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colonoscopy after RP

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Posted 6/24/2010 2:27 AM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone, my oncologist want's me to have a colonoscopy to check up on the bowel probs I have had since the radiation, just wondered if anyone has had the procedure since their op? appreciate feedback.

Regards Mal.
Posted 6/24/2010 2:33 AM (GMT 0)
Oooooo!

Talk about adding insult to injury!

Have you read the Dave Barry piece on colonoscopies?

http://www.miamiherald.com/2009/02/11/427603/dave-barry-a-journey-into-my-colon.html?storylink=mirelated

Don't go for one without reading.

Sheldon AKA Sleepless
Posted 6/24/2010 2:50 AM (GMT 0)
That was a funny article, and worth the read.

I have an appointment for my first one on July 6th. I hope the doctor doesn't celebrate too much on the 4th.
Posted 6/24/2010 2:59 AM (GMT 0)
Preventative maintenance is the key for a colonoscopy.

Someone must have been hating on me when they told me that the pineapple flavor was the best option. It was absolutely vile. My brother told me one sip and he was headed to the toilet. I managed to down about 7 glasses of the disgusting concoction before I had to make like Usain Bolt and head to the bathroom.

The actual procedure itself was unremarkable. They use propofol, the same drug M. Jackson OD'ed on to put you out. He told me I would get sleepy and then I was awake and it was over.

On a scale of 1 to 10 after having a Robotic surgery..... I give it a 1 for pretty much being no big deal.
Posted 6/24/2010 3:04 AM (GMT 0)

I was told that it is ok to have one after RP without concern. I just had mine now - 2 years post RP.

Posted 6/24/2010 5:47 AM (GMT 0)
I was told that if one had significant bowel problems after SRT, a colonoscopy might be performed to identify and assess damage caused by the radiation treatments. Gladly, I only got a slight case of rectal proctitis from the SRT treatments and they cleared up on there own.

pasayten
Posted 6/24/2010 11:59 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Mal,

I had one just a few months after completing my radiation treatment. A biopsy sample was taken and it was clean. Doctor said "come back in ten years". Photos showed no signs of polyps or other nasty conditions. Procedure was pretty easy as I was pretty well out of it. Drinking the bowel cleanser the day before was the worst part. Briny stuff. Also plan on having someone drop you off and pick you up. The effects of the anesthesia linger a while after the procedure and you will not be in any shape to drive. At least I was not.

Goog luck.

Don

Posted 6/24/2010 1:38 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry, I had mine a few years before my RP.

The most (and only) slightly painful part of the procedure was when I got home afterwards and pulled the little bandage (where the IV was run) off my arm that was stuck to my arm hair.

Good luck!
Posted 6/24/2010 4:34 PM (GMT 0)
Mal...shouldn't be any problem as long as they know your medical history. They will be careful in those areas they need to be careful and not over react to changes they see to the lining that was induced by the radiation.

Just part of the stuff we have to go through with in life. My dad died of colon cancer because he refused to be checked on a regular basis (lifetime military man with the attitude nobody does that to me along with a few other choice words for better clarity) until it was too late.
Posted 6/24/2010 7:56 PM (GMT 0)
Mal,

   I had mine 4 days after a biopsy!!! Lots of action in a few short days. Piece of cake, tho. You'll do fine.

steve

Posted 6/25/2010 2:18 AM (GMT 0)
Mal,
I have had 4 colonoscopies over the last 10 years. I had the last one 6 months after my prostate surgery. The preparation is the worse part, the actual procedure takes 20 minutes and is painless.
Posted 6/25/2010 6:38 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks a lot for the replies, I guess it will be ok, but really did not want any more prodding of the old body, but at least that will be one more area that I can forget about.

Regards Mal.
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