I have been asked to have a coloscopy, I am really worried. If any women can share their experience.?

Question

I'm really worried. I hope i havnt got cancer! Have any women been for the same test and have negative or positive results. I'm in Manchester UK thanks for any input

Answer 1

The procedure is about as uncomfortable as a pap smear. It takes about 10-15 minutes total, including the doctor taking any biopsies that may be necessary.

I went through 3 of them. They're pretty minimal and they CAN save your life if you do end up with cervical cancer.

Good luck.

Answer 2

I'm a relatively old man and I'd like to assure you that my (8) have never have been the least bit uncomfortable. My worst fear is drinking the one liter bottle of (terrible) flavored liquid the day prior to the test. I'm weigh 214 @ 6' 4" tall and when the morning of the test rolls around I'm dying of hunger. I actually feel faint.

As the other ladies have said the test can be a life saver.

Six years ago I had lost 40 lbs. in one year and my gastroenteroligist (sp) ordered a cat scan before the colonosopy. After the big C test he noticed something on the cat scan. To me it looked like a clam shell on the outside of the left kidney. He called my urologist immediately. The urologist said it may or may not be a malignant tumor. He stated the cat scan had saved my life. Out came the kidney and doing and feeling great today. I felt so humbled with my experience I wanted to hug the whole world.

I'm followed closely because my dad had colon cancer at 49 years old. They said he'd be Lucky to live 5 yrs. It was such a long time ago (1969) radiation was not herd of. He's 86 now and doing well.
The very best of luck to you!

My hat is off to all you gals for letting me speak with all of you.

Answer 3

I'm in the USA but I doubt the procedure is any different. I look at my Colonoscopy this way. It is like having a yearly Paps test to watch for Cervical Cancer that could develop over time. It doesn't necessarily mean one has cancer . I had it done and it was painless and easy as pie. In the process they found a plop which may have in time turned into a cancer. They removed during the procedure and I have been tested every 5 years and I'm just fine. I'm sure you will be too. These type screenings are becoming a routine part of physician care.

Answer 4

If you are worried about colorectal cancer or colon cancer, this type of cancer is very curable. My husband had colonoscopy 3 years ago and they found polyps. He said that they go in with a small camera and it is uncomfortable, but he is glad he went through it. He was scheduled for surgery right away and they took out all of the polyps that the colonoscopy (camera) detected, and we were told he was at stage 3 of the colorectal cancer. He is now cancer free after the surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. In your case, it's better to get colonoscopy soon. If they find polyps at all, the polyps could be at an early stage when these are not yet cancerous.
Good luck, you can do it!

Answer 5

I am in Chicago, I had a radical hysterectomy 2 years ago because I had cervical cancer. I have been going to the oncologist for follow-up visits. My last pap test showed abnormal cells. I had a coloscopy, and all the doctor found were abnormal cells, no cancer. All that is supposed to happen is that the doctor will check you with a high powered microscope, and if there are any abnormal cells to be extraced, they will make sure to put a topical pain relief on it, and you shouldn't feel anything. Please do not think it is a sure sign of cancer, whatever made your pap test abnormal could clear up by the time you have your next exam. One thing I would suggest to you is to do all you can to build up your immune system. Please visit an immunization specialist, they will be able to provide you with natural remedies in addition to chemist recommendations. Stress breaks down your immune system, and the breakdown makes our bodies an ideal place for bad bacteria to thrive. Strong immune systems are able to fight and provide no place for bad bacteria to live. If you have cancer, you can't change that, you just have to know that you have to have it removed straightaway, and follow doctor's orders. I cried and cried, I was so upset that I wouldn't be able to have children of my own, I was terrified that something was inside of me killing me, and I wasn't even aware of it. It's different when you can see something happening, or take preventative measures, or arm yourself somehow to be able to fight back. I hope that you do not have to go to your examination alone, I hope that you have a strong support network of people who truly cherish you. Going through even a scare of possible cancer is horrifying to have to go through alone. They use the coloscopy to check the cells, they may remove the infection with surgery, meds, chemotherapy, radiation or even lasers. A friend of mine has the HPV, she has had abnormal pap tests since she was 16, she hasn't had any treatment, it hasn't been necessary. The cells are just abnormal, and as long as they aren't cancer, there's nothing to worry about. I hope you are well and that it turns out to be a fase alarm. And, for the love of God, always ALWAYS use a condom, and wash before and after. You can get the HPV from skin to skin contact, it doesn't even have to be bodily fluids. Yes, you can get it from oral sex as well. Be careful and take care of yourself!

Answer 6

Colposcopy is a detailed examination of the cervix (neck of the womb). A colposcope is like a large magnifying glass, which allows the doctor to look more closely at cell changes on the cervix. The colposcope does not touch the body, or go inside it. As with a cervical screening test, the doctor gently inserts a speculum into the vagina, so that the cervix can be seen through the colposcope. i hope it all goes well for you

Answer 7

I had it three years ago. I had to have it because bowl cancer runs in my family and it was done as a precautionery measure. Ihad the all clear but have to keep having it done every five years. Iwas in a bit of discomfort after it and had cramps in my tummy for a couple of days, but its better to be safe than sorry. GOOD LUCK

Answer 8

about 9 years ago for me, i had to go back to have 2 golf ball size lumps removed lucky all was clear, but all the thoughts and emotions do take over, i have to have yearly smears, i know people say try not to worry but thats all you do, talk to people dont keep things bottled up good luck all the best

Answer 9

My Mother-in-law had one 2 years ago at the age of 69 and it punctured her colon and she had to have surgery. It nearly killed her . She is only about 80 lbs. though and about 4'9"
so her size may have had something to do with it. Ask your doctor and get a second oppinion first.

Answer 10

yes had one done 4yrs ago same as a smear test thats all,i was about ten mins,somtimes the smear results come back as slightly abnormal this does not mean you have cancer'its just precaution,lots of people have it done'dont worry!!