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

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

I'm PP you replied to. I also have family history of colon cancer on my mother's side, insurance didn't care. I have terrible insurance, every year it gets worse and worse (my company keeps switching plans yearly to cheaper ones).
I asked about the cologuard test instead and my GI said with hemorrhoids, which I have periodically (sorry for TMI), it would not be accurate since any blood present could be from that.

[Anonymous]

You need to see a doctor for peace of mind. If he/she thinks you should have one before 45 they’ll write you the order. Be sure to follow your insurers protocols about coverage, otherwise you could get stuck paying the bill. I just had a colonoscopy and bases in my insurance EOBs it was $13k.

[Anonymous]

My father had colon cancer and a full colectomy. My first colonoscopy was around age 33 due to unexplained pain and constipation. I had polyps, so Dr officially recommended that all my siblings younger and older also have colonoscopies. Of course they didn’t for several years (oldest — sedentary, very overweight— sibling still has yet do it), but that’s how they are. I’ve had 3 since and am on a 3 year schedule unless there’s a change.

[Anonymous]

Just ask your primary care dr. for a referral. And/or get referred to a proctologist and get him/her to say it's needed.

I was shocked to find a bladder cancer polyp at age 48 during a routine hysterectomy. Better safe than sorry OP.

[Anonymous]

I got my first at 40 because I had two grandparents (one on each side) who died of colon cancer and an aunt who caught it early.

[Anonymous]

I got my first colonoscopy at 45 because my insurance follows the guidelines.

[Anonymous]

Yes insurance covered it. I got it at 40. My parents have a history of intestinal polyps and I was having some pain and black stools. Everything was fine.

[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)

Get a referral to a gastroenterologist. Specifically mention irregular BMs and recent change to thinner stools. (Would really help here if you have some recollection of polys or colorectal cancer in your family). Doc should order a colonoscopy. But remember, you probably do not have cancer. While most colon cancers start out as a benign polyp, most polys do not turn to cancer. So advocate for yourself to get a colonoscopy but also don’t stress over cancer. All odds are in your favor. Good health.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

(42y

Can you account for the grams of fiber you eat daily? if that range is below even 30 it wouldnt hurt hopping aboard the fiber train. Its not a one day thing you have hit hit 40+ even 50+ grams per day everyday for a week. Fiber gummies can help and some powders too but don't rely on those, chia seeds, low carb wraps, bran cereals. Try a week of that and still get to the GI Doc, good luck

[Anonymous]

Nothing you read here is going to ease your mind. I’d make an appointment with a gastro and tell them your symptoms and concerns. They will recommend the procedure if they think it’s warranted.

[Anonymous]

OP go see Dr. Kathrine Kirk at Capital Digestive. She is fantastic and you will love her. She will get to the bottom of it. (pun intended)

[Anonymous]

I went to my PCP with my symptoms (narrow stools, fatigue, upset stomach after eating). She first ordered blood work which showed low iron levels and then sent me to get a colonoscopy. I was 41, no issues with insurance, but it did take some extra time as opposed to going straight to GI.

[Anonymous]

Blood and IBS-like symptoms, which turned out to be IBS and hemorrhoids. first colonoscopy at 35 (no family history) and 2nd at 40 just because I'm neurotic and the symptoms had continued and I wanted to double-check everything again. If you're really worried, just get it done for peace of mind! Dr. Rubin at Capital Digestive Care is patient, caring and friendly and the nap during the procedure is nice.

[Anonymous]

I had one at 35 for worsening severe constipation with blood. Luckily they just found some hemmorhoids. I have Federal BCBS insurance and it was fully covered.

[Anonymous]

Agree with PPs - you should make an appointment with a GI doc and see what they recommend. Most insurance companies cover screening colonoscopies at 45 now but if the GI doc thinks you should have one, most insurance companies would cover it now.

I had one at 37 due to rectal bleeding and IBS-like symptoms.