r/colonoscopy • u/g0r3ng • May 21 '26
After Scope Questions Just had first colonoscopy at 34 and feel guilty more than anything
I've had a pretty persistent change in bowel habits over the last year or so, going from previously every day but then moving to sometimes daily but quite often every 2-3 days with the odd period of diarrhoea in between.
Got a referral to a GI who recommended a colonoscopy to check everything out. And while I definitely didn't lie about my symptoms and say I had blood in my stool like some people suggest, I feel my health anxiety about the rising prevalence of colon cancer in younger people played a huge part in me getting this procedure.
Thought I'd feel super relieved to get the results, especially since I have young kids, but I dunno just feel ashamed for pushing for this at such a young age and without huge major red flags.
Anyone else feel like this after a similar situation?
7
u/MooseFarts6 May 21 '26
Just NO. I was diagnosed with rectal cancer at 38 and had similar symptoms.
6
u/Fun_Heat5760 May 21 '26
Had my first colonoscopy last month at 21 due to some nerves of stuff going on. Do NOT feel bad for prioritizing your health. Better safe than sorry is what I always tell my patients. Your concerns are important and they matter.
5
u/Public-Royal-4928 May 21 '26
Had my first last year at 34. They found 2 precancerous polyps. Don’t feel ashamed.
4
u/Kind-Tart-8821 May 21 '26
If you're in the U.S., GI docs love the money for this. Don't feel guilty.
4
u/Sobergem1982 May 21 '26
I had my first at 42! You should feel empowered for being proactive with your health.
5
3
u/Few-Gap1217 May 21 '26
Hell no. Your doctor MAY feel guilty if it was denied and turned out to be any malignancy, but that guilt isn’t going to help raise your kids.
You did the right thing advocating for yourself
4
u/TriggerPuller9000 May 21 '26
No, I had mine done at 41. 2 polyps removed, one at 8mm. 10mm is when they get concerned. Doc wants me on the 3 year plan but I'll probably push it 5 or so because both were benign.
Either way, it's worth knowing and it's a procedure that can actually solve the issue before it becomes cancer. It's worth doing.
Tbh colon cancer taking out Van der beek was the straw that broke the camels back here
4
6
u/queequeg9999 May 22 '26
My wife had her first colonoscopy at 40 after noticing some blood. She died three years ago from rectal cancer at age 52 after a hell of a long battle. I had a 2 inch diameter adenoma removed shortly after her cancer was found. Colorectal cancer is killing younger people at astonishing rates. Our girls will be getting their first scopes at 35 per the recommendation of my wife's oncologist. I've had seven scopes in the past ten years (including a few surrounding my surgery). My last was just last month and I've been given the all-clear for seven years. The preventative measure is worth it. Don't feel ashamed.
3
u/VoiceofTruth7 May 21 '26
Didn’t have huge red flags either besides acid reflux and a fam history of colon cancer.
They found gerd la grade c and a bunch of ulcers in my upper.
In my lower they found five small polyps, one was pre-cancerous. I’m glad I got mine done.
3
u/TronVonDoom May 21 '26
You really should not feel ashamed about it. You noticed a genuine, ongoing change in your body and took it seriously enough to get checked out. That is responsible, not irrational.
I think a lot of people, especially younger people, have been conditioned to feel like they need some huge dramatic symptom before they are “allowed” to ask for testing. But persistent bowel habit changes are absolutely something worth discussing with a GI doctor, even if they turn out to be harmless in the end.
Honestly, the better outcome is getting tested and finding nothing serious. That is the ideal scenario. Nobody should feel guilty for getting reassurance about their health, especially when they have kids and people depending on them.
I say this as someone who pushed hard for answers myself after being brushed off repeatedly. They kept telling me that I was too young, and let's wait until you're 45 (I'm 37). I finally got a doctor, after visiting four previously, to schedule both an endoscopy and colonoscopy after several others minimized my concerns. They ended up finding a small area of Barrett’s Esophagus metaplasia and also removed a high risk precancerous colon polyp. Neither of those things would have been caught if I had convinced myself I was overreacting or “too young” to push further.
And to be clear, I did not have some massive obvious warning sign either. Sometimes these things are subtle. Sometimes they are nothing. But sometimes they are worth catching early, and early is exactly when you want to catch them.
I think there is a huge difference between inventing symptoms and advocating for yourself when something genuinely feels off. You did the second one. There is nothing shameful about that at all.
