Colonoscopies & POI files

 

Those two things go together, right? They do now!

A couple weeks ago, Mahoney, who’s been a part of POI Factory for almost 11 years and who’s been voted by the community as their Contributor of the year 3 times (including last year), sent me an email (he’s given me permission to start a thread and share his emails).

mahoney wrote:

Hi Angela,

A couple of weeks ago, I learned that I had a large polyp in my colon that would have to be removed surgically.. This surgery is scheduled for this Friday, Jan 5. I am certainly not looking forward to it, but my prognosis is excellent. A section of my colon will be removed and I will be spending 3 or more days in the hospital. I am not sure what this impact will be regarding my files, but I plan on continuing with these at the earliest. I will keep you informed of my progress.
Hindsight is great. My last colonoscopy was in 2009. I had no symptoms of any problem, but my family doctor convinced me to have tests performed. This of course led to the discovery of the polyp. Chances are that if I had a colonoscopy sooner, I probably wouldn't be having the surgery. Small polyps can be removed during the colonoscopy. "Message to everyone, don't put off having a colonoscopy".

Bill

I responded to Bill’s email and shared that I’ve had multiple colonoscopies and was happy to find the prep not as awful when I had to do it 5 years ago, as it was when I had to do it 20 years ago. 20 years ago it was definitely worse than the procedure itself!

mahoney wrote:

Hi Angela,

I have had 2 colonoscopies in the past, with the last one being in 2009. I had convinced myself that since I didn't like the prepping, and since I did not have any symptoms of a problem, additional colonoscopies were not required. My family doctor wanted me to have a poop test this past August and it led to my having another on in Oct during which 5 small polyps were removed but there were 2 larger ones that I was sent to a hospital in Orlando to have removed. They found and removed 3 additional small polyps and also removed the larger of the 2. It was determined that this larger one which tested positive would require surgery. They will remove a portion of my colon and hopefully this will correct my problem.

If you want to post a note to have any POI file inputs sent to you, that's OK with me. I will keep you informed of my progress.

I was thinking a starting a thread regarding what I am going thru in regards to having a colonoscopy. Maybe this would convince others to have colonoscopies. The prepping is nothing compared to looking toward this surgery.

Thanks for your concern.

Bill

I sent Bill a couple emails, one on the 8th and one yesterday, letting him know he was in our thoughts and that we hoped his recovery was going well.

mahoney wrote:

Angela and Jonathan,

I had my colon surgery on the 5th, around 5 inches removed, really expecting to leave the hospital on Monday the 8th, however, I was not released until Thursday the 11th. I thought that I would be able to return to my normal workings immediately, but I am really struggling even with typing this email. I am definitely not use to feeling like this. I'm told that this is to be expected, especially at my age (82).
My prognosis is excellent, no follow on treatment (chemo) will be required with the exception of another colonoscopy in 1 year. This really makes me wish that I had kept a better check on my colon the last few years.
I will try to get back to my files as quick as I can.

Sincerely,

Bill
PS. If you think that this email will make any difference to anyone thinking of putting off having a regular colonoscopy, go ahead and post it.

Jonathan and I are wishing him a speedy recovery. We whole heartedly agree that it's important to stay current with colon health. (Jonathan's father died from colon cancer at age 60.)

Please feel free to comment and share your well wishes for our good friend Mahoney!

~Angela

two colon surgeries.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery Mahoney! I have been through colon removal surgery (2 surgeries ... one to remove a section of colon and create a stoma for a colostomy, then 6 weeks later to put the colon back together again. My surgery was because of diverticulitis. It is not fun ... especially doing it twice, but for me the recovery went pretty well and I was back to normal in a few weeks. I hope your recovery goes as well as mine did. Take care of yourself Mahoney!

--
Alan - Android Auto, DriveLuxe 51LMT-S, DriveLuxe 50LMTHD, Nuvi 3597LMTHD, Oregon 550T, Nuvi 855, Nuvi 755T, Lowrance Endura Sierra, Bosch Nyon

Get well soon!

Speedy recovery Mahoney!

--
Drivesmart 66, Nuvi 2595LMT (Died), Nuvi 1490T (Died), Nuvi 260 (Died), GPSMAP 195

Best wishes and a speedy

Best wishes and a speedy recovery.

