Is a colonoscopy safe?

[ChevyHappy]

Hello,

Is it safe to have a colonoscopy including anesthesia with Stage 3b and gfr of 43?

[gilders]

Very safe.

If they might be doing a biopsy and in the very unlikely event you have a severe bleed (highly unlikely), then request irradiated blood if you need a transfusion and are likely to need kidney transplant in the future. I believe irradiated blood may make your blood potassium levels spike, so bear that in mind.

But realistically, you have nothing to worry about.

[ChevyHappy in reply to gilders]

Thank you

[WYOAnne in reply to ChevyHappy]

Please don't worry about a colonoscopy! The main thing for you is to make sure your GI doctor doing the test knows that you have CKD. You need to use a kidney friendly prep that is low in potassium the day before.

Even though no one "likes" a colonoscopy, it is a very important screening tool for cancer. That said, it's not the actual test, but the prep getting you ready for the test that everyone "hates".

I have had a transplant and my GI doctor follows the same guidelines. He used a "gentler" prep that was also safe for my transplant.

As Bassetmommer suggested, make sure you start drinking fluids as soon as you get home. The prep dehydrates you so is important to replace those fluids.

[ChevyHappy in reply to WYOAnne]

Thank you so much

[orangecity41 in reply to WYOAnne]

Thanks for good information. CKD is on my records with Gastro Doctor and the anesthesiologist also makes adjustments for CKD. The Gastro also prescribes a low potassium prep.

[Bassetmommer]

OMG, please do not pay attention to doom and gloom Gliders. Most colonoscopies are relatively easy and safe. The prep is the issue and the most unpleasant part so make sure the doc knows you have CKD so they give you the right mixture of explosives.... lolol. You will want to introduce fluids fairly soon after the test, but they know that. The test is preventive. If they need to get rid of a polyp, the cauterize it and there is little or no bleeding. The anesthesia is very mild..... and I guess you never really go under. It made me very silly. How do I know? Because when the doctor came around to visit me, he just looked and me and laughed. I asked him why and he said I spent the whole time hitting on the really cute male nurse who was with us. Oh well, he was cute!

[ChevyHappy in reply to Bassetmommer]

You're cute!

Thank you so much.

[orangecity41]

I am age 78 and CKD 3b and have had colonoscopy and upper endoscopy since diagnosed. For colonoscopy they use a milder prep that is suited for CKD. They also give me child size anesthesia and IV. You might consider asking the Gastrologist if an easier prep would work for you. It is lower in potassium and I am restricted.

[ChevyHappy in reply to orangecity41]

Thanks so much for the suggestions. Appreciated.

[orangecity41 in reply to ChevyHappy]

You are welcome. Glad this forum can be of help to you with sharing information on your CKD journey.

[Hollyminou]

My husband has colonoscopy regular, here in UK you don't get anaesthetic. His gift is 36. Good luck anyway 😊

[ChevyHappy in reply to Hollyminou]

Thank you so much

[Hollyminou in reply to ChevyHappy]

You are welcome, meant to write gfr! Stupid predictive text

[KatieRL]

Your renal doctors would not recommend anything unsafe, but it’s best to speak to them about your concerns. I found the preparation more difficult than the test itself.

[ChevyHappy in reply to KatieRL]

Thank you.