Bowel Scope Screening

[GingerMerkin]

Just received a letter asking me to go for this. It sounds hideous with small risk me 'having a new ae torn'. My sister thinks it is hysterically funny and says I will be made to touch my toes whilst they do it!

AIBU to want to ignore the letter?

[NorthernRosie]

Very. Bowel cancer screening saves thousands of lives each year, including that of a very good friend of mine.

Yes the scope isn't the most fun thing in the world but it doesn't hurt and the risks are pretty minuscule.

[NorthernRosie]

And I'm not sure why your sister finds it so funny. Pretty childish

[Groovee]

It's an easy test to take, get in that loo and get it done.

[Maudofallhopefulness]

A colonoscopy? Just get it done, ds and DH have both had one, they're not that bad. The rank drink you have to have is the worst bit.

[Flamingoblue1]

Are you 55plus or have you done an fobt and got a positive result?

[GingerMerkin]

Home enema to be done at first then visit hospital.

Thanks for advice, just sounds so grim.

[ToadsforJustice]

As with all screening - bowel, cervical, breast etc, it's entirely up to you if you wish to take up the offer. Screening is entirely optional and no one can be overdue for any test.

YANBU to ignore the letter. It's not a summons, it's an invitation. The decision is up to you.

[GingerMerkin]

Flamingo, yep am ancient!

[Maudofallhopefulness]

Ds was only 6 when he had it. If he can, you can!

[NotMeNotYouNotAnyone]

Yanbu because it's your choice. However yabu to not consider the benefits and risks and make an informed decision.

[BMW6]

DH is doing it this thursday. He's not relishing the prospect, but hell it's a free test for his own benefit, so a no-brainer.

I'm wondering when I'll get my invitation (am 3 years older than him)

[LilacRain]

Go and get it done. It's not that bad. Accept the morphine and midazolam they offer, you won't remember much afterwards!

[ihateminecraft]

Are you in the UK? I didn't think they routinely offered colonoscopies in the UK unless you are over 60 and had a positive fobt. YABU to ignore, you are very lucky to be offered it!

[JessieMcJessie]

Not as grim as dying of bowel cancer you fool.

[notenoughbottle]

Have it - my dad was diagnosed with bowel cancer just before Xmas - he is only 54. You'd be stupid not to. If he was any older he have been eligible for the screening test, bastard got in there too early.

[ScarlettDarling]

I had one done years ago after I'd had some bleeding when I went to the loo.

I dreaded doing the home enema, but it was easy. The actual procedure was fine too, and really quick.

Oh, and you lie on a bed on your side...no touching toes required! I got my results there and then, no problems , just a small internal haemorrhoid.

FWIW my dad has recently died of bowel cancer. Having watched him suffer over the past few years, I would jump at the chance of any screening test. Is this just a routine test offered to everyone of a certain age where you live? Or have you had worrying symptoms? If you've had any scary symptoms then you really need to go.

[catfourfeet]

I had one , not exactly "fun" but fine. I was fascinated by all the kit.

when I had it do the table I was on was tilted to all sorts of angles to get a good view for the Dr.

At one point I ended up sort of "stood up" on the table and said "oh is like being on an alien space craft, and I have been probed!!"

The Dr had to tell me to stop laughing as she couldn't get a good focus on her screen :-)

Its fine,

apparently I have "masses" of bowel , lost of slim women do it seems.

would I do it again if needed, easily, yes

[KurriKurri]

I had one a few months ago after the invitation letter.
You get sent a home enema -not hard to administer
You go to the hospital, a nurse talks you through the pricedure.
You change into paper short with a hole at the back.
You get taken into the theatre, the nurse holds your hand and makes reassuring noises, the gastro doctor stick the camera tube up your bum, I have a very twisty bowel so it was bit uncomfortable and they immediately gave me gas and air and I sang a little song and rabbited on about how hot it was in the Bahamas apparently.
It was over in under ten minutes.
You are told the results instantly.
Short period to recover, if you haven;t had any sedation (and generally you won't need it) you can drive home.

It's a piece of piss - do it, the whole procedure is under an hour of your life. Cancer isn't a piece of piss it's fucking horrible, I know because I've had it.

[wigglesrock]

Yes, you would be. My dad was diagnosed with bowel cancer (late 2014), he had the tumour removed and chemotherapy. Today he got positive news from follow up scan and colonoscopy, he'd have a colonoscopy every day of the year if he thought he could prevent the cancer from returning, so would I.

notenoughbottle

[MercedesDR]

There's an old saying, 'one up the bum, no harm done.'

Get it done!

[GingerMerkin]

Thank you everyone, you've made me laugh at the thought of alien probes and liking the thought of some morphine. I don't drive and understand the test will be done at a hospital two and a half hours away on public transport. Am wondering if they would supply transport to get me home if I come over all ill after.

[GingerMerkin]

That is a vulgar expression Mercedes! Made me laugh tho

[JessieMcJessie]

Not sure how a poster with the username GingerMerkin can complain about vulgarity...?

[GingerMerkin]

I ain't complaining.

Very hurt Jessie, using my real name - not.