MIDDLE-AGED WOMEN 40-60ish
Comments
-
I too hate the IV part. Doc gave me some numbing cream to put on prior to. I used it when I got my nipple tats too. It did back fire the last time though. I numbed my arm and they ended p putting it in my hand. That sucked.
0 -
Barbe, Where are your reading CRC is aggressive? It is slow growing, although there can be exceptions (like in almost anything.)
O.K. here is a link to the American Cancer Society guidelines for colorectal screenings. It is different (more conservative) than the ASCO model, and does show some recommendations for 3 year follow-ups based on number, size, and cell dysplasia of polyps removed. If your doc wants you back in 3 years, maybe this is why.
I fall into the increased risk group and, for me, this chart recommends I get scoped again in three years rather than the ASCO recommendation of five years. Will have to see if my doc has a convincing argument on why I should have another one in just a year. Maybe he is worried he missed seeing something? But I have had two looks in the last year and feel the most comfortable going again in three years.
0 -
Okay already! I've decided that I will book an appointment TODAY for a colonoscopy. Normally I wouldn't choose to link something with a poop connotation to my birthday (55 tomorrow) but that's usually when I make yearly-type appointments. Coming up on two years since my BC diagnosis. I have been thinking the at home stick test is probably analogous to an Easy Bake oven versus a commercial dual fuel model and that I deserve the later.
So at this point, I guess I should figure out whether I should be asleep or just mildly sedated. Needles are not a problem for me. But Valium doesn't work and I hate the feeling I get from Codeine. Love the sleepy feeling after coming to post-surgery though. Any thoughts? I will have to read back and see what kind of cleanse you recommend, since my gag reflex is fully intact.
0 -
My anesthesia drug was the amnesia-class drug, Versed. I didn't notice any anesthesia hangover from it. I just came awake and had the apple juice.
If you want to be awake, they will just give you less, and you will be kind of drowsy but able to see the monitor. You might feel some pressure from the scope tho'. For those who never remained conscious, you didn't miss much, but the bowel does look like inside a pretty conch shell.
0 -
You know I think with Versed at least the "lite" version you are not "out". Like you can still cooperate to do things if asked. You just don't give a you know what. But then the only procedures I've had in 24 years are the colo. and the LX. I may not be the be all/end all authority on Versed. I had sodium pentathol in 1977 for a gangion cyst removal and was completely awake but made no sense at all. I remember yelling, yes I don't think I was polite, "I want a cheeseburger". Which is why your comment Barbe about cheeseburgers made me laugh so much. Hated that stuff - gave me a tremendous 4 day headache that rivaled my hand pain.
Mine was Versed too as well Eli. I don't think I had it with my LX (not sure what I had, couldn't see nurse anest. with syringes who was behind me). With my colo.it was like asleep, awake. No in between. DH seemed to have more of the in between dozing in/out for 10 minutes or so.
And yes I have the pretty inside conch shell pics to prove it as well Eli.
0 -
I think I also had Propofol in addition to Versed for colonoscopy. Wiki says it causes amnesia so you don't remember the procedure. And I sure don't. I can hardly wait to have my next scope now that I've learned so much through 3 BC surgeries & LOTS of tests. Think of all the questions I can ask!!!
0 -
Dang MinusTwo - after all that earlier discussion It was the milky Propofol that I had. Geesh what a terrible memory I have. Not Versed but bet that's what I had for LX. They use Propofol for pts on ventilators. Maybe GoatWoman needs some memory builders. Going to take my vitamins.
0 -
Eli..
0 -
How do you guys know what anesthesia you get/got? I have never had a doc tell me that, and it did not occur to me to ask.
0 -
Is anyone else's view of bco kind of weird? This looks more like a DOS application than a pretty Windows app.....
e - not sure where I heard CRC was aggressive, maybe just the urgency to find it in the first place? Why do they jump all over it with rads and chemo and not just take it out surgically like they do with so many breast cancers?
0 -
Meant to add; that IS really funny about the cheeseburger comments!!!! hehehehehehehe (Is that what we REALLY wanted or was it a code word for the CIA???) hehehehehe
0 -
Momine, I do ask which anesthesia I get.