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Frank DriveSmart55 37.322760, -79.511267

@ Mahoney!

I hope this thread will lead to more of our membership getting a colonoscopy if their doctor recommends it. The prep is certainly much less onerous than it once was. The prep for my last one was almost routine. The procedure is not much of anything as you know.

Hope you have a laptop (if not, borrow one from a friend) to let us know how everything went.

Good luck. I'll keep you in my prayers.

John

Good luck mahoney

Good luck, Mahoney.

Trusting you will make a speedy recovery.

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DriveSmart 65, NUVI2555LMT, (NUVI350 is Now Retired)

Speedy Recovery

Wishing you a speedy recovery, Mahoney!! Feel better soon!

--
Tampa, FL - Garmin nüvi 660 (Software Ver 4.90), 2021.20 CN NA NT maps | Magellan Meridian Gold

I wish You Well Mahoney

and hope to see you back with us soon!

Thank you for sharing your experience with us. Hopefully, it will prompt others to better monitor their colon health.

I find it curious that the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force recommends colon cancer screening only to age 75.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/colonoscopies-for-colon-cancer-...

I had my last one in 2017 at age 71. My personal physician recommends them to age 80.

At present, Medicare will cover the costs at any age but not all insurance companies agree. There is sure to be more controversy on this in the future as health care costs rise.

Praying for you.

Our prayers will be with you Mahoney for a speedy recovery.

--
Charlie. Nuvi 265 WT and Nuvi 2597 LMT. MapFactor Navigator - Offline Maps & GPS.

Preventive Medical Procures

In Canada, preventive procedures like colonoscopies, PAP tests and mammograms are covered under our federal/provincial health insurance. Yet many Canadians neglect or avoid these tests - perhaps because the exams are perceived as being uncomfortable, or perhaps out of fear of the diagnosis.

But early detection and treatment of abnormalities or cancers is the most effective way of achieving a successful outcome. It is certainly far better than the alternative!

All the best Mahoney, for a speedy recovery!

Testing

Mahoney glad to hear things are going good. Take it easy and recover quick. I have had the exam for years and it is easier now than years ago. Also recommend a PSA test every year for men. I had prostate cancer years ago but it was caught in the early stage and was treated successfully.

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johnm405 660 & MSS&T

Get Well

Wishing you a speedy recovery

--
Garmin Nuvi 765T, Garmin Drive 60LM

Here's to fast recovery.

As DanielT mentions this is covered by our health care.
(Don't you Yanks wish you had universal health care?)

I remember the first colonoscopy. Never having had one I read up on the web. This had me full of trepidations, I had no desire to watch the procedure on a TV screen. As it was I was given a light anaesthetic and knew nothing until I woke up again fully 100% awake. Nothing to it.

Had another last year and even the before prep ritual was far easier than it was ten years ago. Doctor told me that was the last one because of my age.

--
Nuvi 2797LMT, DriveSmart 50 LMT-HD, Using Windows 10. DashCam A108C with GPS.

@ mahoney

Wishing you a full & speedy recovery.

--
Nüvi 255WT with nüMaps Lifetime North America born on 602117815 / Nüvi 3597LMTHD born on 805972514 / I love Friday’s except when I’m on holidays ~ canuk

Mahoney, we all wish you a

Mahoney, we all wish you a speedy recovery....

I, too have a Colonoscopy story...

New Dr. suggested a colonoscopy... They found nothing, but 'noted' swelling of prostate. 4 months later I had prostate removal surgery...
That was June, 2016...

So far, so good, but I wasn't up to par for a few months...

All the best!!!

--
A 2689LMT in both our cars that we love... and a Nuvi 660 with Lifetime Maps that we have had literally forever.... And a 2011 Ford Escape with Nav System that is totally ignored!

Definitely a worthwhile precaution

My father died at 82 from colon cancer. By the time they did his surgery, the cancer had already spread too far to be stopped.

I have always wondered what would have happened if his problem had been caught earlier. It also killed my mother - when the surgeon told her that the operation revealed that my father was terminal, she had a heart attack and was dead in less than 48 hours. My father actually outlived her by a couple of months.

- Tom -

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XXL540, GO LIVE 1535, GO 620

dont worry

a Colonoscopy is a procedure that really has no pain if they find a small polyp its removed and that's it, I'm 76 now and I have it done whenever its due and you sleep thru it ! it removes a problem while its small so it doesn't become a big one so get it done !

