Colonoscopy time -- any issues after SRT

OK. Routine colonoscopy, but first one after SRT, which I had in 2011.

Has anyone had any problems with a colonoscopy due to radiation?

Hopefully nothing will show up

Mel

Mine done about 4 mos after SRT....no issues

Reminds me, Im up for colonoscopy tis year. Ok... ya got your colonoscopy, ya got your GP every 6 mos, ya got your onc or urologist every 6 mod, dermatologist every 6 mos for us haole guys, ya got your teeth cleaning every 6 mos, ya got dental exam once a year. What am I missing? I could continue with how much ya spend on insurance of all kine, specially for a home owner. And then lets go with all the crap ya got to take with you just to go to town for lunch, lidat. Top all this with normal senior moments. Oh, you like I go into the hassle of air travel even if you are only going a short distance. You like I go into the whole phony stop and chat syndrome including what both parties involved are thinking/saying as soon as they part company….

Thought Id mix it up a bit… no rhyme…no reason just a l'il dis and dat till peter cottontail comes hopping down the bunny road{ I said no rhyme} May as well end with a great line I saw an a birthday card…

"Growing old is like being increasingly penalized for a crime you haven't committed " Now where are those damm glasses? propped on your head…...Thank you dear….

I had colonoscopy some time after SRT, but can't remember how long after. Maybe two years or so. I'd had bleeding for about a year beginning about 8 months after SRT, but it had resolved by the time of the colonoscopy.

Here's the important part! My RO told me to warn the colonoscopy team to take no, absolutely none, biopsies in the lower 8 inches or so of rectum. He said if they saw anything suspicious there they should report it to him and he would refer me to a specialist for biopsy. This is because he once had a patient whose biopsy perforated the rectal wall leading to serious infection, and nasty consequences for the patient.

In my own case the colonoscopy team took no biopsies in the lower 8 inches but did report seeing damage consistent with radiation.
Jim

My GI said about the same thing and wasn't concerned. Mostly he went out of his way to reassure me that things would be fine and that he do an extra thorough check for any radiation damage.

second time they found some radiation proctitis and did a little zapping with laser on stuff and I felt much better afterwards.

Kind of glad I had the second one.

The prep is all you have to fear.
Andrew

I'm way over due for my first one.

How are you doing, Southern???

Tomorrow I drink the "kool aide".

YUK

Mel

Southern:

Colonoscopy is tomorrow. I'm currently splitting my time between my bathroom...and anywhere else

Mel

Mel,
I had my first one about six months after completing radiation. I have had two more since then and the latest one involved the removal of five polyps all benign. The one right after showed mild proctatitis or ectasia as it was put. Picture of this look like someone scratched the walls of the intestine. No problems for doctor or me on any of them.
Don

All went very well -- actually, couldn't be better.

No polyps to remove and no sign of any radiation effects.

I do have to do another one in 5 years, due to the fact I had SRT.

She did say they see MANY cases of rectal cancer stemming from radiation treatments, so we have to be vigilant!

Mel

I had a colonoscopy 6 years after SRT. No sign of radiation damage. Some diverticulosis, no polyps, nothing else of note.
I think I'll suggest to my primary care doc that I have one at the 5 year mark. The gastroenterologist who did my scoping has died in the interim. From gastric cancer.

But could be the cause of some the stomach pain issues I recall you having now and then. Not sure tho, if it is or even if it was you that had stomach pain now and then.

Outstanding news!