From what some of you wrote, it looks like anesthesia for c-scope might vary; since at my center they don't use Propofol because they would need an anesthetist in the room, whereas just a nurse anesthetist is required for the Versed. I did have Propofol for my Lx (and then woke up knowing how to moonwalk and wanted to adopt a chimp.)
Barbe, If early detection is accomplished, sometimes all that is needed is removal of a cancerous polyp. (In that sense you can think of NativeMainer's case, where some of her 15 polyps were identified as pre-cancerous; or maybe hers would more parallel DCIS surgery, but you get the idea.) My CRC Dx was Stage IIIC, and for that I did get the full monty of treatment, not unsimilar to Stage III BC. They don't use "Grade" so much for CRC, at least not like we commonly use it with BC, but they do look at the cell differentiation and the aggressiveness that it implies.
0 -
OK, one of the reasons I am scared of the colonoscopy is that I heard that they do not give you anything here for the procedure. I keep meaning to ask about that, but the bitch with Greeks docs is that they think it is a fine thing to fib to "calm" patients, so I never know when to believe them.
0 -
I am stunned...I called to make my colonoscopy appt yesterday, and told the Kaiser nurse that I've been doing the home test for years, but I'm 55 and think it best to have the more thorough procedure. She told me that they don't offer it until age 60! WTF? That's not what I've heard in the past. Is this some new Affordable Care Act guideline? I asked if that also applies to BC patients, and those with several family members who have had polyps removed. She said she would check with the doctor and get back to me, which should happen this morning.
So here I am, having dragged my feet for so long, and when I finally get inspired to put on my big girl panties (or take them off as the case may be!) I'm told I am not old enough or suspicious enough to be part of the club. We'll see about that! Once I decide to do something, I am a really good advocate for myself.
0 -
Eli - I know I got Propofol for colo. (now that my mind is straightened out) because I saw the syringe with the milky color and even remarked to the CRNA about it. No anesthesiologist present that I'm aware of. No clue what I got for LX, one of these days I guess I need to ask BS for her report. But did I tell you I'm now on the yearly plan with her.
StaySane - Interesting what diff. org consider right age. I can't speak to it since I was 60 when I had my 1st. Has your doc mentioned you having a colo? If not might be why. I know I wanted mine done in 2012 when I was on 100% paid by ins. what ever the results found. That's why 4 days after I quit my job (DH has the ins) I was getting it done.
I got a Pneumovax at PCP 2 weeks ago. Waiting to see if BCBS paid for that. Also have RX for Shingles vac. Waiting just a few weeks for immune system to settle down. Prob. will talk to my pharm. today about it when I go to get groceries. Anyone else had an immun. at a pharmacy? I also need my tetanus updated but def. have to wait a bit for that - my PCP does do that. DH and I can't remember how long it's been but has to be close to 10 years and I do live on a farmette.
Momine - on another thread lady had very minimal sedation for hers - basically awake - as she has trouble waking up from anesthesia. Surely they would give you some nice Valium or something. I wouldn't know how to remain still thru that though I did have a barium enema 16 years ago and survived that OK. The prep whatever it was for that was gruesome.
0 -
Luvmy, as far as I know, they do not use valium in Greece for some nutty reason. Anyway, I am seeing doc in a few weeks and I will ask.
0 -
Momine - The first thing I ask w/any surgery is for a consult with anesthesiology. I hated the doc w/my first colonoscopy & I hated the way the drugs made me feel. When I switched, I had a long discussion w/my new doc about going w/o drugs. His comment was - sure - but I couldn't change my mind half way through. He did say that drugs are not routinely given in Europe or the Middle East and lots of patients fly in to the US for their tests because of that. Sorry don't know about Greece in particular.
Luv - I'm thinking about the concept of 'farmette'. So you're going to do the shingles vaccine? I can't make up my mind about it. Anyone else?
0 -
Shingle vaccine up here is $185....don't know. Did get my flu vaccine at a grocery pharmacy last fall though with no problems. Hey, a vaccine is a vaccine...isn't it? I'd rather be done at a busy source than one where the drug may sit for weeks/months.
