-4 times I've had to do the prep (I had 3 colonoscopies Oct 2016- Dec 2017 alone) I've needed no prescription, just over the counter laxatives. Start with a double dose of Dulcolax, (IE 2x the max recommended on the package) and then about 4 hours later Miralax, also a double dose, taken with about a half gallon of Gatorade. My body has handled this well, no "spasms" etc. just a good flushing out.

Sorry for the hijack, but am I the only one that keeps reading that box as “Super Bowl Prep Kit”?
It should come with a jersey, nachos and a beer, but apparently not.

Well. some Super Bowl chili has the power to clear you out. Not sparkly clean like the Dr. wants though.

Haven’t logged in in quite a while but I still lurk around in the background LOL from time to time anyway.

But what you have mentioned boNes is dangerous information. The fact that I held on to a belief that my red blood was just what you said, a fissure or perhaps a tear almost killed me. By the time I had it looked at with a colonoscopy it was too late almost. Stage III almost) IV colon cancer - ileostomy radiation chemotherapy the works.

So- NO - Bright red blood is no pass for having things checked out correctly.

I must have missed this earlier. You are so correct. I too had red blood visible, as my tumor was very low in my colon almost in the rectum. So seeing red blood is no clear sign that the problem is only hemorrhoids.

I hate to sound ignorant, but finding out you have Stage III Colon Cancer that way, weren't there any other indicators, elevated white cells ? anything? I know I have a tumor and there have been some pretty horrifying moments on the can so understandably I am a bit anxious about what the results of this colonoscopy which is ahead of the double hernia surgery...

KRT

Essentially...loong story short I had a *little red blood many many years ago and immediately went to a local general practitioner who told me it was nothing, just a small fissure.
Jump forward years I had blood again and *again went to the same clinic where a very young Dr. said simply “you should get this checked out.”

(Dumbass guy mode on)

I decided it was still “simply a fissure” again after all who wants their rear end probed * unnecessarily at around age 28.

Years off and on red blood came and went and I devotedly held to what I wanted to believe. The discomfort didn’t come until later.

(Ultra-dumbass guy mode on)

So now in my my 40s I began to get bouts of constipation but I thought to myself “self your old now and constipation comes with the territory.” So I would take fiber supplements etc.
(Didn’t know at the time but my cancer was now circumferential meaning it choked off my lower intestine)
So a year goes by a like a frog in a slowly heated pot I was determined to be blissfully ignorant.

That is until the constipation became a dance between fiber and stool softeners. Then it was a crazy oscillation between severe discomfort w a bowling ball in my guts & Mount Vesuvius meets a slasher film director toilet sessions. A little later, I didn’t generally make it to the toilet as often as I would have preferred.

Then thank God I was forcibly convinced to go to a G.I specialist and I was off to the races trying to get my head around all that was happening and what was about to take place.

The real pain only came just prior to beginning treatment.


FAST forward to present- I made it thru intact (it was touchy if I would wear a illeostomy bag permanently)
Got married to a beautiful Italian love of my life who cared so much for me in the middle of everything that words cannot describe.

Since then almost 6 years out I am clear and am in better shape now than ever before. Several half marathon medals and one full marathon later. Several smaller iron man competitions and one half Ironman as well.

I understand your anxiety very well and pray the absolute best for you!

Ask your doctor about a CA-antigen blood test. That can be an easy way to get a better idea of what kind of tumor you have. Another can be skin problems. Is your skin dry, flaky, or rash? Back pain is another sign. I don't mean to scare you, I just don't want anybody to go thru what I did. Walt's description in spot on. The going back and forth between "regularity" is a big sign. Also, look to see if there is any thing that looks like mucus coming out too (I know it sounds gross, but this is serious stuff).

I too went thru some bad doctors that told me for years that my problems were stress, diet, and exercise related. Do not hesitate to question your doctor.

I agree the CAE is a antigen test specifically for types of colon cancer. And for a while I was telling everyone who had any symptoms to get that test.

I was sternly scolded from my doctor somewhat recently not to do that. I think his reasoning was that test in and of itself isn't 100% conclusive and you certainly wouldn't want to mislead someone.

Also agree absolutely doctors are not infallible! I didn't learn soon enough that you simply must be your own self advocate! If you have a question or want a specific test done don't just assume just because it wasn't brought up that it shouldn't be done!

I have my colonoscopy tomorrow, I'm on the clear fluid routine now. Fingers crossed.

Ah good ole prep...Bleah.

I hopa hope you get Propathol ! I understand why Michael Jackson was so fond of it !

Good luck.

I have PicoPrep, three doses to take during today.

