Colonoscopy - Do it!! -Get it Checked
by Alastair Turnbull
(Scotland)
I was diagnosed a couple of years ago. My wife, a nurse urged me to go as I was passing blood. A colonoscopy was performed. Not particularly painful as you are give a mid sedative, so you are not completely put out. Lying on my side I could see the TV screen-glorious technicolor! After a few moments I decided just to close my eyes. It was soon over (10 minutes ish!).
Back on the ward, after about 80 minutes, a cup of tea (I live in Scotland) and a sandwich I was told that I could leave. The nurse said a polyp had been found, but would need checking it the lab and I would have a meeting with the specialist in a few days. It did not mean anything to me (at the time...). However my son collected me and we went out for a meal as I was so hungry! By the way you have to clear the system out for a couple of days beforehand, not very nice stuff to drink (fruit flavour! Huh!)
I have had three colonoscopies so far. The first, as described, and then one a couple of weeks before the op (to mark the site). And then one year on after the op.
I have the all clear (fingers crossed for the future). And the blood which was seen at first had come from a haemorrhoid....So the cancer was spotted really early in a lucky way. Get it checked! Best to be safe than sorry! Early diagnosis.........
Alastair (aged 60 Male)