I wish Mahohey speedy

I wish Mahohey speedy recovery and good health. I always communicate with him for update of POI files and he is always very prompt. Wishing him good health and want see him back in action as early as possible.

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Iphone XR, Drivesmart 61,Nuvicam, Nuvi3597

Best wishes for a speedy

Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

--
All the worlds indeed a stage and we are merely players. Rush

Hey Bill,

Sorry to hear about your medical issue. My dad was found to have polyps when he had a colonoscopy back in the 80's. As a result, I have to get these done every five years. I have had no issues or problems since I started having colonoscopies. The prep is not so bad considering the alternatives. Take care of yourself and we hope to see you back in the saddle soon.
Harold
PS: Angela I didn't think you were old enough to start having these things done yet. From your picture, I would have guessed that you were not over 29.

--
With God, all things are possible. ——State motto of the Great State of Ohio

Well

maddog67 wrote:

PS: Angela I didn't think you were old enough to start having these things done yet. From your picture, I would have guessed that you were not over 29.

Many people use pictures and other avatars, but you don't really think members put an actual photo of themselves on display?

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Nuvi 2797LMT, DriveSmart 50 LMT-HD, Using Windows 10. DashCam A108C with GPS.

I Do!

Melaqueman wrote:
maddog67 wrote:

PS: Angela I didn't think you were old enough to start having these things done yet. From your picture, I would have guessed that you were not over 29.

Many people use pictures and other avatars, but you don't really think members put an actual photo of themselves on display?

I do!

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Frank DriveSmart55 37.322760, -79.511267

Maybe so

phranc wrote:

I do!

Ha,ha,ha, it may be you but I bet the picture is so old that it does not resemble the todays you grin mrgreen

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Nuvi 2797LMT, DriveSmart 50 LMT-HD, Using Windows 10. DashCam A108C with GPS.

You Got Me!

Melaqueman wrote:
phranc wrote:

I do!

Ha,ha,ha, it may be you but I bet the picture is so old that it does not resemble the todays you grin mrgreen

You got me there. But I just changed recently to that picture. It's about 45 years old. But a week or so ago, I had a recent picture. Red shirt, US Navy ship's hat.

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Frank DriveSmart55 37.322760, -79.511267

Mahoney, wishing you a speedy and full recovery.

Mahoney, wishing you a speedy and full recovery. All the best to you...

--
Politicians and Diapers must be changed often for the exact same reason...

Time for update

First, I want to thank all of my well wishers for the very kind words. As mentioned previously, I returned home on the 11th. I visited my doctor last thur (jan 18th) for a follow up. Turns out that he removed over 10 inches of my colon to ensure that all of the suspect area had been removed. My prognosis is excellent but I will need another colonoscopy in 1 year.
I have been trying to get back to my files for updating, but I am finding out that has not been an easy task. Very hard to concentrate sitting at the computer for any great length of time.
I really expected my recovery to be much easier than it has been up to now. My wife says that she sees improvement each day and I believe that without her help, I definitely would not have progressed this far. Again, thanks for the kind words in this thread.

Just noticed, only 3 weeks to my 12th year anniversary

Would that it's 3 weeks to

Would that it's 3 weeks to your 13th Anniversary. Take care and heal.

--
Frank DriveSmart55 37.322760, -79.511267

Surgery

Hope you get to feeling better soon Mahoney!

Thanks for the update Mahoney

Hope to you for a speedy recovery.

--
Nuvi 2460LMT.

Pic taken last March

maddog67 wrote:

PS: Angela I didn't think you were old enough to start having these things done yet. From your picture, I would have guessed that you were not over 29.

I'm 43. Inherited the "looking younger than my years" gene from my mom. Unfortunately, my dad's side had a lot of gastrointestinal issues/cancer, thus the early colonoscopies/endoscopies.

~Angela

Mahoney

Best wishes and a speedy recovery. Your health comes first so don't push yourself to do too much too fast. Your body needs to heal.

Hope you're feeling better and mine's coming up Thursday...

I'd like to also pass along my best wishes for a speedy recovery and add that the wife and I are having "his and hers" colonoscopies on Thursday. Not looking forward to it at all but assuming that all goes well, it will be much better than having to face surgery.