If you thought I meant the prep stuff I actually was referring to the sedative they were using..
Propathol is cool in the sense you are out like a light and then poof your done...a short while later your off eating lunch fit as a fiddle!

Sorry mate, I did misunderstand. Well what you describe sounds OK. I'll soon know.

We really are a bunch of Old Farts eh ?

It's propofol, with an 'f'.

I think it is also referred to as "twilight" sedation. The anesthesiologist always says she is going to send me on a trip, and where would I like to go. I always say " a craps table at the Bellagio in Las Vegas".

Well, the mucus comment yes that is an issue as well sometimes for all the pushing and straining that is all that is produced. About once a week or 10 days I'm taking Magnesium Citrate a saline laxative which takes at least 12 hours to do anything and even with nothing but water it's a little difficult to get started because it feels like I have a check valve holding back the flood. Most of the time there is no pain but right now it feels like I'm sitting on a hard knot. I got my Surgical schedule for the Colonoscopy along with prep instruction for the 31st of the month, a lot of Dulcolax and Mirolax in my future.

That explains why spelle cheke wasn't working.. Lol

That is a little concerning KRT, I have to be honest.. I'm at work so I haven't scanned back on your earlier posts. Did you mention blood in your BMs?

@ Walt, yes and neither the Doc or the Nurse made much of that, "could be many things but don't get too worried" seemed to be the response. Damn this whole thread went to crap in a hurry..

KRT_Bong, what you are going through sounds awful. Very uncomfortable.
Hopefully your surgery on the 31st, gives you some answers, and some piece of mind.

Yeah a real PIA ..but thanks

Had mine yesterday all OK..

Good news Mad Max.
Had my follow up today, I had a couple of low threat polyps, was how he put it. Good for 5 years.

Whilst I would never make light of of any prepatory treatment or symptoms described in this thread, please click on the link which brings much laughter and tears for those reading it.....

The Picolax thread

Great news!

Well, you all motivated me to do the poop test. Mailed it back yesterday.

Hoping it comes back all good.

Turd-o-gram?

My colon surgeon actually shared this on her Facebook page, LOL

https://gomerblog.com/2018/06/govyolently/

Rapide Poopen

LOL nice mix of French and Dutch

Yeah, but I did leave out pics from the last couple of days passing kidney stones!

Returning to NYC March 8th, a 10-day road trip to finish the job.

I've had the Pineapple GoLytely It was awful, probably would have been better if it was chicken flavor cos pineapple definitely is not a good flavor for it. This weekend I have to pick up Dulcolax of which I am to take 4 and 238grams of Miralax (or Generic Polyethelene Glycol 3350 powder) and take miralax on Sunday and Dulcolax and Miralax Monday at different times and no food at all for my procedure which is Tuesday, Oh My.

A nice bowl of Capt (ret) Kev's mucho chili pepper, even more garlic and Sirracha poured on like it's gravy on meatloaf and BAMmmmm!





Makes it a more memorable experience...

Some of you probably already know this, but when it comes time to guzzle all the yummy drink, using a straw makes it easier.

They just banned straws in a few states. I wonder if you can get a prescription for one for your prep. Just kidding. Thread derail in 3,2,1....

American Cancer Society Guideline for Colorectal Cancer Screening


The American Cancer Society that people at average* risk of colorectal cancer start regular screening at age 45.

*For screening, people are considered to be at average risk if they do not have:

-A personal history of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps
-A family history of colorectal cancer
-A personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease)
-A confirmed or suspected hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome (hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer or HNPCC)
-A personal history of getting radiation to the abdomen (belly) or pelvic area to treat a prior cancer

I tick two of those boxes

Just started drinking my prep, mixed with Gatorade Frost (because it was clear). I have to say compared to GoLytely this is delicious.

That's what happens when Babe Threads are banned.

And we start getting into “old guys” topics.

I miss the babe threads. I really do.

Careful what you wish for, Haggart might hear you and oblige.


Wheels

Those aren’t “babes”; Babe Ruth’s maybe. Babe the Blue Ox, OK. But not babes in the normal accepted meaning.

Barstool Sports usually has a daily "smoke show"

BARSTOOL SPORTS

They always "grade" the teachers that are arrested for having sex with students. (this is an old Opie and Anthony bit)

OG, one of the owners of the site (can't remember which one) had a fit of lawsuit paranoia and made the "you can't post photos you don't own" rule, which killed the babe threads. Or posting a babe when someone did something great or had a birthday.

So now instead of a nice thread about 1980's babes, we get ones about colonoscopies, even though the rule seems to have been suspended.

Trust me, today's smoke show is worth a look.

Monday Smoke Show

Man, it hurts me to say this ...... I mean really hurts.

I refer us all to the yellow highlighted thread at the top of the forum.


