Colon prep requires several days of low-fiber diet, causing constipation and possible painful diverticulitis flare-up. Last colonoscopy was 7 years ago, no polyps. Anxiety motivated me to ask for another one after 3 family members diagnosed with colon cancer. However, all were determined to be sporadic cancers, ie, not genetic. And colonoscopies are recommended every 10 years. I’m now re-thinking if I should proceed; I’ve read about the elevated risks of colonoscopy for those over 70 (the recommended cut-off for these screenings is age 75). I'm obese, have high blood pressure (well controlled) and pre-diabetes (controlled with diet). Sometimes my pulse dips to 40-42 momentarily, but heart monitoring two years ago indicated nothing serious. My resting pulse is 60-65, though I’m not an active person. I read where the fluid loss during the prep, even while trying to stay hydrated, can cause an electrolyte imbalance. In seniors, that could lead to a cardiovascular event. Then there’s the risk of a perforated colon with the procedure or even with a diverticulitis flare. I decided to cancel my appointment for the scheduled procedure and instead, made an appointment to discuss these issues with my primary care doctor. Perhaps a less invasive screening would be preferable? Would love to know folks’ thoughts and experiences. Thanks!
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In the end (pun intended), you have to decide what is best for you. Nobody can make that decision for you.
My SIL is a GI doc and routinely does colonoscopies, obviously. He has said that he has a chat with his 'over 70' patients to see if they need one. The worries of problems really escalate with age, and he may actually deny someone one or opt for another procedure.
10 years between screenings is what is usually reccomended, unless you have problems.
Right now I’m suffering on 2nd day with severe constipation because I started the pre-prep low-fiber/residue diet last weekend. Feels like my innards are about to burst. Miralax hasn’t kicked in yet - body’s poo-plumbing has stopped. Nothing’s moving - this was predictable, as this happens when I skip fiber. Drinking plenty of water, which runs out of me because I take a diuretic for bp. Mentioned constipation issues at pre-colonoscopy meeting with gastroenterologist’s office. Hoping I don’t end up in ER.
Thanks again!
The OP IS taking screening seriously. The recommendation is that he should have a colonoscopy every ten years, his last was seven years ago, he was clear. So, conclusion 1, it can wait three years at least.
Any symptoms, any changes, any weight loss, any clinical signs causing concern? No. Even the family history, which often would be a reason for extra precautions, has been ruled out as an issue - there are no genetic factors in the other family members' disease.* So, conclusion 2, no occasion for a (non-routine, actually) colonoscopy.
In the absence of any clear reason to go ahead with a colonoscopy now, the OP should cancel this appointment.
If he is still concerned, and I agree that we all of us should be alert to risks, there are other things he can do.
He could consult a dietitian about minimising his risk.
He could ask for a stool sample to be investigated.
He could ask his PCP to keep an eye on basic statistics including, I agree again, his blood count.
*Just a thought: genetics has been ruled out, but what about other factors these family members and you yourself might have in common? Traditional foods, environmental exposures, anything like that?
There is that box test. Maybe try that and if comes up positive then have the colonoscopy.
say the elderly do not need anymore
colonoscopies for the rest of their lives. Unless they are having rectal
bleeding or pain that isnt gas, My mother’ GI doctor told her even with small polyps she doesnt need anymore followup Colonoscpies😌
due to her age.
Cologuard has many false positives AND false negatives.
Like my GI doctor said, It's the false negatives you have to worry about.
Is a negative truly negative or a false negative?
I would never use Cologuard again.
As far as a CT virtual colonoscopy, the prep is the same as a colonoscopy,
You have to be cleaned out. If polyps are found, they can't be removed.
You still need a colonoscopy. I was a CT tech for 40 years.
My advice to anyone would be to just get the colonoscopy.
I wouldn't get one!
Talk with your PCP AND your cardiologist about the risk. No genetic predisposition for cancer or polyps? Why bother if your last screening was good and clear? If they find something, what are the options for treatment and are you willing to follow through with those options, and what are the risks of those possible options for you?
I'd ask those questions.
My Mom is 91 and has GI issues, but an endoscopy is a high risk that her PCP, pulmonologist and cardiologist say NO WAY. She couldn't risk any surgery to correct whatever they might find anyway. Only doc gunho about the endoscopy was the GI doc, of course. All her other docs were like WHY and what's the point.
Personally, I had a routine colonoscopy and concurrent endoscopy about 5 years ago, all clear and even though I have GI issues and IBS, I will never have another colonoscopy unless you put a gun to my head. The after effects of it made me poopy incontinent for over a year because, with IBS my colon closes up, but the doctor rammed the thing up my yahoo to get it in there and damaged my sphincter nerves where I had no control. I was only 50 y.o. Took 2 years to regain total control of my poops. No colon cancer or polyps run in my family either. So, it's a hell no for me.
Talk with your drs about the necessity and the risks.