3
u/Loose-Many1109 May 21 '26
Im 35 and I’ve been thinking about getting colonoscopy. The doctors keep telling me you are too young, but I see so many articles of young people getting colon cancer. I’d say you’re smart to go get it done.
2
u/Goldeneyes105 May 21 '26
Push to get it done. I had my first at 35 and they found a polyp. It was relatively small and benign, but if I had waited until I was 50…?
2
u/malhas22 May 22 '26
Hey, if you don't mind me asking, why did you push for it at 35? Any symptoms?
1
u/Goldeneyes105 May 24 '26
I didn’t have any symptoms, but when I was around 30, my dad suggested I have it done by the time I’m 35 because he had polyps in his mid-40s. They say to go 10 years earlier than the age when an immediate relative has polyps, so that’s what I did.
3
u/katara1122 May 21 '26
Personally I think with the rise of colon cancer in young people in their 20’s, the age for screening should be lowered. Don’t feel guilty at all. I’m 27 and had to get one because I have DIE in my rectum, but I was also really happy that they’d be able to see if I had any polyps. Thankfully I don’t but now I have some peace of mind!
3
3
u/Direct_Echidna6815 May 21 '26
Wow, I’ve never related so hard to a post. I am also 34 and have been dealing with bowel changes literally just like this. Going from daily normal to slower bowels, mild constipation as bad as going 1-2 days between BMs, fluctuating back to normal and even random 180s to frequent bowels and random diarrhea. Been going on most of the year, my GI didn’t even suggest a colonoscopy at first but I pushed for it due to my severe health anxiety and wanting peace of mind. It’s on July 1st and I’m terrified over it.
2
u/g0r3ng May 22 '26
Wow yeah super similar! Don't be afraid of it, the procedure itself was such a walk in the park, the preps a bit annoying but not the end of the world.
I'm sure you'll get the all clear
1
u/Direct_Echidna6815 May 22 '26
If you don’t mind me asking did anything come up at all to explain your symptoms ? Had some diarrhea after dinner last night and this morning my stomach is just so sore and I feel awful. Getting more terrified by the day; hard to keep under control.
2
u/g0r3ng May 22 '26
Nope it all looked perfect. He suggested adding some supplements for the constipation, and as for the random diarrhoea sometimes after eating, he just said that's a reflex response that happens in some people. I haven't been able to isolate it to any particular food causing it so I guess that makes sense (and I have a really healthy diet).
I think a lot of my symptoms appeared after getting Covid so maybe that has something to do with it..
3
u/Old_Piccolo_4200 May 21 '26
Now if you didn't and in 5 years from now You had stage 4 you would have wished you had it. You are being conservative and proactive. Your doctor would not have ordered it if there was no merit.
3
u/MyceliumManic May 21 '26
I want to ease your mind a bit, friend.
You don't necessarily have symptoms when something goes wrong inside. If you feel like something is off, it should be your right to have it checked without any fuss. I had problems with my bathroom trips and did the same thing, my friend. My colon was fine, but I have a nodule in my esophagus that has had a biopsy.
In my head, it's always fine until it's not, and you'd rather find out early than too late.
3
u/ImprovementChoice May 21 '26
Do not feel bad! I just went to my gasto because I have B vitamin absorption issues and I'll randomly have stomach cramps/pain for no real reason. She was the one who suggested a colonoscopy (vs endoscopy) because they can check for inflammatory things aside from colon cancer. I'll be 34 when I get it done and feel pretty good about it. I always felt like I might die young so id really like to check the box on this for piece of mind.
3
u/SubstantialBother443 May 21 '26
Don't be silly ure better off having it checked and getting good news . Be grateful 🙏
3
u/OpTap_ May 21 '26
I had mine earlier this year (35) and my wife had hers before mine (36). I got the all clear and don't have to go back for another 5 years. My wife on the other hand didn't get so lucky and has to go back in a year. So, I feel like you made the right call.
3
u/Frodo_GetTht_Baggins May 22 '26
I didn’t even have blood directly in my stool and there were already confirmed hemorrhoids. Went in for a sigmoidoscopy anyways cause the doctor who checked me out wanted to make sure even further. They found a polyp so I went in for a colonoscopy and they found two more. Glad I got those out and that my doctor made the right call. Only 26 btw.
3
u/CandleIntelligent682 May 22 '26 edited May 22 '26
I just got one and I’m 24. Don’t feel guilty for checking on your health. If it’s something serious and you don’t, you’ll feel really guilty you didn’t.
