Hey there Wiguy,
I am so sorry about your brother - that really sucks. I think I understand how you feel about being scared - but obviously you know that you need to be screened or you wouldn't be here asking!
I think that even when you know that you need to do it, it is still kind of scary. I still can't really explain why, but I didn't tell anyone but my college roommate (who took me to the hospital) that I was getting a colonoscopy until after I got it. I didn't want my family to worry about me, and I kept telling myself that I was sure nothing was really wrong. At the same time I was scared that something was wrong because at the time my cousin had very advanced colon cancer and I was having rectal bleeding. After I found out that I only had internal hemorrhoids (no polyps or cancer!) it was like a huge load off of my shoulders and that's when I told my family. I am so glad I did it!
Luckily, I was able to go directly to a gastroenterologist who gave me a colonoscopy within a few days. I had great insurance that allowed me to go to a specialist without a referral - and it allowed me to get the colonoscopy upon the GI's request. I had no hassles getting the colonoscopy and it only cost me $25 for the initial visit and $50 for the actual colonoscopy!
I would suggest that you check your insurance to see if you can skip getting a referral from your family doctor and go directly to a gastroenterologist (GI). You definitely need to get a colonoscopy, NOT just a rectal exam or a sigmoidoscopy, and it is best to get one from an experienced GI if you are able.
I think everyone here will agree - the colonoscopy isn't as bad as you think. The prep is the worst thing and you get good drugs so you don't care what the doctor is doing to you!
Hannah
Hannah K. Vogler
Co-Founder, The Colon Club
cousin of Amanda Sherwood Roberts
dx 1/99 Stage III at age 24
died January 1, 2002 at age 27