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

Hi Noel,
you might consider a pill cam scan instead
https://www.medtronic.com/en-us/healthcare-professionals/products/digestive-gastrointestinal/capsule-endoscopy/endoscopy-systems/pillcam-sb-3-capsule-endoscopy-system.html
The lining of the intestine becomes more friable as we age and it becomes easier to tear with the scope.

With the pill you still have to do the prep.

Digestion often slows down as well sometimes causing the inconvenient watery effect.
The pill camera is good at examining the small intestine which is difficult to see with the scope and may be the source of your changes. It can detect celiac disease, crohn's, polyps or other obstruction, but importantly changes to the lining of the intestine which could cause absorption issues.

I try to avoid anesthesia; the usual is propofol with colonoscopy, but it's is only a little uncomfortable without.

A low supplementation of magnesium glycinate might help.

It isn't your 96 years that give me pause; it's the "rural" clinic.

Bless your choice.

@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.

@fred1
Hi, @fred1 ~ Here in Iowa, it is also most certainly allowed and even encouraged. My problem isn't permission but availability...I have two sons here, both married, and all four are wonderfully employed - one out of state, two self-employed with no one to take their place, and the fourth most days out of town. I know if it were a real emergency someone would make arrangements but I won't ask if it isn't "life or death". My friends are not in a position to accompany me (age, mainly) ~ that's what was in my head when I said I wish I had someone to go with me. It didn't transfer very cohesively or clearly to the comment I wrote.
I appreciate your reply and concern. Thank you!!
~ Barb

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!

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!

No medical doctor will perform a colonoscopy on anyone over the age of about 85, let alone at 98. I believe there is a blood test that will give you the answer you're looking for.

@vic83
Hi
I would still start with the colongard plus.
A friend of mine used this and it came back positive so then she had a colonoscopy.
I think this is a safer route for older people.

@vic83 I like what one of your Mayo doctors told you: "My job is not to make you live as long as possible, but to preserve your quality of life as long as possible."

I think I will have that tattooed on my chest and reveal that to a few of my docs!
Although I have fired the ones that don't have that attitude and replaced them with those that do!

@mikead63 ...well maybe not a tatoo. But you can definitely ask them about their philosophy. I always recommend researching doctors and reading all their Notes