Does anyone have a recommeded scope doctor? We're looking for a colonoscopy to be done by a well referred and experienced MD. Cost would be helpful
also.Santiago - 11-26-2005 at 08:26 AM
I think it would help if you gave us a little (and I mean a little) more info such as what town/area you want. Also, some of us are a little bent and
the conjunction of "Harvestmoon" and "colonoscopy" makes us giggle.HotSchott - 11-26-2005 at 08:29 AM
Yo dude. This seriously crosses the information grey area.Tucker - 11-26-2005 at 08:42 AM
You sound like a professional hypochondriac , maybe you should find a medical forum somewhere.
Colonoscopy are routinely done-------
Barry A. - 11-26-2005 at 09:33 AM
Both my wife and I have one every other year. They ain't cheap, but I do not recall the cost as insurance takes care of it.
Any reputable lab or hospital can do them. Ask your doctor for a reco.
They are a "must" for anyone over 60 years old, in my (and my doctors) opinion, and about the only way to discover pre-cancer polyps (or cancerous) in
the lower intestine, and to have them removed at the time of discovery (they "zap" them as they go). It is no big deal, believe me. Just do it.Bob and Susan - 11-26-2005 at 09:41 AM
Thank GOD we're NOT 60 yet!!! OUCH!!!
Bob and Susan------
Barry A. - 11-26-2005 at 09:43 AM
Really----there is nothing too it. It could be discribed as "slightly uncomfortable", but there is no pain, and the option of not having it done is
not acceptable, at least to me and mine.
Even when under 60, it is recommended every 5 years, or so.
Just do it. Bob and Susan - 11-26-2005 at 09:59 AM
I don't think so....
49 and never been sick
thebajarunner - 11-26-2005 at 10:24 AM
Then I got sick, real sick on a trip to Manila.
Turned out to be colon cancer, tumor the size of a grapefruit, right behind my left rib cage.
So, the guy who never wanted to turn 50---- almost didn't!
Colonoscopy is a great subject, for here or anywhere.
I have one every 3 1/2 years, still picking out polyps, but living real large some 17 years after.
(Wow, one every year??? The American Cancer Society does not recommend that- maybe you have a greedy doc)
Anyway, I climb mountains, travel the world, and talk about it all I can.
Glad you brought the subject up.
Yes, it is most appropriate.
Happy thanks, for good docs and good treatment.
Oh yeah, at 88 my mother had it- successfully treated- living an active and independent life at 92! She says it is hereditary..... she got it from
me.
The straight poop-----------
Barry A. - 11-26-2005 at 10:31 AM
My wife just corrected me------she says that you should start "doing it" at age 50, not 60 as I said.
It can be really dramatic-----for instance, the last time I got to watch what the "probe" saw on closed circuit TV----it was clear as a bell, and
really interesting. You got to look at this from a scientific point of view.
Go for it!!!!
Further straight poop---even straighter than before--------
Barry A. - 11-26-2005 at 10:41 AM
Baja Runner is right--------My wife also corrected me in that the doc generally recommends it every 3 years (after turning 60, or with a family
history) not every year, unless you have a history of cancerous polyps (which I do).
One of my wife's relatives was feeling poorly----he is 37. They decided to do a colonoscopy and discovered cancerous polyps and "zap'ed" them (not
sure of the details). Doc's said he would have been dead within a year if they had not discovered them. He is in full remission, now, and activly
living his life.
What more can I say. The Bajarunner's story is evidence enough for me.Baja Bernie - 11-26-2005 at 11:29 AM
I thought long and hard about baring myself on this one but decided that thebajarunner uncovered everything that needed to be viewed.
Oh! The straight boop is anything but that and preceeds the procedure.
As I lay on that cold table I 'always' think about alternate lifestyles and am always greatful that I am who I am. The procedure is not pleasant one
and it will not fill one with fond memories.
So Go-Litely to you.Bob and Susan - 11-26-2005 at 11:35 AM
Just remember....
Doctors are NOT in the business of cureing...
They are in the business of TREATING....
?A Colonoscopy is recommended for evaluation of altered bowel habit, (whatever that means) unexplained diarrhea, constipation or abdominal pain,
occult or frank blood in stools, colon polyps or cancer or unexplained anemia.?
?It is generally not performed in cases of perforation or tear in the bowel, severe diverticulitis or colitis and clinically unstable patients (me).?
NOT everyone needs this thing...just some.
My last word on this subject-----(thank God)
Barry A. - 11-26-2005 at 12:15 PM
Bob & Susan----if you wait for one of those symptoms that you outline above, It may be too late. I had NO symptoms!! yet the polyps were there,
and my wife had the same experience.
Baja Bernie------Come onnnnnnn!! You are scaring people. I am telling you that there is nothing too it, and the alternative is the REALLY unpleasant
one-------death!!!
If you were on a "cold table" when you had yours, you were not in a modern facility. I have had several, now, and they are a piece of cake-----I have
no bad memories, and I sure am thankful that they zapped those polyps before they killed me. My wife echo's my thoughts (after she corrected me).thebajarunner - 11-26-2005 at 01:14 PM
It saddens me to hear people say that this is not a necessary procedure.
With all due respect to Bob & Susan, I suspect that their quotes were significantly edited. No worthy medical advice discourages this procedure,
unless there exist other problems in the affected area that will be exacerbated by this exam.
And no, it is not at all uncomfortable.... shoot, they even warmed the blankets for me and it was August in Central California. I did wear sandals
that day and was wishing for a warm pair of socks..... presto, in came the nurse with a warm pair of cotton socks.
Yeah, the day before is not fun, in fact it is a pretty sh***tty day, all things considered. The alternative is worse.
I have half a dozen close friends who have had colon cancer. One of my tasks is to call them and encourage them after surgery.
If you do not wish to get checkups, then get me your phone number so that I can add you to my calling list...
and it certainly seems thebajarunner has recovered
BajaVida - 11-26-2005 at 04:15 PM
he can keep up with me
Barry...
vgabndo - 11-26-2005 at 07:35 PM
How'd you get to watch? For my proctoscopy, which preceded my colonoscopy, I saw it all on the color TV. WOW outrageous. When I went into surgery for
the colonoscopy I asked if they could swivel the TV so I could see it, they said sure, start counting backwards. I woke up in some other room. Damn.
I'm a survivor, and will gladly go through the Nuclear Diarria to avoid the alternative.
I had so much trouble with the anesthetic during my rotator cuff surgery, I won't let 'em knock me out next time for the scope.
Get it done folks. Life is short enough.RonnieRockCod - 11-26-2005 at 07:40 PM
Just had my third one in conjunction with my annual physical. Watched on TV monitor and everything pink and healthy. Less than ten minutes. Very
slight discomfort which was overwhelmed by the negative results. Any recommended person who chooses NOT to have this proceedure done is very, very,
foolish. Good luck, RRC
Vagabndo------
Barry A. - 11-26-2005 at 07:55 PM
Like RonnieRockCod said----I was fully awake during the entire procedure. They gave me some really local anesthesia (I think), but it did not effect
my "alertness" at all. I was able to see everything (in living color), including their "zap'ing" the polyps-----amazing!!!! a puff of smoke, and
they were gone. (they were really tiny polyps)
During my wisdom teeth extraction, many years ago, I almost died from the anesthetics (sp?), so I have refused any "putting me to sleep" since then. I
am not even sure that they gave me an option, this time, but I deffinitely was wide awake.
The inside "poop":
bugdude - 11-26-2005 at 10:04 PM
Looks like the inside of my dryer vent except without the lint.
[Edited on 11/12/2005 by bugdude]harvestmoon - 11-28-2005 at 12:22 PM
Wow, I was really hoping for some referrals in Baja. We're fulltimers so we really can go anywhere and I was hoping that the people who live down
here (in Baja) might have a REFERRAL for a doctor that they are comfortable with to do a colonoscopy. My userid has always been harvestmoon; over at
datastorm users and many other parenting websites.
At the risk of sounding like a hyprochrondriac (sp?) I am willing to give more information simply in the hope that SOMEONE will actually answer the
question with a good referral.
I am 45 and in August of this year had parasites diagnosed (with a lab) in Dolores Hidalgo. I took meds. I had all 4 kids tested and they tested
positive too; this was after 3 days of incredible fever and diahrrea every 10 minutes for the most affected - this was around the clock. My husband
was tested negative for parasites. If you've never had parasites, perhaps you can't understand the misery, but it is truly awful. The kids had
fevers ranging from 102 fot 104F. Hypochondriac? I don't think so.
This year, soon after we crossed the border, I suspected parasites for myself and the two girls. We were all tested. The girls were mildly infected,
but I had a severe infection along with yeast in my gut. Hypocondriac? No.
My husband fell ill with Typhoid in April of this year when we were in Quintana Roo. Diagnosed with blood test and the fact that he was severely ill.
Had MD make house calls as he was so ill. Took him 3 months to recover. He is 43. Ever since he recovered from typhoid, he has felt that
*something* was not right. Here in San Felipe, we had a PSA done (his was 2.0; he is 43) and parasite test done. His parasite test was negative.
The MD (Abasolo) recommended a colonoscopy. I've read on the internet and it looks like you really should choose someone who has lots of experience
in colonoscopies as preforation of the color can occur. So, I was hoping that instead of fodder for jokes and amusement, someone on this forum might
actually answer the question posed; does anyone have a referral for an MD in Baja (anywhere; we'll travel) for a colonoscopy?
If you're still wondering if I'm serious or a simple hypochrondiac (did I finally get the spelling right?), check our website; http://www.hopalog.com
I don't have 24/7 Internet and was really hoping to get a referrral or two.Bob and Susan - 11-28-2005 at 12:25 PM
I'm still stuck on "Harvest Moon"
sorry....
[Edited on 11-28-2005 by Bob and Susan]
Colonoscopy REFERRAL WANTED
harvestmoon - 11-28-2005 at 12:26 PM
Wow, I was really hoping for some referrals in Baja. We're fulltimers so we really can go anywhere and I was hoping that the people who live down here
(in Baja) might have a REFERRAL for a doctor that they are comfortable with to do a colonoscopy. My userid has always been harvestmoon; over at
datastorm users and many other parenting websites.
