Comments about ‘How to save a life: Doug Miller's cautionary tale shows value of colonoscopies’

My wife had her first colonoscopy at age 61 after enduring some gastrointestinal stress. . . She feared the worst, but, after the colonoscopy, learned that everything was normal. Apparently, she only had a "bug" she acquired while on a cruise. After learning that her results were normal, she said, "I have a new lease on life! I was sick with worry and feared I might have cancer."

I had my first colonoscopy two weeks later at age 65. The procedure is nothing to fear. The liquid you drink the night before is not bad, although nothing to "savor." The procedure itself is painless and quick. My results, too, were normal. What a chance we took! Please, please don't procrastinate your own colonoscopy (like we did!) if you're age 50 or older.

Karen: I know this may sound strange, but have you ever thought that maybe your Dad didnt have a colonoscopy and died so that you WOULD and LIVE. Sometimes even in death we find the life that our parents so want us to enjoy. Just a thought. Your Dad was a face and a voice no one could forget. Now colon cancer has that voice and face...and lives will be saved thanks to your Dad and You...

I have a friend whose dad died of colon cancer. The Dr. treating the father told the son, in his mid-thirties, to get a colonoscopy. Wisely he followed the Dr's advice and was found to have colon cancer. He is still alive today some 20 yrs later. If there is a family history of ovarian cancer there is also a higher risk for breast and colon cancer. Every adult should get a colonscopy at age 50, or earlier if they are in a higher risk category.

Doug, Marilyn and Karen were great neighbors and friends. I admire Karen for all she is doing. I know the love Doug had for his family and actually for everyone he ever met.
Doug was offered a huge raise from a television station in Texas at one time and turned it down to remain at KSL because he loved Utah. He was a great Arkansas Razarback and could give an amazing hog call. Doug was amazing and fun to be around.
Thanks to the entire Miller Family for what all of you have done and are doing for the people of this state. The memories of Doug, Marilyn and Karen are very special.

Its noble to warn the people on what might kill them. Its self-evident that not everyone can afford to do so. Not everyone has health insurance. Like me. Maybe warnings such as this should be adjusted to warn all those who have health insurance to go get screened, to get regular checkups.

I've seen many loved ones die and others survive -- with and without insurance. I have Questions. How much is a human life worth anyway? How do we determine who is worth saving? Why do we deliberately kill 4,000 unborn babies every day in this country? A small fraction of earth's population has health insurance. Most don't Is death that bad? Is dying and going to God's presence THAT bad of a thing? If dying is so awful how come no one has escaped THERE to return HERE? Does modern medicine prolong the life of a soul who God wants back right now and not five years from now?

For the time being, I'll accept that I could possibly live another 30 years or a few months or a few more secccccccccccccccccccccccccccc

I don't want to be all doom and gloom but where can someone who does not have health insurance go to have a colonoscopy? My GrandFather died from it and I don't make enough to have insurance or so little that I qualify for Medicade? I don't want a hand out but I would like some help so I can breathe a sigh of relief. Does anyone have any ideas?

Years ago, I knew Doug Miller as an acquaintance. I always enjoyed his work. I have had many colonoscopies, the most recent a month ago, because polyps were found one time and removed. I was on an every-three-year cycle, but after the last clean bill of health, I'm good for five. It's worth knowing you don't have colon cancer to get the screening. Nobody likes the prep, but it is nothing to have the procedure done -- and pretty darn reassuring when you're done.

I had my first one 2 years ago at age 56, in large part to the Bill Boards I saw regarding Doug Miller. They removed some polyps and due to the nature of them, I had to go back 6 months later for a follow-up. Fortunately, all was well. Thanks Doug!

One more testimonial FOR the aforementioned procedure. Had my colonoscopy in Sept. 2010 at age 64 and came up "clean". Sadly, I too have a good friend not so lucky. I fear his days are numbered even AFTER many painful surgeries. Anyone who is insured is a fool not to have a colonoscopy. Fools continue to ridicule Mitt Romney for being an architect of healthcare in the state of Massachusetts.

