3 replies to this topic

[rainwater]

I am only 45 but recently was told (after a colonoscopy I had as a follow-up to an issue 5 years ago) I basically have a sea of polyps in the rectal area. There are a ton of them there - I saw the pictures! It was shocking. There are so many that they cannot be removed one at a time. The ones that were tested were benign but the doctor is concerned that within that vast sea of bumps, some of them could be pre-cancerous, so he thinks the whole rectum should be removed. Not really an appealing option. Wondering... I have been using suppositories for 35 years, as I had transverse myelitis at age 10. Has anyone heard of a link between polyps and long term suppository use?? Wondering if I tried any alternatives (which would be what...?)if it might help get rid of the inflamation-type polyps. Help! Any old-timers out there with some thoughts or info about this?

[StillFingers]

Hi Rainwater,

I've used the magic bullet suppository for over three decades with no ill affects. Had a colonoscopy back in 2008 and had no signs of polyps or scaring; just a nice 51 yr old pink colon, my doctor was impressed...I was just a bit gassy afterward

All of us, our injuries, body types, abilities to heal, etc. are so different that I can't say suppositories didn't have something to do with your rectal issues...but I don't imagine putting anything up our back doors is very optimal.

Do know tho, my mom had colon cancer (it's in the family.) She went through surgery, all the nasty treatments and has been cancer free for over 15 yrs...I show no signs of any problems. It's always a good idea to check your family history, be more informed before you decide on major surgery and don't hesitate to get a second opinion if you feel the need.

You might also consider using Google or other search engines to get more information. BTW, I typed "suppository use and colon polyps" into Google, reviewed the first page of links and found nothing the directly stated extended suppository use causes polyps or cancer for that matter. I did find this article that summarizes possible side effects...the link is below.

http://www.puristat....positories.aspx

I also found this abstract on SCI and bowel dysfunction, produced by the University of Washington, but have not reviewed the full paper/text. It's available in PDF format if you wish to read it...the link to the abstract is below.

http://www.archives-...e/S0003-9993(97)90416-0/abstract

My best to you on your polyp removal...

Regards,

Jerry

Edited by StillFingers, 04 August 2010 - 03:35 PM.

[rdw651]

rainwater, on 04 August 2010 - 02:45 AM, said:

I am only 45 but recently was told (after a colonoscopy I had as a follow-up to an issue 5 years ago) I basically have a sea of polyps in the rectal area. There are a ton of them there - I saw the pictures! It was shocking. There are so many that they cannot be removed one at a time. The ones that were tested were benign but the doctor is concerned that within that vast sea of bumps, some of them could be pre-cancerous, so he thinks the whole rectum should be removed. Not really an appealing option. Wondering... I have been using suppositories for 35 years, as I had transverse myelitis at age 10. Has anyone heard of a link between polyps and long term suppository use?? Wondering if I tried any alternatives (which would be what...?)if it might help get rid of the inflamation-type polyps. Help! Any old-timers out there with some thoughts or info about this?

Hello Rainwater:

I am going through the same thing. Went in for a 5 year colonoscopy and the Dr. says the same thing. I am a 50 year old Quad. I have used suppositories for 35 years and have talked to two Dr. to see if this was caused by the use of them. Both told me they did not feel that the suppositories would contribute to that problem. I now am seeking advice from another Dr. because the surgery is quite evasive. If you find out any other options or remedies please post them. Good luck in your decision making.

[rainwater]

rdw651, on 25 August 2010 - 09:14 PM, said:

rainwater, on 04 August 2010 - 02:45 AM, said:

I am only 45 but recently was told (after a colonoscopy I had as a follow-up to an issue 5 years ago) I basically have a sea of polyps in the rectal area. There are a ton of them there - I saw the pictures! It was shocking. There are so many that they cannot be removed one at a time. The ones that were tested were benign but the doctor is concerned that within that vast sea of bumps, some of them could be pre-cancerous, so he thinks the whole rectum should be removed. Not really an appealing option. Wondering... I have been using suppositories for 35 years, as I had transverse myelitis at age 10. Has anyone heard of a link between polyps and long term suppository use?? Wondering if I tried any alternatives (which would be what...?)if it might help get rid of the inflamation-type polyps. Help! Any old-timers out there with some thoughts or info about this?

Hello Rainwater:

I am going through the same thing. Went in for a 5 year colonoscopy and the Dr. says the same thing. I am a 50 year old Quad. I have used suppositories for 35 years and have talked to two Dr. to see if this was caused by the use of them. Both told me they did not feel that the suppositories would contribute to that problem. I now am seeking advice from another Dr. because the surgery is quite evasive. If you find out any other options or remedies please post them. Good luck in your decision making.


Hi to you,

I've gotten a second opinion and have been told I have a rare disorder - hyperplastic polyposis syndrome. It may have a familial component. So far, it seems like the version I have is less likely to become cancer and it needs close surveillance and no need for radical surgery at this time. Made me feel much better. And I saw online that Johns Hopkins hospital is studying this, so I sent an e-mail to them about it today. I am going to check with another doctor in my area who studies stuff like this. So, thought you might appreciate an update. All the doctors so far do not believe there is a link between the suppositories and this problem.

Best wishes to you!