Thank you LonleyHiker and SillyBear for the feedback about my polyps. Yes grateful they were precancerous and removed and not cancerous. Just never met anyone with precancerous polyps so I didn't know how common or uncommon it is. Everybody I meet never have polyps or else benign ones. Go figure. It is comforting to commiserate with fellow compatriots navigating life after 50. So yes LonelyHiker you fit in well here. I had a baseline colonoscopy before 50. No polyps found. Now three after 50. Last two with precancerous polyps. What are your symptoms? Good that you are having a colonoscopy. Review the prep instructions and stock up on recommended food for pre surgery days and then for your heart's delight for afterwards because you will be hungry. And take a compassionate caring person to drive you. Oh and check with insurance what you will owe and with the doctor's office well before you go because you will need to pay before the procedure. No exceptions. Been to two different offices in two states. Both collect upfront. No billing. Colonoscopies are BIG business. They line us up like cars in prep cubicles and wheel a new model in every 20 minutes. The anesthesiologist is a nurse practitioner now. No physician anesthesiologist anymore. That was scary. He didn't look like he knew anymore than my car mechanic. If you have any questions LonelyHiker, just pm me or ask here. Happy to share. In the meantime, back to depression and anxiety.
Glad you got those polyps removed, Devenny. My grandmother had them from time to time after the age of 50, and she lived to be 98. Her death came about due to heart trouble -- nothing remotely connected to colon cancer. I think you can breathe easy -- just be sure to stay on schedule with your colonoscopies.
Symptoms are abdominal pain, change in bowel habits/stool, fatigue. I know this could be a number of things, but I am still worried. Also, I am without insurance because a made a bad, depressoon-fueled division back in March. I am going to throw myself on the mercy of the court and hope that they will work with me.
@doingbadly I haven't scheduled the actual scope yet, I am going in for an office visit exam and to talk about my symptoms.
Although based on how I'm feeling today, I may have to go to an urgent med center or the ER..
@doingbadly I haven't scheduled the actual scope yet, I am going in for an office visit exam and to talk about my symptoms.
Although based on how I'm feeling today, I may have to go to an urgent med center or the ER..
I make too much money (lol) to qualify for Medicaid or to get services at the charitable clinics in town. I spoke to the billing office of the GI doc and they said they would work with me. This office charges 1200 for a colonoscopy, and that's including the anesthesiologist. Not too bad, based on some of the figures I saw while I was doing research. Of course I know that will go up considerably if they perform any procedures during the scope.
Thanks for the kind words, @Devenny
Thanks for the kind words, @Devenny
I sit here and read all this, and feel like I can relate although I'm not 50 yet (48). I'm having similar issues as @SillyOldBear. When Silly Old Bear shared her issues I felt like she was describing exactly what I am, but I can't get Dr's to help me figure out what the hell is going on. They'd rather criticize me and think I'm just exaggerating or making shit up likely cuz of my age. This is a downside to being younger with a shit ton of issues arising.
I'm pretty certain I have autoimmune issues now, and recently learned that Crohn's disease is in my DNA (amongst some other hard core issues and 2 rare ones) although I'm well aware it doesn't mean it's active.
Recently I had to have an MRI on my right shoulder, and the results showed I have a couple types of arthritis which are both tied to rheumatoid arthritis which is an autoimmune issue. I also have degenerative issues in the shoulder, and the labrum has a big tear. It's called a SLAP tear. However, I don't know how I got the tear. The doc said this type of tear is usually caused by dislocation or separation of the shoulder, but I've never done that. The ortho doc said I am much to young for all this, and I happened to agree.
Now I have to talk to my primary doc next week about all the gut issues I'm having. She's aware of a big one at this point, and has always pretty much made light of it although it seems to be getting gradually worse. I told her this week that I have 3 issues I haven't even brought up with her, and one of them I've been dealing with alone for over 4yrs already.
If this is what it's like for me now I'm not sure I want to know what life will be like 50 and beyond.
I'm pretty certain I have autoimmune issues now, and recently learned that Crohn's disease is in my DNA (amongst some other hard core issues and 2 rare ones) although I'm well aware it doesn't mean it's active.
Recently I had to have an MRI on my right shoulder, and the results showed I have a couple types of arthritis which are both tied to rheumatoid arthritis which is an autoimmune issue. I also have degenerative issues in the shoulder, and the labrum has a big tear. It's called a SLAP tear. However, I don't know how I got the tear. The doc said this type of tear is usually caused by dislocation or separation of the shoulder, but I've never done that. The ortho doc said I am much to young for all this, and I happened to agree.
Now I have to talk to my primary doc next week about all the gut issues I'm having. She's aware of a big one at this point, and has always pretty much made light of it although it seems to be getting gradually worse. I told her this week that I have 3 issues I haven't even brought up with her, and one of them I've been dealing with alone for over 4yrs already.
If this is what it's like for me now I'm not sure I want to know what life will be like 50 and beyond.
@betteroffunknown Sorry to hear that you are experiencing all of this too. Please take care and keep us posted.
Thanks for the kind words, @SillyOldBear ..I'll keep everyone posted.