Connect
Managing colonoscopy needs with other health issues
History: 2006 first colonoscopy, 2 polyps. Since then 3 more each with 2 polyps. Brothers had polyps. I am now due for my LAST colonoscopy (I am 82 and I am told they do not recommend after 85)
Normally, I would just schedule it locally, however, two years ago I was diagnosed with multifocal lung cancer(multiple independent cancers in the lungs). I have had 2 surgeries, radiation, and cardiac stent since then. Also have lung fibrosis creating breathing problems at the moment but being addressed with sterioids. Now required to take antibiotics for the lungs, and am concerned with developing C-Diff because I had an episode in 2011(Amoxicillin from dentist). I was in the hospital for a week. I have not taken antibiotics until now and have not had a reoccurrence.
Mayo takes good care of my lungs and I have quality of life. I am attentive to other health issues/choices to avoid surprises that might interfere with my lung cancer treatments.
Therefore, I called Mayo GI to ask for a consult 1) Advisability/timing of the colonoscopy 2) C-diff potential with required antibiotics, preventive measures 3) Review of other GI issues identified in CT&PET scans at Mayo. I was given an “evaluation” appointment with a PA. This surprised me since a PA cannot provide the expert opinion I seek. I have always seen the expert in the other depts. Is this the process in GI at Mayo?
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Colorectal Cancer Support Group.
Connect
@vic83 I had been a patient at Mayo in Rochester for a few years, was in cancer surveillance, and had a hip replacement surgery. However, when I first scheduled a colonoscopy there the GI department required that I first meet with one of their providers which was a PA. Just like you. The same occurred for my partner when he had his first colonoscopy at Mayo in Rochester (he met with a physician) despite his history as patient there for more than 5 years. So, yes, I think that could be the process at Mayo.
Although as you described you won’t be having another colonoscopy I will share the following. When I had my next colonoscopy at Mayo three years later (recommended because of the presence of 2 polyps in earlier colonoscopies) I was not required to meet with a provider first in GI. My NP ordered the colonoscopy for me and it was scheduled.
I’m curious about the experiences of our other members too.
Thank you for your prompt reply. My local primary care provider put in an order for my colonoscopy, and I can do it locally. But I realize my situation is not standard. I do not want someone to just blindly do something without considering needs, benefits and risks.
One of the challenges of good medical management is that of multiple issues. One sees specialists and they typically do not look beyond their own field. So, I check everything.
A good example is my osteoporosis drug. I have been taking Prolia for 7 years. The institute that did my last bone density test suggested I consider changing to another drug at this point. I knew my cancer treatments could impact my bones and I thought that should be considered. I got an excellent consult at Mayo, and Doctor recommended I stay on Prolia for another 5 years (total 12 years!) because of its bone tumor protection properties. I was very happy to learn that!!!! It was an important piece of information to the overall success of extending my quality-of-life objectives.
When I was put on antibiotics, I brought up my history of C-Diff. Specialist asked me if there was some other medication, I might take to protect against such a development. So I want to have that info ready.
It is of great value that now all tests are posted online. Clearly, processes need to be developed to manage the complicated patient. There are common issues that one dept could communicate to another dept on how to handle when encountering such side effects. This could avoid unnecessary complications.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction