Is a colonoscopy ever too risky?

Hello, @vic83

Thank you! This is precisely the sort of advice I'm looking for. I had my last colonoscopy six years ago when a polyp was found and dealt with. The doctor advised returning in five years, but then sepsis intervened. That's why it's now six years. I'll be sure to meet with someone knowledgeable and who'll carefully review my history. My caution, which some might think a bit overwrought, is the result of conversations with various specialists who have been forthcoming enough to say they've only a limited understanding of sepsis's after-the-fact symptoms and the risk of reinfection.

Cheers!
Ray (@ray666)

Happy to be of help. To make intelligent decisions we need to have a complete picture of the risks and benefits. I too have learned from experience to drill down in these things!

Hi, Ray!

I would personally not get a colonoscopy at age 75, especially with your conditions, unless you’re having symptoms or you have a family history. I think it’s risky the older we get and I believe the prep and procedure are very stressful on the body and can disrupt our natural gut microbiome. I’d say keep on keeping on, eat well, walk daily, think positive and stay blessed! Also, in Europe they test much less frequently, and I think worry and invasive tests stress the body; medicine should focus more on prevention in the forms of meditation, healthy eating, and exercise, instead of more testing. Hope this helps!! Blessings to you!!! Mia

Hi, Mia!

Thank you for your perspective. I'm certainly not eager to get a colonoscopy. I've had my share over the years. I believe the only reason my PCP thought it might be a good idea, even at my age, is my only slightly low red blood count.

But for several years, I've been taking delayed-release diclofenac, prescribed by my orthopedist to reduce arthritic pain in my knees (it's worked wonders, by the way), plus a daily 81 mm aspirin, both of which may cause GI bleeding.

A hematologist, looking at my low RBC, advised I quit both the diclofenac and the aspirin. He suggested that those two drugs may have been suppressed my RBC. Otherwise, I can report no signs of any GI trouble.

I agree with what you say: fewer tests, a good diet, exercise, and insofar as possible a stress-free life.

Cheers!
Ray (@ray666)

@ray666 I wonder if this would be applicable to you. It says it’s for small bowel, but the capsule also passes through the large bowel so …🤷🏼‍♀️ Might be worth discussing with the doctor scheduled to do your colonoscopy.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/16829-capsule-endoscopy

@ray666 after watching this on the news last night, I understand your fear - totally! I had no idea sepsis can be this aggressive!
https://www.ctvnews.ca/video/c3062472-ctv-national-news--amalies-mission?binId=1.810401

OMG! That's pretty dramatic! It makes me think thank god my symptoms have never seemed so threatening. But of course "seemed so threatening" means you can never be too cautious. Reading the life stories of people who suffered re-infections after some routine clinical procedure, I decided, at 79, to approach the prospect of another traditional (not non-invasive) colonoscopy with as much information as I could amass, especially about possible alternatives to traditional colonoscopies.

Thank you, Rashida, for sending this to me!

Ray (@ray666)

@ray666 I wonder if you would be eligible for that capsule colonoscopy …?

I plan to ask about both non-invasive and capsule colonoscopies. I imagine I'll find out pretty quickly whether the doctors at the GI I'll be going to for my interview will either believe or not believe in such alternative procedures. ––Ray