If you got a colonoscopy before 50 what were your symptoms?

[Anonymous]

Did insurance pay?

I am a bit of a hypochondriac. But I’ve had irregular BM’s for a long time, sometimes normal, sometimes bouts of constipation, occasionally diarrhea but not often. Every time I get constipated and don’t feel like it’s “complete” I become worried that I have cancer. I don’t have any blood or abdominal cramping, but lately my stools have been thinner in diameter than unusual.

Tell me I’m crazy and silly.

(42yo F)

[Anonymous]

Our insurance covers it at 45 as preventative screening fwiw. Maybe talk to your primary care and see if they would refer you so maybe it would be covered? I started mammograms earlier than covered preventively based on some breast pain and family history and they are covered. I bet it’s nothing but hey if they’ll pay for it? Good luck op!

[Anonymous]

Have you been to a GI doctor?

I've had colonscopies starting at 40 because of family history. Insurance has paid no problem. But if you haven't been to a doctor and you are only assuming what testing is necessary, you are putting the cart before the horse.

[Anonymous]

The new guidelines recommends starting at 45 but if you go to a GI doc they may recommend one and insurance should cover.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The new guidelines recommends starting at 45 but if you go to a GI doc they may recommend one and insurance should cover.

NP. I had a recommendation from GI doctor and my insurance said they don't pay until age 50. They have not enbraced the new guidelines. Even with prescriptions/ recommendation, they refused to cover it until 50. The hospital kept calling me to schedule and told them I would be back in 2 years.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The new guidelines recommends starting at 45 but if you go to a GI doc they may recommend one and insurance should cover.

NP. I had a recommendation from GI doctor and my insurance said they don't pay until age 50. They have not enbraced the new guidelines. Even with prescriptions/ recommendation, they refused to cover it until 50. The hospital kept calling me to schedule and told them I would be back in 2 years.

*eMbraced

[Anonymous]

I had one in my late 20s due to symptoms after seeing a GI. It was covered.

The guidelines have changed and preventive screening should begin at 45. If you have symptoms and are need a diagnostic that should be covered at any age.

If you get push back do an at home test. If that is positive there should be no questions about get a colonoscopy.

I hope you are able to get the test and have good results.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The new guidelines recommends starting at 45 but if you go to a GI doc they may recommend one and insurance should cover.

This was true for me. I had one at age 44 due to recurrent stomach pains and had no issue with insurance.

[Anonymous]

I'd suggest making an appointment with a GI if for no other reason than to set your mind at ease.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Did insurance pay?

I am a bit of a hypochondriac. But I’ve had irregular BM’s for a long time, sometimes normal, sometimes bouts of constipation, occasionally diarrhea but not often. Every time I get constipated and don’t feel like it’s “complete” I become worried that I have cancer. I don’t have any blood or abdominal cramping, but lately my stools have been thinner in diameter than unusual.

Tell me I’m crazy and silly.

(42yo F)

This sounds totally normal. My BM change a lot throughout the month. I think a lot is tied to hormones and my monthly cycle. What you describe above describes my BM throughout the month. If you are worried definitely reach out to a gi dr.

[Anonymous]

The first one was due to the family history, and then they kept finding and removing polyps, so scheduled additional ones for a few years.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Did insurance pay?

I am a bit of a hypochondriac. But I’ve had irregular BM’s for a long time, sometimes normal, sometimes bouts of constipation, occasionally diarrhea but not often. Every time I get constipated and don’t feel like it’s “complete” I become worried that I have cancer. I don’t have any blood or abdominal cramping, but lately my stools have been thinner in diameter than unusual.

Tell me I’m crazy and silly.

(42yo F)

Thin stool is a sign of inflammation.

[Anonymous]

I had recurrent blood and flat stools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The new guidelines recommends starting at 45 but if you go to a GI doc they may recommend one and insurance should cover.

NP. I had a recommendation from GI doctor and my insurance said they don't pay until age 50. They have not enbraced the new guidelines. Even with prescriptions/ recommendation, they refused to cover it until 50. The hospital kept calling me to schedule and told them I would be back in 2 years.

My insurance covered it at age 40 because of family history.

[Anonymous]

a father who died of cancer at 57...of colon cancer