Colonoscopy Patient Stories

Patient stories

Browse our collection of colonoscopy stories from real patients.

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Vicki B

1 of 4

In 2002, at the age of 47, I was one of those rare individuals who had a symptom of colon cancer. I had rectal bleeding. During my yearly well-woman exam, I mentioned the bleeding to my doctor. It was determined that I had hemorrhoids and a tre ...

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Chris H

2 of 4

Colonoscopy and cancer are topics that most people don’t think about at 30 years old, but that’s when I had my first colonoscopy. I went to the doctor for a regular physical, and in discussing my family health history, my father’s colon cancer ...

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Linda O

3 of 4

My history with colonoscopies began in my 40s, due to my father's diagnosis of adenocarcinoma of the bowel when he was in his 60s. He had a colon resection as his treatment, never having had a colonoscopy before that. He did well, no further ...

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Thelma W

4 of 4

I think I have a pretty typical colonoscopy story. No known family history when I had mine done, no particular symptoms that led me to get it done. I knew that you’re supposed to have one done when you turn 50, so I did…sort of (I did put it of ...

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Vicki B

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Age: 56

Location: Huntsville, TX

Occupation: Analyst

Hobbies/Interests: Spending time with family, reading, traveling

Colonoscopy history: 7 colonoscopies

One piece of advice: Don’t delay this important test—it could save your life.

In 2002, at the age of 47, I was one of those rare individuals who had a symptom of colon cancer. I had rectal bleeding. During my yearly well-woman exam, I mentioned the bleeding to my doctor. It was determined that I had hemorrhoids and a treatment plan was discussed.

Several months later, the bleeding had worsened. I felt this was something more than just hemorrhoids and decided to seek further testing. A colonoscopy was ordered, and during the scan, a tumor was found. The results of a biopsy ruled that I had rectal cancer, which was eventually deemed stage III. Eight months of treatment included radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery.

After cancer treatment ended, I had yearly colonoscopies for 5 years. No new polyps were found during this time, so I am now scheduled for a colonoscopy every 3 years.

A colonoscopy has advantages over other colon cancer screening options because the doctor has the ability to see the entire colon, and more importantly, any polyp found may be removed during the procedure. Because of my experience, I encourage family and friends to visit their doctor and determine when they should begin having this important test.

My discussion is often met with reluctance, especially from those who have heard horror stories about the prep. I can truthfully say that a colonoscopy is much easier than cancer treatment. I guess I am unique in that I look forward to my scheduled colonoscopies. In fact, when called for my last test I stood up and said “My turn!” My husband said no one else in the room was as excited about having this test.

A colonoscopy brings me the comfort of knowing that, at this time, no polyps were found, and if one is ever found they can remove it on the spot. Just think, the doctor can remove a polyp and stop cancer before it starts!

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Important Safety Information about MOVIPREP

MOVIPREP® (PEG-3350, sodium sulfate, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium ascorbate and ascorbic acid for oral solution) is an osmotic laxative indicated for cleansing of the colon as a preparation for colonoscopy in adults 18 years of age or older. MOVIPREP is contraindicated in patients with gastrointestinal (GI) obstruction, bowel perforation, gastric retention, ileus, toxic colitis or toxic megacolon, and patients who have had a severe hypersensitivity reaction to any of its components. MOVIPREP should be used with caution in patients at risk of or with fluid and electrolyte abnormalities, hyponatremia, arrhythmias, seizures, in patients with impaired renal function or patients taking concomitant medications that affect renal function, patients with known or suspected inflammatory bowel disease, patients with suspected GI obstruction or perforation, patients at risk for aspiration, and patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. Most common adverse reactions for split dosing (incidence ≥5%) are malaise, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and upper abdominal pain. The most common adverse reactions for evening only dosing (incidence ≥5%) are abdominal distension, anal discomfort, thirst, nausea, abdominal pain, sleep disorder, rigors, hunger, malaise, vomiting, and dizziness. MOVIPREP contains 233 mg of phenylalanine per treatment. Advise patients to hydrate adequately before, during, and after the use of MOVIPREP.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/safety/medwatch/ or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

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