Colonoscopy

[runtrails]

I finished my 35 session 70 Gy full pelvic radiation in January. Is there any reason not to schedule a colonoscopy? I understand there are restrictions on any biopsies during procedure

[6357axbz]

My RO had me wait a year before colonoscopy. What is your RO telling you????

[runtrails in reply to 6357axbz]

I have a message RO and urologist. Have not heard back yet.

[Tall_Allen]

You have to wait. Instrumentation now can tear your colon.

[runtrails in reply to Tall_Allen]

Thank you. Definitely would not want that.

[SierraSix]

I was told I would have to wait two years so I did it right before my SBRT

[runtrails in reply to SierraSix]

I had robotic prostate removal before the radiation so in hindsight I'm not sure if I could have even had that option. It wasn't presented with it. Thank you for taking the time to reply

[treedown]

I got differing opinions so I did Cologuard in the meantime.

[jeffreyslaw in reply to treedown]

how did cologuard work for you? Did it find polyps? Did it have false positives?

[treedown in reply to jeffreyslaw]

It doesn't find polyps it looks for DNA of cancer in your feces. It does have false positives and negatives, not sure the percentage. Mine came back negative. I just wanted to do something and this is a bit more specific than blood in your stool test. I plan on getting a colonoscopy at some point. Cologuard said the test was good for 3 years.

[witantric in reply to treedown]

Just make sure you repeat in 3 years. Unlike colonoscopy, Cologuard test is only valid for 3 years.

[treedown in reply to witantric]

Thanks but planning a Colonoscopy 3 years from test.

[LongevityAT]

Dr Kishan told me to wait 18 months.

[Spyder54]

STOP !!

LISTEN TO TALL ALLEN.

Mike

[tarhoosier]

Is there a reason it must be done now? Have you had scope in past with polyps positive for cancer? Are you at high risk? Has it been 3/5/10 years since past scope? If no to these question then wait for the time your doctor suggests. If yes, ask many questions about timing.

[runtrails in reply to tarhoosier]

No high risk or past suspect polyps.. Except that my annual physical with my primary doctor said it was due and wanted to know if he should write an order for it. My RO got back to me and said at least 1 year and would send me a document to give them when I do.

[hfl20]

My RO required one within the time frame of 5 years prior to radiation and none for 1 to 2 years after. I scheduled one about 6 weeks prior to radiation. My prior colonoscopies were done by an gastroenterologist, but for this past one, my family doctor recommended a proctologist (surgeon). Same procedure but instead of just the gastroenterologist and the anesthesiologist, the surgeon had a team of several folks (I assume his entire surgical team). The obvious advantage seems to be that any "damage" he does can be handled immediately. If I choose to have another at 75, it will be with a proctologist.

[tsim]

Even after the waiting period and since you're low risk with no previous polyps or family history you may want to consider having a colonography (aka, virtual colonoscopy) Can detect polyps down to 6mm. FDA approved and the top five major insurers are moving toward at least partial coverage. Medicare does not, but that's only because they're broke

[Spyder54]

Oh man…stop ! Your tissue is fragile. Wait at least a year. If anxious, do Cologuard from home. Its 99%.

Mike