Yes, I would agree with this advice and would not want you to wait longer for your next examination.

No.

The advantage of a colonoscopy is that if something abnormal is seen, it can be either biopsied or even removed at that time.  Other colon exams do not provide that opportunity.  Screening can be performed with simply a chemical test looking for blood in the stool, but it is not very sensitive and can miss some cancers and small polyps.  The test relies on bleeding from the polyp or tumor when the stool is tumbling over it. The blood is then detected when that piece of stool is passed.  If there is no bleeding, the test will be falsely negative.  The colon also can be examined with a barium enema, also known as a lower GI X-ray, in which no medication is required.  Another way of viewing the colon is with virtual colonoscopy, a form of CT scanning, but your insurance may not approve it and it is expensive.  Colonoscopy is currently considered the best test.  The medication used can be given on the light side, you just have to explain your wishes to the doctor.

It’s hard to know what another doctor means when he/she uses certain words.  Some polyps contain cancer but most do not.  I would suggest calling the doctor to get further clarification.

Unfortunately, a bowel cleansing is needed for all types of colon examinations whether it’s a standard colonoscopy, virtual colonoscopy or a barium enema X-ray (also known as a Lower GI series).  Otherwise, stool can be mistaken for a polyp or a cancer. There are many ways to prepare the colon for this test and each physician has his/her preference.  Also, what is chosen depends on the medical history of the patient. You should discuss this at length with the physician performing the examination.

A normal pelvic exam does not exclude a problem in the colon or rectum.  You need to have a colonoscopy.

Gastroparesis is a difficult problem to fix.  Surgical options are limited, however, there is a procedure that involves implanting a pacemaker into the stomach so that emptying can hopefully improve.  Only a select number of surgeons perform this operation so you should investigate who is doing this locally.

Your symptoms sound like they are affecting the quality of your life and I think that further testing is indicated.  It’s not normal to have such an abrupt change in your bowel habits without a reason.  Irritable Bowel Syndrome, while possible, is an unusual cause for such a change and there might be another reason such as infection, inflammation or polyps.  A stool sample should be submitted for testing of unusual bacteria, parasites or toxins.  Although a complete colonoscopy was performed two years ago, you are different now and I would suggest another colonoscopy, including biopsies to see if there are microscopic changes of colitis present.

Factors that can put you at greater risk include increasing age, prior history of polyps, family history and a history of inflammatory bowel disease.

Generally at age 50 unless there are high-risk conditions.

Several different treatment options are available to these patients and your colorectal surgeon can discuss these with you. There is hope and optimism for patients with fecal incontinence. It no longer has to be socially disabling.

Fortunately, that’s not likely. The majority of patients can be treated without needing a colostomy.