That really hurt me.

I weep for days gone by.

Anyone else having urination problems? I once could almost wash the porcelain off the toilet with my "stream", now I am lucky to get it past the toes of my shoes!

I have always been able to manage to piss on my own toes.

Oh no, what's next ? A thread about Erectile Dysfuntion. Is Viagra one of the ads I am blocking ?

Oh and I would like to add Pheobe Cates to the list of hot 80's babes.

Sorry to put you in that position oldgrornard.

I don't mind old guy topics since I'm an old guy, at least for 132 hours a week. My old guy hours are currently: Sun. 6 AM to Friday 6 PM. Ya gotta pace yourself, gents.

Someone mentioned 80's babes? I vote for Lillian Müller...Van Halen's "Hot for Teacher" video (1984).

EDIT: Also the big haired caged babe near the end of the video!

2nd EDIT: Festival has been extended to 36 hours. It is the will of Landru.

^

You might forget how stunning Debbie Harry was, in the early 80's. She rarely to a bad photo.

Although this song was technically 70's (1979), the look and voice just melts your heart...



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGU_4-5RaxU

Transitioning from Disco, Debbie Harry would make Punk sexy in the 80's.


Would look great in a spreader bar (1981)...



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsKCU5ll3D0


The sappy romantic in me always had a thing for the chick in the second half of this video (1982)...



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRu9nWY_ias

That little hair grabbing hug he gives her at the end, I stole that move in high school.

So I went for mine on Tuesday, I had a very pregnant Doc and 3 pretty nurses so naturally I felt like I wasn't able to show my best side . But everything went well they said it took a lot to put me under 800 cc's or ml's or something. I have a few small polyps which were sent off for testing and I'll hear back in a week. should be good to go for the Hernia Op.

Wow great news! I very cool!

Hurray!

Excellent! Now to the Hernia issue....

Well it looks like it is going to be my turn, black stool this morning and yesterday my stomach was bloated and heavy.

I blamed the food we had on Friday evening, it was very heavy and it has kept me up for two nights. Yesterday I had a slice of toast and marmalade, couldn't finish my coffee, I drank lots of water - for me that is, and a yogurt in the evening.

I'm hoping it is just the food that didn't agree with me but still going to see the doctor in the morning.

Good Luck

Silly question but you didn’t by chance drink quite a bit of pepto bismol did you? Scared the heck out of myself one time.

I pray the best sir!

Thanks for the kind wishes guys

And no, Walt, I did not drink that- what ever it is, I did have some home made sangria, but it was not strong. we were celebrating the tenth anniversary of my wife's divorce with a couple of friends.

Just back from the doctor and I have an appointment for a gastropathy on the 16th, the doc recons that I tore an ulcer.

The results of my stool sample were no traces of infection and no cancer markers and of this morning my stool is back to normal, now for the gastropathy next Thursday...

Hardly slept the past few days, that news is a load off my mind

I know exactly how you feel Alicatt, still not heard yet on the results of mine not anticipating bad news but would like to get to the punchline a little sooner

Yeah the wait can be a pain but at least they were quick with the results of the sample here.

I'm waiting to hear about going for a colonoscopy back in the UK, the waiting list for the specialist is rather long and they are going to phone me when they can fit me in

I had a camera sent down the penis once, never again.

Just back from the gastroscopy.
While the exam went well, better than I thought and I was awake through the whole procedure, they have taken a couple of biopsies and there is a question about "Barrett’s oesophagus" so I have to wait to hear about that. I know that I could be prone to getting oesophageal cancer (Barrett’s oesophagus) so now I have to wait for the results, now I have to make an appointment to get a colonoscopy too and some scans of my oesophagus.

Back from the x-ray exam

40 minutes on an x-ray table as it twisted this way and that way and managed not to spill any of the barium drink

After all the pictures and video was taken I asked to see what they had been doing, while I had heard previously what the other doctor had seen in the gastroscope this doctor explained in detail how my insides were arranged or rather un-arranged, seems someone did not read the blueprint properly when they were putting me together, my stomach goes up into my ribcage and my oesophagus enters my stomach near the bottom of it, the outlet from my stomach is in the right place as are my intestines. Now I can see why I have problems and why when I move around it helps my stomach work properly, mostly I like to hang from something when I start to have problems and now I understand how that helps.

Apart from that they could see a patch where the stomach wall is a bit thinner than normal and that was where I had the bleeding from, no ulcers, no polyps, and nothing that looked suspicious, as long as I take the proton pump inhibitor and watch what I eat I should be fine.

I'm really quite relieved

Got the results of my ColoGuard test. All negative. So I’m good for another three years.

No one, and I mean no one, makes a hole in my intestines.