I am a 60 yr. old male who never had any problems with my colon. Over the years I had several flex sigmoid exams which were always “clear.” Last October I prompted my family physician to schedule my first colonoscopy, just as a precaution. After needing to remind her to do so, my procedure occurred on Dec. 5. One small polyp was found and removed and one large tumor was found near my small intestine which required surgery. This large tumor would NEVER have been found with the Flex Sigmoid test.

Biopsies showed the growths were non-cancerous, but I was told that my large tumor would very likely become cancerous within a couple of years. I researched my condition and sought a surgeon who could do laparoscopic surgery. I found my doctor in Zanesville, OH. On Jan. 28, 2009, he performed laproscopic assisted surgery and removed a foot of my colon. Biopsies confirmed no malignacy existed. I left the hospital after 4 days and my recovery has gone well. All bodily functions have returned to normal. I had very little pain from the surgery. I opted for an epidural right before the surgery and its port remained in my back for 3 days following surgery. My doctor told me this was a good decision as it is the “Cadillac” for pain rather than the narcotic IVs.

I feel very fortunate. But if I had had colonoscopies earlier, rather than the worthless flex sigmoids, maybe I could have avoided surgery. I will forever advocate for colonoscopies and laproscopic surgery when colon surgery is necessary.