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Having an X-ray to look for signs of colon cancer may soon be an option for those who dread the traditional scope exam. Two of the largest studies yet of ''virtual colonoscopy'' show the experimental technique works just as well at spotting potentially cancerous growths as the more invasive method. It's also quicker and cheaper.
The X-rays can help sort out who really needs the full exam and removal of suspicious growths, called polyps. In one study, only 8 percent of patients had to have followup traditional colonoscopies, which are done under sedation and carry a small risk of puncturing the bowel.
But what some people consider the most unpleasant part can't be avoided: drinking laxatives to purge the bowel so growths can be seen.
Virtual colonoscopy may sound good to people who fear the procedure. BUT- most insurance companies will not pay for it, and it is not cheap. Insurance companies will pay for the standard colonoscopy.
Next, IF an abnormality is seen, one STILL needs a colonoscopy to get to the area in question so a biopsy can be taken. So far, the "virtual" endoscopy has not been able to determine benign, pre-cancerous or cancerous lesions. If any lesion is found, it should be biopsied and examined by a pathologist, rather than letting a scanner choose for you. So the choice is this- possibly go through two seperate tests, or have one done and biopsies taken at that time, if necessary
Contrary to popular belief- colonscopy can be done without sedation. There is cramping, but it can be accomplished, medication free, and one is able to go home immediately.
My Mom told me she was scheduled for a colonoscopy. She was also scared to death to have it done. She's 72. I told her that she doesn't have to do it if she doesn't want to. She has the power. Not her doctor. So that made her feel alot better. I still don't know whether she had it done or not. She lives in another state.
If a doctor told me I had to have one, I'd say "You first." lol
My family members have all had one and don't remember a thing about it since they were sedated. I was supposed to have one, but I cancelled. Now that can't be good for your body, but neither can cancer.
You have to drink a gallon of a special liquid within a short period of time. It's horrible yuckly stuff and it starts giving you the trots almost immediatly. You don't get much sleep that night because you spend so much time in the bathroom. After all you have a gallon of the stuff to get rid of. But, you are really, really CLEAN. We have pictures from my husband's. We are talking CLEAN
You have to drink a gallon of a special liquid within a short period of time. It's horrible yuckly stuff and it starts giving you the trots almost immediatly. You don't get much sleep that night because you spend so much time in the bathroom. After all you have a gallon of the stuff to get rid of. But, you are really, really CLEAN. We have pictures from my husband's. We are talking CLEAN
Oh, did I say the stuff was horrible????
So you just drink that stuff while parked on the toilet all night....
O.......K...... That will be one test I will pass on!
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