Should I undergo another colonoscopy?

[lowraind]

I am 76 and have chronic kidney disease. I had a colonoscopy late last year, which was a failure because my colon was not completely cleaned out. At that time, I pointed out to my gastroenterologist that because of a severe case of diverticulitis, a colostomy and reversal, I have severe scarring in my intestines. I also have been reading that it is more normal for people over 75 to have insufficient cleansing. I had not wanted to undergo the colonoscopy last year, but was encouraged to do so by my personal physician. I am meeting with the gastroenterologist next week and would like advice from any of you who might have useful advice for me. At this point, I do not want to undergo another procedure.

Thank you

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador]

I have CKD level 3 and I have to get colonoscopy yearly now (pre-cancer) and I am 76. People have different reasons why one is required. Maybe talk it over with your gastroenterologist and nephrologist to weigh all factors.

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador]

I also have some issues with diverticulitis....but depending on what your doctor thinks, I would want the colonoscopy. You certainly do not need another issue besides your ckd.

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador in reply to WYOAnne]

Very true statement WYOAnne about not wanting another issue besides CKD. Still hate the thought of having colonoscopy every year. Glad my gastro gave me the information I needed to make the decision.

[Sulyn]

My husband who is a transplant patient also had insufficient cleansing of his colon. His colonoscopy Dr. told him to do the prep for 2 days rather than the one prior to his next procedure. Ask your Dr. if this is a possibility for you. If you are on medications, ask how you would take them during a 2 day prep. Wishing you well.

[Sulyn]

My husband, a kidney transplant patient, also had insufficient cleansing for his last colonoscopy. His colonoscopy Dr. told him to do a 2 day prep for his next colonoscopy. Ask your Dr. if this could work for you. Also discuss with your Drs. how and when you would take your medications during a two day procedure.

[lowraind]

Thank you. That was one thing that we mentioned after my failed colonoscopy. As I am reading more, I am finding that the different "stuff" they have you drink can make a difference in kidney damage. Some have phosphates--probably should not be used at all as a preventative measure for all patients.

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador in reply to lowraind]

Lowraind I too wonder about the damage to kidneys, but not eating anything for period of time so may not be getting too much more than normal? I guess have to weigh all the factors. Small damage to kidneys or more serious damage to colon etc. So I do not think about the phosphates anymore. How much change could it be on eGFR?

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador in reply to orangecity41]

There are other medications out there that will do the job of "cleaning you out" that do not contain phosphates, for your colonoscopy. My gastroenterologists knew all about it and wanted to protect my transplanted kidney. Wish I could tell you what it was?@# it's been a year and don't remember.

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador in reply to WYOAnne]

Thanks I will check with the Gastro on it.

[Hidden]

If you and your doctor agree there is always the opportunity to have one done again in a year. Check with your insurance company to be sure that their standards be covered and if necessary find out what they need from your doctor.

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for info. It is covered due to finding on previous procedure. Ugh.

[TaffyTwoshoes27]

If you are NOT at a high risk for colon cancer (i.e., no family history and no polyps removed in previous colonoscopies), can you ask your gastroenterologist if you are a good candidate for the colon cancer test where a "sample" is sent to a company and they test your stool for signs of cancer?

When I was in CKD4, i had a colonoscopy with NO anesthesia or anything. It was the most uncomfortable procedure I ever had and now that I am on dialysis, I can have anesthesia and need another colonoscopy. It is one of the tests my Transplant Center requires, and since I have had polyps removed in the past, I do not qualify for the stool test for cancer.

I would ask my Nephrologist about the best prep formula to use and most likely would not trust a Gastroentrologist to know.

[lowraind in reply to TaffyTwoshoes27]

Thank you. I am meeting with the Gastroenterologist later today and cologuard is one of the things that I had I do have on my list. The only problem with asking the nephrologist is that I do not have confidence in her and I do have a track record with the gastroenterologist from when I had the colostomy and reversal. I am thinking of asking my personal physician to get input from both.

[TaffyTwoshoes27 in reply to lowraind]

Good idea to ask about Cologuard (I could not remember the name of the kit. Thanks for that!). It is also a good idea to consult your PCP.

I went to a Gastroenterologist (for an endoscopy) whose father is on PD. I told the doctor "something" (relative to PD/transplant....whatever -- I cannot even remember what I told him) and the doctor didn't know the fact I shared with him. Here is a specialist, with a father on PD, and he didn't know something I shared with him that I learned from my Nephrologist. Just sayin'.

That is sad you do not have confidence in your Neph. I don't know what I would do without the intelligent, ethical Nephrologist I see! He is the nicest doctor I have ever met -- and I am 62 years old!

[lowraind]

Update--had the colonoscopy on Wednesday, after three days of a low fiber diet and two days of prep. Must have gone through at least 30 Depends. Couple of small polyps. When we met with the gastroenterologist after the procedure, he started with the 5-7 years... I told him that I was almost 77 and once I was 80 I was done. This prep almost did me in.

[Hidden]

I had mine last year and there was no ill effect on my kidneys from the cleansing procedure. You are a fighter so consider doing it again when it's recommended. You can also switch to a soft diet for a couple of days before the cleansing and at least have some peace of mind that you've been active in stopping any further ill health. Nobody said it was going to be fun or easy. If they did everyone would want to have one done. Did you but the 8 x 10 glossy of the procedure. I had my doctor sign mine.

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Mr Kidney for your humor. It is needed : The Doctor did give me pictures. I should have had them signed. Agree that the procedure is stopping further ill health. I feel ok having a yearly schedule, given what result would likely be if did not have it.

[RoxanneKidney]

If I was 76 I wouldn't look for more problems.

[lowraind in reply to RoxanneKidney]

I am now 80 and do not intend to have the procedure again.

[steinmetz]

I am 83 had a colonoscopy recently found cancer in cecum and am scheduled for laproscopic surgery on Friday, June 17. Also will have polyp non cancerous in the sigmond removed at the same time. It took me 6 months to make the decision for surgery. PET scan shows no spread, so I am hopeful but scared.