My father was diagnosed with colon cancer while in his early 70's, I believe. He had foolishly ignored symptoms of a problem for years (bleeding, etc), and wound up having to have a colostomy but he survived until the age of 93. As a result of this family history, I've been sure to keep up with the regular checkups, no matter how unpleasant. It's really the prep that's the problem in my humble opinion... the procedure is nothing.

It's easier to do this together with your spouse or significant other, as you don't have to watch them eat a delicious meal while you're "enjoying" your chicken broth and Jell-O!

I hope that you'll soon be feeling much better. While your experience could have been better, it also could have been much worse.

- Phil

Thanks

Glad you are on the mend, Bill. Thanks for making the effort to keep the rest of us healthy and without problems. All the BEST !

Update to the Update.

mahoney wrote:

First, I want to thank all of my well wishers for the very kind words. As mentioned previously, I returned home on the 11th. I visited my doctor last thur (jan 18th) for a follow up. Turns out that he removed over 10 inches of my colon to ensure that all of the suspect area had been removed. My prognosis is excellent but I will need another colonoscopy in 1 year.
I have been trying to get back to my files for updating, but I am finding out that has not been an easy task. Very hard to concentrate sitting at the computer for any great length of time.
I really expected my recovery to be much easier than it has been up to now. My wife says that she sees improvement each day and I believe that without her help, I definitely would not have progressed this far. Again, thanks for the kind words in this thread.

Just noticed, only 3 weeks to my 11th year anniversary at poifactory

Turns out that my doctor wanted me to have another colonoscopy 3 months not 1 year after my surgery in early Jan. This was to make sure that everything was ok with the surgery. I just had this performed on wed the 11th. Happy to report that results were great. No problems noted. Also, I won't need another one for at least 3 years. HAPPY DAY.

Get well soon!!!

The prep is the only thing a patient really deals with, and the modern prep is extremely tame compared to what was used about 10 years or so ago. Ever play with water rockets when you were a kid? That's what it WAS like. And it lasted for hours and hours. No more. The new prep takes effect in about an hour and is done in about an hour, very gentle and mild. So the prep is not an excuse. It also helps if you don't eat much leading up to the prep. I made sure I mega hydrated and consumed plenty of electrolytes to preempt any potential dehydration. I just had one done about a month ago, no big deal at all.

So folks, it's good for you. Get it done.

--
When you are dead, you don’t know that you are dead. It is only difficult for the others. It is the same when you are stupid.

Glad to hear everything went well

Hi Bill,
It’s great to hear the good news. Keep on taking care of yourself and we will wait anxiously for you to get back in the groove.

--
With God, all things are possible. ——State motto of the Great State of Ohio

Great News!!! Been

Great News!!!

Been there--Done that! Let's separate that with as much time as possible!!!

(Prostate)

--
A 2689LMT in both our cars that we love... and a Nuvi 660 with Lifetime Maps that we have had literally forever.... And a 2011 Ford Escape with Nav System that is totally ignored!

Yay!!

So happy to hear that!!

~Angela

Mahoney

Wishing you continued speedy recovery. Thanks for sharing.

--
Jim Garmin nuvi 660

Mahoney

A colonoscopy is not a pleasant experience. As was said earlier, 11-12 years ago the pre procedure was far less pleasant. Had another a year ago which due to my age will be the last one and the pre procedure was far easier. I don't know how they do it in the USA, but they put me out using an anasthetic where you come out and are totally cognizant. I was told they snipped a couple of growths while they were at it.

Just wondering though, in Canada this is covered by an universal health plan and 75 is it. In the US do you have to go more often because the doctors get paid more that way?

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Nuvi 2797LMT, DriveSmart 50 LMT-HD, Using Windows 10. DashCam A108C with GPS.

