i will be 98 on 9/4/2026. should i get a colonoscopy?

@larryg333
Hi, Larry ~
Good to have that website info. I'm 79; "due" for a 10-year update colonoscopy and like the others, was told by my doctor that he would not recommend it for ages 79 and above. I did ask his opinion about the ColoGuard and he didn't voice any objections but did say it was expensive but unlike @patgreen11, was told by him that Medicare does not cover it. I, too, would opt for quality over quantity of life. (I wonder if maybe it's covered if ordered by the doctor?) And like @pml, trust God to direct my decisions and lifespan when He has not made known to me something different.
By the way, Larry, I saved the post you shared some time ago about caregiving - it still brings tears to my eyes.
Barb

@sstopalian
Me, too ~
Barb

@larryg333 could you please repost the post @bjk3 has mentioned here? I must have missed seeing it.

@bjk3
Hi

My doctor ordered it and had it sent to me. It was covered by Medicare. I have done colon guard twice.
Both times doctor ordered.

@patgreen11
Hi Pat,
Yes, I wondered if that might be the case. Thank you for the clarification. I'll tell you, I can no longer think of all the questions and possibilities that would make a doctor's consultation everything it should be. If I could take someone with me to be a second voice with second ears, I would. Again, thank you. Enjoy the rest of the weekend!
Barb

@njx58 there are many more of us out there using tech at advanced ages . In my case I get by with many limitations. My iPad has become my new best friend.

@lou1130 same here … don’t know how I survived without my iPad before I had one! 😆

I am turning 85 and I had my last colonoscopy at 83. They removed three precancerous polyps, so I am happy I did it. They told me to come back in 3 years (at 86), health permitting. I will do it because the husband of a friend died from colon cancer and it wasn't pleasant.
It is good that you are going to see a gastroenterologist. That specialist should answer all your questions. Since you are using a computer and Internet, you could ask AI like ChatGPT or Google Gemini. AI can give you a lot of background and suggest questions to ask the gastroenterologist. Certainly, with advanced age there is more risk to tear the intestine. And there is the anesthesia risk - but they should have someone monitoring your O2 during the procedure - and not leave the room. I have lung issues, so I require constant monitoring with anesthesia. It is a risk benefit. As one of my doctors at Mayo told me "my job is not to make you live as long as possible, but to preserve your quality of life as long as possible".
The worst part of the colonoscopy is the prep because having a very clean colon is important. And you might consider getting a second opinion after seeing the rural gastroenterologist. Try a teaching institution as they are typically the more advanced. Good luck!

What about a virtual colonoscopy?

@bjk3 In response to your comment, wishing that you could have someone with you at doctors visits. I've noticed recently while at the doctors, a notice, stating that if you want another person to accompany you during your consultation - that is your right, just let the doctor know! Don't know if it is just a law in NJ, but you might want to check it out.