You all know I am not a doctor, not a nurse, know nothing about most medical related items. What I think I’ve learned today is that there are two main categories of colon polyps. These are categorized as nonneoplastic One is benign and, from what I’ve heard and read, it almost always stays benign. That’s the nonneoplastic.
So I don’t mess this up too badly, I’ll copy what I found from The Mayo Clinic:
Neoplastic polyps include adenomas and serrated types. These polyps have the potential to become cancer if given enough time to grow. Most of these colon polyps are called adenomas. Serrated polyps may also become cancerous, depending on their size and location in the colon. In general, the larger a polyp, the greater the risk of cancer, especially with neoplastic polyps.
The Mayo Clinic
I had one of each type. The larger one, which was called an adenomas was 12 mm. I think anything over 10 mm is considered large.
I had the last colonoscopy in Texas in mid-March, 2018, and that’s the first time polyps were found and I was advised to have a colonoscopy every five years. As much as I hate the prep (the test itself is painless and quick), I did it, though I debated about putting it off.
I am thankful I didn’t put it off. Please . . please . . if you haven’t had a colonoscopy or if you’re behind on getting one, call and get that set up. It’s really not hard, not painful. The prep is not pleasant but I’ll take that any day over having cancer. I may be getting way older than I feel but I have a lot of living left to do! 🙂
Elle says
I’m on the 5y plan as well. I had 1 tiny adenoma at age 58. Does your Dr let you use Miralax? I didn’t think it was bad. No way on earth I’d drink a gallon of Go-Lightly.
judy.blog@gmail.com says
There are several options and Miralax is one of them. I thought the pills would be easier but I think I will go with Miralax next time.
Sara says
Glad you kept to your schedule. I was on a 2 year plan for awhile due to diverticulitis. But now am able to do 5 years between colonoscopies. Like you – I dread the prep, but am willing to do it for the peace of mind once it’s all done. And the snip snip of the polyps is an easy way to prevent worse things.
Joyce says
There is a history of colon cancer in my family, so I have colonoscopies fairly regularly. (They’ve all been clear!) My boss kept putting off having his first colonoscopy, and then he had some symptoms…yep, colon cancer. He’s been through treatment and is in remission, but now he’s having more colonoscopies than he ever expected.
judy.blog@gmail.com says
I think those of us who have the colonoscopies pain such a terrible picture that we scare others into not doing it. Honestly, I’d about rather have a colonoscopy than a mammogram. It’s almost worth it to get that warm blanket and the good sleep for half an hour. 🙂
It’s definitely worth it to hopefully avoid colon cancer.