I guess you have to have a benchmark, but I would like to know why age 50 is the magic number? There is no family history of colorctal cancer in my lineage, but after a urologist "felt something funny" during a digital prostate exam, I was diagnosed with rectal cancer at 49. Thought we had it licked, but two years later it's back stage 4. Bummer.
So why not 45 years or even 40? In light of my history, I would really like to know.
FWIW, during the "staging" process, a doc doing a scan told me that they are seeing more and more rectal cancer patients younger than 50.

To Buzzards, I am sorry you are going through this. I really wish you the best.

Good story.. I don't see what the problem is getting a colonoscopy (unless health insurance preclude one - a problem not yet resolved and too widespread).

Is there anyone out there who know if there is an option thorugh Utah Digestive Halth (I think thatis what it's called) to get a colonscopy if you have no insurance?
I had my first colonoscopy recently. Trust me people, it is not that bad. It is much worse to suffer as I know others have suffered, including Doug Miller. I was very shocked by his death, as well as that of people I did know. These sad events made me motivated to get my colonoscopy. All it is is one rather long evening of discomfort. Not pain, discomfort. Then you go in, and as one nurse told me, "The worst part is already over!" She was right; they gave me a sedative and the next thing I knew I was headed to recovery. Doc told me that morning that I had one minor polyp, nothing looked bad. A week later I got a letter confirming that everything was fine, see ya in ten years. One evening of discomfort is worth it! How many times have you had the flu? That is far worse.

Whic is worse the prep or three weeks of bad things. I did mine at 53 and I am healthy. Yes it is no fun to do it but what to worry.

Just had my first at age 50 on Friday. The prep I used was called Suprep and was no big deal at all. And yes, sitting on the john most of the night was the worst but there was no pain in that at all. Then you fall asleep and wake up and it's done. The peace of mind is much better than the worry of doing it. Seriously, no big deal. We do need to resolve the insurance issues. No one should NOT be able to get one if they want.

are you kidding me? why colonoscopies? how about over eating that leads to diabetes? he died from an over indulgent lifesytle.

re:Buzzards.
You raised a good question. If Drs are seeing an increasing number of pts under 50 why is 50 the recommended point for a screening colonoscopy?

So sorry for your bad news.
I hope the next treatments are more sucessful.

I've had three colonoscopys, no problems. At 60 I am not looking forward to how invasive of privacy future medical needs might bring my way. Getting older has challenges...preventative approach to medicine is the best course to follow, I believe. Live as healthy as you can and pray for good health.

I too had a colonoscopy in April 2007 at 53, partially from learning what Doug Miller went through. At first I was nervous about the whole thing, but on balance it really wasn't that bad. The procedure itself wasn't the worst part but rather the cleansing the night before; visualize a space shuttle launch. Anyway, I checked out fine and the peace of mind is worth any initial embarrassment. If you're over 50, do yourself a favor and get it done.

I hesitate to bring this up but someone needs to say something. At $3,500 for the surgical center (not including the doctor or pathology fees) it's no wonder they want everyone to have it done. If you have health insurance they get about $2,100. So why won't they takle $2,100 from an individual, especially if they pay cash up front and don't need to bill the insurance company? Something smells here. Also, many health insurers won't pay for "screening" but only if they actually find a pollup and it turns into a "medical procedure."

Also, quite advertising that colonoscopies "prevent cancer." If they did everyone would get one and there'd be no colon cancer ever again!! They are effective in eliminating potential cancer in 60% of cases; what if you're in the 40% category they don't help....what then?

With regards to age "50" it is just a suggested threshold. Many people wait until their 60's and don't have issues while for some that are in their 40's it is unfortunately too late. Use good judgement and see a Doctor for a physical, not just when something appears to be wrong.