I had my annual "chat with the Doc" visit today, and he pointed out that it won't be long before time to check the colon. I was a little surprised when he said Cologuard was a valid option.

Here's what I know:
* Cologuard checks the DNA in your poo. My tinfoil hat says I'm not enthused about shipping a DNA sample off to some large entity. However,
* Cologuard doesn't require a day's worth of "preparation," anesthesia, and a probing.
* A successful Cologuard scan puts off the next one for three years. A successful colonoscopy puts off the next one for ten.
* A colonoscopy could get me a day or two off work, considering the preparation and procedure. I'd like a couple of days off, but I don't think I want to get them that way. I'd prefer to be fully functional on my "vacation" days.
* Cologuard seems a little "Wierd Science" to me; a colonoscopy provides empirical (visible) evidence of its findings.

Question:
What do you know, SF friends?

Choices:
Poo in a bag, and then ship it?
Poo for a day, and then get probed?

 

With zero risk factors and zero symptoms, Cologuard is a perfectly acceptable alternative.

My brother is a gastroenterologist. I have it on pretty good authority that the above is accurate.

I did one last year and it's a piece of cake. Just make sure your insurance will cover it (they should). If not, the cost is roughly $600.

Id go for the colonoscopy. Its a must for me every three years.
Prepare on Friday night and get the procedure on Saturday morning. If there's polyps they pull them out right then and there.

Get the colonoscopy the first time. If it's clear, then maybe do Cologuard every 3 years until it's time for another colonoscopy.

I know too many people that have died from colon cancer to take a chance with that shit.

The prep isn't nearly as bad as it used to be. I only needed one day off work. The "fun" part of the prep doesn't start until about 6:00 PM the night before. And I actually had an emergency at work the day of my last one and ended up having my wife drive me in about noon to deal with it. You can't legally drive yourself after the procedure.

Propofol/Diprivan is a good product.

GF just had the "Drink nasty crap and shit crap" procedure.

She said they found a couple of polyps that got snipped while Doc was "inside".

With that in mind, I would suggest having the Colonoscopy.

if its the first "check" another vote for a colonoscopy.
for prep
eat light for the 2-3 days prior to the "purge"
flavor packets...worthless just drink the solution its gross no matter what.
hangout less than 15 yards from a comfy bathroom for a few hours...vasoline also helps
go in as early as they have a time.
if all is well, eat something satisfying after.
like others said, the evening prior and the morning/day of is about it. by the afternoon or evening your good to go.

My physician recommended Cologuard. No need for an invasive procedure for low risk patients.

I have risk factors so my only choice is colonoscopy. Therefore, I don't know much about Cologuard so I didn't vote.

Colonoscopy.

One, it gets polyps before they turn into problems.

Two, there's no better way to get a heads-up on possible diverticulosis/diverticulitis.

Although the prep is hideous, colonoscopy is considered the gold standard.

Hard to pass up a fasting cleanse, a versed nap and a day off. My 3 year follow up is Tuesday. Yeah, low risk..the third leading cause of death is medical errors. If cologuard reveals something they'll likely want a follow up anyway.

Low risk? Your Triglycerides/HDL ratio ideally should be less than 1. Definitely under 2 as a measure of insulin resistance and inflammation.

quote:

Originally posted by 2Adefender:
Although the prep is hideous, colonoscopy is considered the gold standard.

Prior to CT and MRI, “exploratory surgery” was considered a reasonable diagnostic tool. Technology changes things.

I had my first scope this past December. The prep wasn't fun, but the procedure was absolutely nothing. It was a great sleep and a glorious meal afterwards. I'm a total needle wuss, it took them three pokes to find a vein, because I was so dehydrated from the prep, but it was still a walk in the park. Don't blow this off. Dying from something so easily preventable would be terrible, and living with colon cancer probably isn't much better.

I voted colonoscopy at least for the first time as there are other maladies of the colon that a colonoscopy can find that Cologuard can't detect and it is better at finding polyps.

Colonoscopy. Bring an ipad to the baño and watch a movie during the fun. The next day you get a propofol nap and wake up none the wiser.

I'm old school, a tube up the hershey highway is the only way to go.

Why the archaic resistance to science? If Cologard does it, cool. Who wants their butt probed? I know, I'm on the frequent flier plan. If I could crap in a bag, I would.

You did not mention whether you had any risk factors or symptoms. If you do, the colonoscopy is the only way to go. It is hardly exploratory surgery. The popularity of Cologuard has more to do with the phobia Americans seem to have about the procedure itself. You do not hear the same stuff about gastric endoscopes or ERCP. There are dental procedures that are much worse and leave you with substantial discomfort later.

quote:

Originally posted by RichN:
I know too many people that have died from colon cancer to take a chance with that shit.

Pooooooooh.

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