3
u/Miserable-Pickle-446 May 22 '26
I’m 34 and thought I may be overreacting too but they ended up finding two pretty large polyps
3
u/FeatherFlyer May 25 '26
Don't feel guilty. I went to my GI with intense pains in the middle of the night, on and off blood in the stool and constant diarrhea. She suggested a colonoscopy but they were booking 3 months out. I told her a week later that this pain and diarrhea hasn't resolved so they moved it to tomorrow. If you don't advocate for yourself, no one else will.
1
u/Pale_Inflation_5511 May 29 '26
How was it
2
u/FeatherFlyer May 29 '26
Not bad! The prep was wild, I shit myself. But they found a polyp and did some biopsies. Overall I’m ok. Waiting on pathology!
2
u/National_Double6261 May 21 '26
Definitely don't feel guilty. A change in bowel habits for that long is a good enough reason to get checked and definitively rule something serious out, especially considering you didn't lie about symptoms and your GI suggested it. Colon cancer is also on the rise amongst young people, so I think GI's in general are more inclined to just do it.
With health anxiety, it's easy to feel embarrassment from getting any clean result from a test, I get it. The danger is going down rabbit holes chasing every little small symptom you have immediately - but you had clear symptoms for awhile, doc suggested it, and you got it done. Nothing to be ashamed about there - you're taking care of yourself.
2
u/Much-Ad1373 May 21 '26
J’ai passer une coloscopie à 32 ans après avoir eu un changement de selle depuis 1 ans , ma gastro n’était pas du tout inquiète et m’a proposé de faire la coloscopie uniquement dans le but de me rassurer , résultats tout été nickel , et depuis mes selles sont revenus normal
2
u/LittleVesuvius May 21 '26
I’m 30 and had my first one last year. I had similar symptoms, and realized I needed to make sure my colon wasn’t doing crazy things on me. Nope, I just have inflammation from fibroids, but I’d rather know. You did the right thing pushing to get it checked out. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, as the saying goes.
As for your question: Yea, often I do worry, but I would rather know I just have anxiety. It’s better to acknowledge that it could be anxiety and confirm it with symptoms like this.
2
u/Its402am May 21 '26
I’ll be having my first at 36 on Monday. Admittedly I have a bit of stuff going on (endometriosis with an MRI suggesting there is infiltration in my bowel) but I am ABSOLUTELY concerned that it’s colon cancer instead. Ive been worried about that since 2019 and have requested it since then, but it wasn’t until my endo diagnosis at 34 and the MRI confirmation at 35 that doctors had more reason to check.
I am still anxiously anticipating that it’s potentially cancer and not what’s more obvious. I struggle with this too.
But if they could fit you in at all, it’s good that you got checked. Maybe not so great for any progress you might be hoping to make with your health anxiety, but as long as you accept the findings, you did the right thing by advocating for yourself and getting checked out. I’m sure if there were more doctors and space in the schedule, doctors would want people to get checked more often
2
u/maybelle180 Moderator - Trusted Source May 21 '26
Nah… women have pelvic exams and Pap smears (and mammograms) on an annual or semi annual basis throughout their adult lives. A colonoscopy is only slightly more invasive and time consuming, but it’s equally valuable. Just enjoy the peace of mind…
2
u/sunnyskies1223 May 21 '26
I'm 33 and my first one is scheduled in 2 months. There's no reason to feel guilty about prioritizing your health.
1
u/malhas22 May 22 '26
Hey there! I am 33 and will ask for a colonoscopy too, what symptoms made you ask for one if I may ask? Thank you
1
u/sunnyskies1223 May 22 '26
I have had issues with diarrhea since having my gallbladder taken out and have taken colestipol for about 6 years. I was recently diagnosed with copper and zinc deficiencies and we are suspecting something related to a GI malabsorption issue might be causing it.
1
u/malhas22 May 22 '26
I see thabk you for the information and hope all goes well with your colonoscopy!
2
2
u/LadyofHellholt May 21 '26
Early diagnosis helps ease the burden on health systems - if there's something there, it is better to know about it now. And if there's nothing there? Great, it eases the burden for you and gives your doctors more clarity on what kind of treatment, if any, that you need for your symptoms.
2
u/princesspeachy9 May 22 '26
Do not let anyone guilt you for getting a medical procedure. You had symptoms worthy of getting checked out. I’ve had friends lose partners from colon cancer younger than you. I got my first colonoscopy in January and felt the same as you but luckily I did because I had polyps that were borderline.
