Recently (last 5-10 years) the HMO we use started sending a test similar to Colo-Guard to members when they turn 50, then every three years after that. My husband has done the test twice and passed with flying colors.

I did that test. My doctor insisted on it when I was hesitant to schedule a colonoscopy. The test is only designed to find traces of blood in your stool which could indicate polyps. It could also be caused by many other issues. My test was positive; however, given the simplicity of the colonoscopy procedure, I wouldn't want to rely on that test. I'd rather be sure, and the only way to be sure it's to do the colonoscopy.

Getting a colonoscopy after turning 50 is extremely important in early prevention. Take it from me; I'm still mourning the loss of my mom, who passed away two weeks ago from colon cancer. She was only 72 and didn't have any symptoms until June when the tumors caused her appendix to burst. The doctor told us that had she had a colonoscopy at 50, there might had been a good chance of preventing this outcome. So, please make sure to schedule this screening early.

Cyndi12, I'm very sorry for your loss.

I agree completely agree, Get Screened! It is no big deal. My husband had his first screening in his forties and thank God he did, because he had a few polyps that the Dr. said could very well have become a problem.

As a colon cancer survivor, I echo everyone's comments: get screened. I do it every year, and the peace of mind is well worth the little bit of discomfort.

I was dreading it, and the day before was no fun, but i'm really glad i did it now.......the peace of mind is worth it. The actual colonoscopy was really a non-event ...i have zero memory of any of it.

I had one at 50 and it was also a non-event, except for having to drink the stuff that cleans you out. My husband took me and I will tell you that was some of the best sleep I had when I had the procedure. The anesthesia medicine left me a little loopy, my husband said I talked about everything starting with my childhood and would not shut up. I am now 55 and think it is time for another one.

Ironically I am having a colonoscopy today. I read this while prepping for the screening. I drank 64 ounces of powder mixed with Gatorade. No big deal. Thanks for laughs and advice.

64 oz of powder is a LOT of powder

Enjoy your post-procedure restfulness!

Let me try again: 64 oz of gatorade with powder mixed in. I'm going to the hospital in 1 hour. Wish me luck!

Best of luck!

Good luck!

The first time Hubs and I had to have the screening, the hospital clerk that called to schedule suggested we do them at the same time.

I'll just leave that there to sink in and bring lots of giggles to all y'all.

I just wanna know: Who drove whom home? !

You didn't follow that suggestion, did you?

I'm back home. It was literally no big deal. In and out in 1 ½ hours. I had a nice nap and woke up like I'd slept all night. They did find and remove a polyp. They'll test it and let me know Jan 8th. I'm not worried. That's why you have these done - early detection, if it is anything.

Thanks for all of your well wishes!

P.S. If you're 50+ PLEASE go get this done. I had more anxiety than necessary. It really was a non-event. The hardest part was not eating for 24 hours, but fortunately, I have enough reserves (gut) to sustain me.

Will be thinking of you David, hope it turns out to be nothing!

The hardest part was not eating for 24 hours

Absolutely this ^^^

When I get to 50 I will have to remember this. Boy am I feeling young now.

My regular doc and I agreed it was time for me to get one (51), but holding off until the new year to get it done. Figured I'd enjoy the holidays.

There were other more immediate issues to consider besides who would drive home.
I laughed at the clerk and told her absolutely not.
We took turns.
He chivalrously went first.

Another funny true story.
Last year after a bleeding ulcer, I had to get an endoscopy.
The new clinic does both endoscopies and colonoscopies.
What you're having determines whether you are wheeled into the procedure room feet or head first.
The rolled me in feet first then checked the chart and said 'whoops!'...thankfully.

As someone who was diagnosed with what turned out to be stage IIIC rectal cancer 5 years ago at age 40, I implore you to get screened as early as your doctor will allow. Recent studies have shown that rates for both colon and rectal cancer are increasing in people under 50. If you have family history of colon or rectal cancer, you need to be screened at least 10 years prior to the diagnosis of your family member. 50 is really not early enough. Most times there are no symptoms for colon/rectal cancer until it is very advanced and I can tell you from first hand experience, I will take 1,000 colonoscopies over 1 year of treatment including many tests, CT scans, MRIs, chemo, radiation, surgery to remove half my rectum and part of my colon, and more chemo.

I live every day with the after effects of radiation, the damage it's done is harsh. Chemo has left me with neuropothy (nerve damage) in my feet, and the effects of losing a foot of your colon is interesting to say the least.

I had no family history, very healthy person my whole life. I noticed bleeding, my doctor thought it was hemorrhoids, when it didn't clear up, a referral to a colo-rectal surgeon ending in a colonoscopy that discovered a tumor.

Get screened. Get the colonoscopy. It's honestly no big deal. I've done all sorts of preps, there are ones that suck and ones that are fairly easy - my personal preference is Suprep.

Great advice ItNeverEnds. I'm sorry for your personal situation, but thank you for passing this to others.

I'll love this:
Get screened. Get the colonoscopy. It's honestly no big deal.

I had Suprep.....good to know it's the best....i wasn't that fond of it, but good to know it can be worse.

My only compliant about the colonoscopy (well, other than not eating and sitting on the toilet for hours): I asked my doctor..."Ok, so what is this going to cost me?"

His answer: "Nothing....it is covered by your insurance, since it's preventative."

A few weeks later and i have about $800 of bills in my mailbox.

send it back to the doctor, saying "preventative, remember?"