Colonoscopy after 75

I can only speak about my case. My doctor does not like to perform these after 75 unless a patient has an indication of a problem. In my case, my family doctor wanted me to have a poop test as part of my annual physical (Aug,18 of last year). This test showed positive and as a result I had my colonoscopy in late Oct. The first since 2009. I had put off having another because of the prepping. 7 polyps were discovered and 5 were removed. Because of the size of these remaining 2, I was sent to another facility which had more specialized equipment. They were able to remove these 2 and also found 3 smaller polyps for a total of 10. With removal of the larger ones, pre cancer was discovered and this necessitated surgery for removal of a section of my colon. Surgery was performed on Jan 5. This most recent colonoscopy (Apr 11) was to verify everything was OK internally and thankfully that was the result. I want to emphasize, that I did NOT have any symptoms indicating a problem within my colon. If I had not taken the poop test and not had the colonoscopy, there's a great possibility that cancer would have been the result.
By the way, I turned 82 on 11/8/18. On this basis, I'm glad that I don't reside in Canada. In my case, I definitely take objection with you in implying that the US doctors performed my procedures in order to make more money. What they did was to extend my life expectancy.
(So much for the so called universal health plan in canada)

Hello Bill, I very happy to

Hello Bill, I very happy to know that all good with your health now. I wish you good health and big thanks for your contribution to maintain POI files..

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Iphone XR, Drivesmart 61,Nuvicam, Nuvi3597

Do Not Delay Getting a Routine Colonoscopy

Age 50 is the recommended age to begin routine colonoscopies, but now colon cancer is being found in people in their 40s and even 30s. One of the culprit could be the eating habits and food in today's American society. Many foods are genetically modified and heavily sprayed with chemicals. Processed foods contain lots of sugar and chemicals that are only easily pronounced by a chemist.

Many colorectal cancers can be prevented through regular screening. Screening can find precancerous polyps— abnormal growths in the colon or rectum—so that they can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screening is crucial because when found early, colorectal cancer is highly treatable. Early stages of colorectal cancer usually present no symptoms, which tend to appear as the cancer progresses.

DON'T DELAY, SCHEDULE YOUR COLONOSCOPY TODAY!!!

Routine Colonoscopy

I DEFINITELY SECOND THAT.

Get your exam

And make sure you have a high fiber diet. Even if you have to supplement, do it. Fiber helps clean out the solid waste processing system, a huge help. My doc says it's very difficult to get all the fiber we really need in a normal diet, and I agree. I supplement and it works.

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When you are dead, you don’t know that you are dead. It is only difficult for the others. It is the same when you are stupid.

I'm a little behind (no pun

I'm a little behind (no pun intended) in schedule.
At 54, I am finally working on getting the colonoscopy.
It is important to be preventative since the alternative has the potential of being far worse!

--
Maps -> Wife -> Garmin 12XL -> StreetPilot 2610 -> Nuvi 660 (blown speaker) -> Nuvi 3790LMT

"Turns out that my doctor

"Turns out that my doctor wanted me to have another colonoscopy 3 months not 1 year after my surgery in early Jan. This was to make sure that everything was ok with the surgery. I just had this performed on wed the 11th. Happy to report that results were great. No problems noted. Also, I won't need another one for at least 3 years. HAPPY DAY"

Bill, I am sooooo glad to hear that ... and even happier to see you back and updating your long list of POI's!

Good advice on regular colonoscopies. Only the foolish put this off!

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Garmin 205, 260W, 1450LMT, 2460LMT, HEREwego for iPhone ... all still mapping strong.

Good news Bill

Congrats Bill....
I too delayed having a colonoscopy but was fine.... unfortunately, I recently lost a friend whose symptom leading to the diagnosis of colon cancer was extreme anemia....she persisted with excellent care but died five years after diagnosis from metastasis.
Her diagnosis did lead me to get a colonoscopy....

Meats processed with nitrates and nitrites

panama wrote:

...Many foods are genetically modified and heavily sprayed with chemicals. Processed foods contain lots of sugar and chemicals that are only easily pronounced by a chemist.

Nitrates and nitrites used to cure meats are the major culprit here. This has been recognized for quite some time but the meat-packing industry has gone to great lengths to downplay the dangers.

It turns out that the presence of Vitamin C helps to reduce this effect so make sure you have that glass of Orange juice when you enjoy that plate of crispy fried bacon! Not too big of a glass though, or you raise your risk of becoming diabetic. Pitfalls at every turn...

- Phil

best wishes bill

Thanks for the information. I'm due for a colonoscopy in September.

--
Steve - 2 Nuvi 3597

Feels so good

There's nothing like the feeling after the Doc stops by to tell you that all is well.

Get it done.

--
When you are dead, you don’t know that you are dead. It is only difficult for the others. It is the same when you are stupid.