At the risk of sounding like a hyprochrondriac (sp?) I am willing to give more information simply in the hope that SOMEONE will actually answer the
question with a good referral.
I am 45 and in August of this year had parasites diagnosed (with a lab) in Dolores Hidalgo. I took meds. I had all 4 kids tested and they tested
positive too; this was after 3 days of incredible fever and diahrrea every 10 minutes for the most affected - this was around the clock. My husband
was tested negative for parasites. If you've never had parasites, perhaps you can't understand the misery, but it is truly awful. The kids had fevers
ranging from 102 fot 104F. Hypochondriac? I don't think so.
This year, soon after we crossed the border, I suspected parasites for myself and the two girls. We were all tested. The girls were mildly infected,
but I had a severe infection along with yeast in my gut. Hypocondriac? No.
My husband fell ill with Typhoid in April of this year when we were in Quintana Roo. Diagnosed with blood test and the fact that he was severely ill.
Had MD make house calls as he was so ill. Took him 3 months to recover. He is 43. Ever since he recovered from typhoid, he has felt that *something*
was not right. Here in San Felipe, we had a PSA done (his was 2.0; he is 43) and parasite test done. His parasite test was negative. The MD (Abasolo)
recommended a colonoscopy. I've read on the internet and it looks like you really should choose someone who has lots of experience in colonoscopies as
preforation of the color can occur. So, I was hoping that instead of fodder for jokes and amusement, someone on this forum might actually answer the
question posed; does anyone have a referral for an MD in Baja (anywhere; we'll travel) for a colonoscopy?
If you're still wondering if I'm serious or a simple hypochrondiac (did I finally get the spelling right?), check our website; http://www.hopalog.com
I don't have 24/7 Internet and was really hoping to get a referrral or two.
Probably nothing in San Felipe---------
Barry A. - 11-28-2005 at 02:14 PM
We have quite a few NOMADS in the San Felipe area, and if they knew the answer to your questions I am sure they would respond.
Having previously lived in El Centro for 13 years, I do know that for really serious medical things we always went over the hill to San Diego, and
that is what I recommend for you folks. However, Mexicali is a HUGE city, with modern facilities, and I am pretty sure they could take care of you
there. You will just have to get a doctors referral, I am thinking.Sallysouth - 11-28-2005 at 07:26 PM
Wow Harvestmoon! I thought you might have gotten some sort of referal by now.We have a good friend that spends a lot of time in Popotla area and has
recently been diagnosed with parasites. He has been on antibiotics to "cure" the problem, but he keeps getting sick!He went to a doc here in
So.Cal.for the diagnosis,however he goes to docs down there for everthing else.I'll ask about this, as it sounds to be a concern of yours that needs
to be taken seriously. Come on Nomads, help out here!HotSchott - 11-28-2005 at 07:26 PM
If you have access to the internet to post here, can't you search the Yahoo Tijuana or Mexicali for a medico de culo or proctologico?
In all seriousness, if you speak enough Spanish to find a doctor in Mexico you should have more luck (I would think) using las paginas amarillos than
posting this on a message board. If you don't speak enough Spanish to find a Mexican Doctor, your husband is gonna have a great story to tell after
his 'procedure'. I would use some Espanol (If you know any) or call Sharp Hospital in San Diego (619-482-5800).MH_Stevens - 11-28-2005 at 07:27 PM
Of course this is standard preventive medicine for anyone over 50. The post highlights the need for a good full-time Internal-medicine PCP. Your PCP
should automatically arrange this test for you at the right time. The poster and some responders sound like they are not managing their preventative
medicine with regular visits with their PCP. This is most important and all the more so when living as an expat. Early diagnosis equals a quick cheap
fix and time to plan treatment in San Diego if desired.
For those of you who knew, I am now home from my repeat triple bypass surgery and recovering remarkably well. I had surgery at UCSD Thornton Hospital
in La Jolla.
Mike SBruce R Leech - 11-28-2005 at 07:53 PM
I don't think they pay those doctors enough. I cant imagine doing that for a living.Baja Bernie - 11-28-2005 at 08:07 PM
Can we move this to Web MD and go on to more pleasant things. I agree with Bajarunner but come on!MH_Stevens - 11-29-2005 at 12:08 PM
And to avoid the wasted cost of needing a second procedure (which is quite common) make sure you have a really though colonic irrigation (enema)
before you go for test.
The better type of procedure is where the rectum is expanded with compressed air - your colon is effectively inflated - to give more room to examine
and for better access to the colon walls. This procedure is quite painful (major stomach cramp type pain) while you are inflated and when the
procedure if finished you will have the biggest f**t you have ever had. But do do it as colon cancer once established is nasty but at the early stage
is a zip to fix.Bruce R Leech - 11-29-2005 at 09:39 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by Baja Bernie
Can we move this to Web MD and go on to more pleasant things. I agree with Bajarunner but come on!
