Atrial Fibrillation and Colonoscopy

[Happyhat]

Hello to all you fine people... I am writing on behalf of my dad (74) who in recent weeks has faced a number of 'competing' health challenges. His primary concern are symptoms for which he has been referred for a colonoscopy - which was scheduled for Friday (7 Feb). This week, doctors have told him that they suspect he has atrial fibrillation. His colonoscopy has now been cancelled (concerns over sedating a patient with AF) with the instruction to have a new appointment scheduled once results of an echo-cardiogram to clarify the AF situation. We are told that the lead time for an 'echo' is a minimum of 8 weeks - which means my dad is waiting even longer for the colonoscopy that he desperately needs.

My question to the community is whether it is standard practice to refuse a colonoscopy where there is only suspected AF. If so, that would be good to know so that we can decide next steps and move forward. If not, and there is no reason not to have the colonoscopy, I would very much appreciate info on who we should ask to help get this procedure scheduled.

Thanks in advance

[meadfoot]

I have had numerous colonoscopies over the years and also have atrial fibrillation and supra ventricular tachycardia. My heart arrhythmias are paroxysmal, in other words they come and go at will. In between my heart is in normal sinus rhythm outwith very regular pauses and ectopic beats in the mix.

At no point have I been refused a colonoscopy because I have cardiac arrhythmias. I wonder if the difference is that medics arent yet clear what your father’s arrhythmia is exactly, hence they wish to know before he has his colonoscopy.

Bowel prep in advance of a colonoscopy is quite harsh and loosing so much fluid during the prep can cause an imbalance of our electrolytes and drain us of necessary balance which can cause arrhythmia to kick in. Best wishes and hope he gets clarity and tests asap.

[DodgyTickerMum]

You could ask for a referral for a private Echo. Our local N.H.S hospital will scan private patients and from memory, it’s approx £225 for the scan. (You would normally then have to pay for a Consultation to discuss the results) Or, the Doctors may be willing to look at the results for your Dad. This might speed up the process for him, if you’re able. Just a thought.

Hope it gets sorted.

[Lowerfield_no_more]

+1 on the suggestion to seek investigate getting a private ECG and having it reviewed and accepted by the NHS team to move things along . As for whether postponing the colonoscopy is standard practice I suggest that is down to the team who are responsible for the procedure who will no doubt have consulted with cardiology specialists, with each case being reviewed on its own merits, and if the clinical risk potential from proceeding, on balance, is judged to be too great, then the procedure will not take place. So all you can do is to put your trust in the health professionals decision, but try to move things along as suggested.

[Still_Breathing]

I've had several colonoscopies and have af, but I have been on treatment for the af which maybe the reason why they went ahead.Push for the echo or go private so the colonoscopy can go ahead sooner

[scentedgardener]

Personally I would bow to the doctor's greater knowledge of the risks.I had an attempted colonoscopy during that time we're not allowed to mention. I live alone so there was nobody to be with me if I had sedation so it was attempted without. Because of peculiarities with my anatomy it is not possible, and according to the doctor trying to do the procedure it wouldn't be possible even under general anaesthetic.

However, there is a CT version, obviously not quite as good as they can't take biopsies, but could be better than waiting.

[PaliGap]

I am 71 and had a colonoscopy just over a year ago. As I recall sedation was optional. I chose not to have it and really it wasn't that uncomfortable. So is that not an option for him?

[Happyhat]

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to reply. I appreciate you sharing your experiences; some very helpful suggestions too!

[Hazel1010]

hello , I’ve got a few heart problems and am 71 , I recently had a colonoscopy without painkillers etc , it didn’t hurt at all , I had a skin tag removed and just felt a little tugging but no pain . The team were fantastic putting my mind at rest and talking me through what was on the screen etc , I can honestly say I’d not be scared to go again if I had to , I do hope this helps to reassure him 🙂

[Kendalghost]

I have AF and before I had the pacemaker fitted I couldn't take any medication to control it but they did several colonoscopies over the years without any issues - well apart from the usual ones with the prep stuff that you have to take. They never cancelled or rescheduled anything because of the AF.

[Granny-Mac]

Hi!I had a colonoscopy November 2024. I also suffer with AF and they were aware of this. I also have a CRT-D device fitted. I had sedation and my device was turned off for the duration of the procedure. Everything was ok for me. Hope this helps!

[Motorman]

I have AF it comes and goes. I had a colonoscopy with full sedation, I refused to have it without the sedation, I suffered much pain during a previous colonoscopy. My case is unusual insofar as I suffered a lot of pain, Entonox (gas and air) was useless. The sedation was great, off to dreamland and no pain. The doctor doing the colonoscopy was fully aware of my various medical issues and was happy to proceed.

[Happyhat]

Thanks, everyone. While my dad is still waiting for i) the colonoscopy and ii) treatment for confirmed AF, he has undergone a procedure to remove lesions that were confirmed to be bladder cancer... so we continue to deal with lots of moving parts.

Doctors are happy with the outcome of the op, and 6 weeks of outpatient cancer treatment is next on the list

[Ajay50]

I have had continuous Afib since last August, in January this year I had a colonoscopy and was found to have polyps which were removed during a second colonoscopy a week later. The staff on both occasions noticed my Afib on the monitors and questioned if I was being reviewed by a cardiologists, I stated that I was due to see one this March. My point is I made the staff aware of my Afib before each procedure and they sort fit for the procedures to go ahead.