I got Propofol for my last scope as I recall the doc bragging that is was the Michael Jackson drug of choice. I was just hoping it wasn't the WHOLE cocktail!!
I can't see how one could possibly RELAX enough for a colonoscopy! Seriously. I think I'd snap that bugger in at least two places if I was awake!!!!!
0 -
I know insurance paid all of the Pneumovax. I talked with pharmacist today. She says I don't need my RX from my PCP. They use their own docs - must admit I don't understand the ins and outs of that but whatever works for them. I need to call my ins. to see if they will pay. Pharm. says most don't get shingles vac. until 65 so Medicare will pay for it. Both are live vaccines so have to wait 6 weeks in between. PCP was all for it and he's just a bit younger than I am (61).
Barbe - I think that is close to US but US might be just a bit higher. Agreed - knock me out so I don't give a flip.
Farmette in the sense I have barbed wire on my fence line and tend to back into things trying to get out of gates to quickly escape goaties. Also cow (and a horse and donkey) live next door and their you-know-what washes in with heavy rains. I had typhoid shots as a child in Hawaii. DM said the doc told her we needed them because where we lived used to be a dairy. Doesn't even make sense to me but know we got them. DM made us take to the bed in the afternoon for I think it was 3 shots. It was by golly gonna make us sick and bed was the best place. Not sure it even slowed DB and me down (7 year old and 9 year old).
0 -
Colonoscopy update: Not happening. Nurse checked with PCP after telling him I had BC and family members with polyps removed (& mother died of ovarian cancer), but he still said age 60, unless I'm having signs of something unusual. I've asked family if anyone has had CC since it's not something they would shout from the rooftops, but haven't found any yet. I am ok with being vigilent and WILL demand one if I find definitive info that supports my case.
0 -
SnS, That is hard to believe. Maybe the question to ask is WHICH clinical guidelines HE follows? I don't know what you are looking for as far as "definitve info." but this is straight off the American Cancer Society link I put on the last page:
------------------------------------------
Beginning at age 50, both men and women at average risk for developing colorectal cancer should use one of the screening tests below:
Tests that find polyps and cancer
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years*
- Colonoscopy every 10 years
- Double-contrast barium enema every 5 years*
- CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) every 5 years*
Tests that mainly find cancer
- Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) every year*,**
- Fecal immunochemical test (FIT) every year*,**
*Colonoscopy should be done if test results are positive.
**For
FOBT or FIT used as a screening test, the take-home multiple sample
method should be used. An FOBT or FIT done during a digital rectal exam
in the doctor's office is not adequate for screening.--------------------------------------------
Search the internet yourself and you will keep seeing that "age 50" just about everywhere. Why is that? Well, here is a lengthy articticle about CRC prevalence among adults 50 years and older. And here's what it has to say about age:
http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/content/@epidemio...
Age
Incidence and death rates for colorectal cancer increase with age.
Overall, 90% of new cases and 94% of deaths occur in individuals
50 and older. The incidence rate of colorectal cancer is more
than 15 times higher in adults 50 years and older than in those
20 to 49 years.
The line has to be drawn somewhere. When just about all you see is stuff like this, data using age 50 as the starting point, wouldn't you want to find out WHY your doctor seems so comfortable with waiting until age 60? I would.
0 -
The nurse is wrong. Get the colonoscopy. The ACA allows preventive screening colonoscopy "free"-no deductible and you seem to have add'l factors in addition to being over 50 and never had full colonoscopy.
Insist that they schedule you.
I had mine after procrastination til age 56 and had 3 large , thankfully benign polyps removed-totally no symptoms nor family history. One of those was type that-in not removed - is known to grow into invasive cancer. The GI doc actually came out post procedure to tell me how grateful SHE was that I had come in for the colonoscopy. She then advised another check in 3 yrs, which I did this year... found another very small benign but potentially precancerous type "sessile" polyp. I will repeat another colonoscopy in 3 yrs.
0 -
Neither Medicare part A or B pay for the shingles shot and I understand it is expensive. Apparently some part D (drug) plans pay but it depends what plan you've chosen. Probably the same story with the Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) it would depend on your plan, but I stayed w/traditional Medicare. I haven't decided what to do since I'm not sure if I had mild chicken pox as a child or not.
I know this is outside the 60ish label, but thought it might be worthwhile in case anyone is breathlessly awaiting age 65. (ha ha)
0 -
Here's my experience with the c scope: Had my first one at 52, then I was told 5-10 years, right before dx with bc I was having some issues, so we started the process of scheduling another one, then that was put on hold to get through bc stuff. So last spring I had my 2nd and now am on the 5 year plan. I thought 50 was the starting age. I am now 61. Anyhow, I always like to ask lots of questions and find out what drugs they will use and such. I said I didn't want to watch, so as far as I know I was out. They used Propofol for both my lx and my last c-scope. I can see why someone would like it so much, but administering anesthesia every night is a hard way to go.
Now for the shingles vac: I got one last year. I had to pick it up at the drugstore and bring it to the office to be administered. I had the chicken pox real good when I was a kid. My kids, too. I also got the adacel vac which is tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis all in one. My PCP wants me to be protected as much as possible. I was having lots of breathing issues after rads, so she gave me the pneumonia one also. I am coming up on my annual physical so we'll see what else she has in store for me.
now I've forgotten who is getting the colonostopy and when?
0 -
Thanks for weighing in regarding colonoscopies, ladies (and the recommended guidelines, Eli). The plot thickens...my aunt told me yesterday that my paternal grandmother died from colon cancer. She lived into her 90's, so I don't know if that will affect a decision or not. The nurse I spoke with on Friday told me that, after checking with the doctor, 60 is the starting age (barring signs of problems). My cell phone died Friday, and when I got a replacement I had another message from Kaiser telling me that my PCP was out Friday and that I would receive a call on Monday! So I don't know if the first nurse was "winging it" or what, but I will voice my concerns and probably push when I speak to someone on Monday. Normally I really like Kaiser, but they don't seem to "have my back" in this case...
0 -
SnS, even here way up in Canada we start scopes at 50! Would your onc be more prone to schedule you one?
As for the shingles vaccination, I haven't read up much on it. I had chicken pox when I was little (LOVED the name at the time!) so does that make me more prone to shingles? I thought shingles was the "adult" version of the pox...so if you'd had the pox you had a lesser chance of getting it. Have I been wrong all this time (like, 5 days?)?
0 -
Barbe--the virus that causes chicken pox is the same one that causes shingles. When you get chicken pox as a child (or adult) your immune system attacks the virus until it goes an hides in the nerve roots where the nerves come off the spinal cord. Later, as in decades later even, the virus can reactivate, usually when the immune system is weakened. The virus crawls down the nerve and that irritation gives the classic rash, itching and burning. Often the itching and burning start before the rash, and can last long after the rash clears up. The shingles vaccine is designed to boost the immune system's memory of the virus, and help keep it in the nerve roots and not let it out. So, you can't get shingles unless you have had chicken pox in the past.
0 -
Ahhh, a very good description! I know of two people who have had it and know it is very painful. My step-father had a morphine pump installed!!! He thought he hadn't had chicken pox and that's why he got shingles so I guess he was wrong. Another guy I worked with was just in the process of investigating why his wife couldn't get pregnant when he got shingles. He took that as an omen and they stopped trying. He thought he had a chance of becoming infertile with the shingles (but that's mumps isn't it?).
0 -
Since some of you seem to know a lot about the shingles vaccine, what would happen if you got the shot but never had c. pox in the first place? I am one of those who did not have it as a child (but could have been exposed to the virus because I remember my neighbors being quarantined on their porch.) Then, I managed to nurse my own two kids through it without sprouting any pox myself. Kind of makes me think I must have built up immunity somehow. Would that shingles vaccine be a good thing or a bad thing for me?
0 -
Eli - I have read of having a chicken pox (varicella) titer done but no clue on the cost. I don't know the answer to your question. Pharmacist might know since they give them. My bet is you had a subclinical case but then again not sure what rxn might happen with a vac. if you didn't. Do you like to research stuff - hint, hint???
0
