At age 3, I had my appendix, cecum and a part of my ileum (sp?) removed (and I assume my ileocecal valve as well). In my 30s, Barium enemas and upper GI X rays (w Ba) showed it missing, like I was told by my parents. Though I had irregularity as a youngster, I seem to have regular normal BM as an adult as long as I maintain a good diet. Though my family has never had any history of cancer or polyps of any kind, my doctor is recommending as a 50+ individual that I get a full colonoscopy (I have had flexisigmoidoscopies before, never showed anything). I am concerned about doing this because I learned in school that the cecum and ileocecal valve are used as indicators that the probe has "reached the end" and a full colonoscopy has been done. When I told my Primary about this, they seemed to have never heard of such a concern or issue. Has the practice changed? I do nto wan tto wake up to a perforated large or small intestine.