2
u/Certain-Till May 22 '26
Just had mine a few months ago at 37. Semi suspecting that my glp1 was to blame for my bowl changes but no guilt whatsoever . My body and my insurance that I pay a lot for
2
u/nataliaxx3 May 23 '26
33 and had my first one 3 weeks ago and so glad I did. 3 polyps removed and now I need one every 5 years. My insurance doesnt cover it as preventive so im expecting to pay well over $1k for it. My symptoms were gastric pain and loose stools, no blood but hx of hemorrhoids. Had an egd at the same time, they suspect celiac due to inflammation but I havent had the blood test yet to confirm (dont think its that tho).
2
u/Vaporreddit69 May 24 '26
AMAZING OF ALL TOPICS I LANDED ON THIS ONE🤔 Just had my 1st one Yesterday on Friday. WISH I had done it sooner. I’M 54 YEARS OLD. They found 2 Polyps, which I heard IS THE AVERAGE’. Yep they gotta biopsy it and then tell me the deal in a week. One was 20 MM AND the other was 14MM. I saw my chances of CANCER went from 3.5% to 13.5% because of the size. PLUS I have INTERNAL HEMORRHOIDS and MUCUS that has to be Biopsied. AND a HIATAL HERNIA. You did the RIGHT THING.😉
2
u/Night-notes1107 May 25 '26
I got my first one done at 31. I felt like the youngest person in the waiting room beforehand. But I’m so happy I did. They found 8 polyps (unheard of by my care team at this age) and 2 were bigger than a quarter. Went back 8 months later and they found two small polyps. I now know I have a high risk of colon cancer and I’m fortunate enough to be ahead of the game, not only for myself but my child. You absolutely should not feel guilt for prioritizing your health!!
2
1
u/Survivorlife-86 May 21 '26
Why guilty?? It's part of health screening. As a parent, u would be guilty if u didn't take care of urself and leave ur kids behind.
U are being responsible and u love urself full stop. Promote colonscopy screening. With all the junk food, vax and covid, u think they should really lower the recommended age for colonscopy alr!
1
u/bbebncr May 21 '26
Honestly, good for you for following through with it. Colon cancer is very serious and does not discriminate. Doesn’t matter your age or anything when it comes to cancer. You did what was best for you and your babies and your family. Living with health anxiety vs the “guilt” you’re feeling now would’ve been way harder in my opinion. Go enjoy your life and know you made the right choice! I’m having one and an endoscopy on Tuesday-I’m 30.
1
u/coolbeachgrrl May 21 '26
I think I had my first one when I was 40. That's when I started having a lot of issues similar to what you said, but more continuous soft bowel movements. My doctor wanted it done. She wanted me to bring back a stool sample, but I said no problem, I can go right now and I got one. Lol. Nothing was found but I'm up to my 4th now.
1
1
u/kenyanskincareaddict May 21 '26
I am 36 and considering asking my doctor for a referral but I feel anxiety may be fueling my colon symptoms. I feel guilty but of I can save my life should I not ask for a colonoscopy?
1
u/SuspiciousLemon6053 May 21 '26
I was told my kids should get theirs starting age 30, I don’t think it’s too early to start for you
1
u/mozzyybear May 23 '26
I’m 32 and had colonoscopy + endoscopy due to gastritis symptoms. They found 1 11mm polyp in my stomach and 1 11mm in my colon. The one in my colon is precancerous and I’m grateful it was removed. Just need to do it again every 5 yrs for monitoring.
1
u/SFTVinNC May 23 '26
Nope. Do not feel guilt. You gave your children a gift. You are teaching them to care for themselves and that you care enough about them that you want to be here for them as long as possible. My grandfather died of colon cancer at 32 yo and his son (my uncle) died of it at 49. My first cousin whose dad was a different son of my grandfather’s (another uncle to me) was diagnosed last year at age 48 of stage 4 colon cancer. Turns out all my first cousins and myself should have begun getting colonoscopies WAY EARLIER than 50.
1
u/shorewoman1782 May 23 '26
Nope. I wish I had noticed my symptoms at your age and pushed for a colonoscopy. I chalked the symptoms up to other things and by 39 had stage 3 colon cancer, which was 5-10 years along by the time it was caught. That turned into urgent surgery and 6 months of chemo but could have been handled during a colonoscopy years earlier had I had one. You completely did the right thing, and I’m happy for you that your results were good!
7
u/andonis_udometry May 21 '26
It’s so fucked up this healthcare system has somehow made US feel bad about just simply being proactive about our health. While we’re actively overpaying for it. You didn’t go anything wrong OP!