Hello I have ckd b . It has approved over the last year to upwards 3a. I’m being pressured into a colonoscopy because of anemia. I’ve told them and told over and over I have anemia of a chronic disease/ diseases( I even had a stupid hysterectomy because of anemia!!) I also have MCTD, Rheumatoid arthritis, I’ve been anemic my whole life . I had small bowel blockage in 2017 after a very botched prolapse surgery almost died… again
Was septic had multi organ failure in 2009. I take multiple meds as you can guess and because of my anemia and lack of weight gain weigh about 100 pounds now. But I think it’s small bowel syndrome but what do I know?? I had a positive occult test they jumped right on the you got to get a colonoscopy. They didn’t tell me they’re certain meds and supplements that as well as foods that interfere with occult tests. I had a colonoscopy 4 years ago! I do not think I need another .
I said if I had to do it I’d only do it with the Suprep bowel kit she said my kidney numbers put me out of range for that med??? I’ve used it twice before! Suggestions anyone I’m losing my mind!! Thanks y’all
Written by
Chimama
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Amenia can be caused by a multiple of things. They may be looking for a bleed in your colon...."positive occult test". Having a colonoscopy done with the right prep products that are safer for CKD might be a good idea, even if you had one 4 years ago. Diagnosing is a trial and error process. They do a test to rule things out until they find something.
Anemia is common with CKD but usually in later stages. The kidneys do not produce strong red blood cells and so you become anemic. There are medications to help with that. Also, quite common is anemia due to low B12. If your diet is lacking certain food high in B12, like meat, it is a form of anemia that is also correctable. Vegetarians often have B12 anemia. I have both. But I take meds to correct it.
Also, have your medications checked to see if something might be causing the anemia as well. There are several drugs that can cause anemia such as NSAIDs.
And sadly, RA will often cause anemia. This again requires your doctor to rule out other causes and then maybe modify your medications.
Lastly, the fact that you are so slight, you might benefit from a dietician consult to get better nutrition. With all that is going on, talking to a profession is best. Make sure they are a renal dietician so they understand the complications of diet with CKD. Even adjusting your diet to help with red blood cell manufacturing might be helpful. Maybe not, because it sounds like this is chronic for you and I bet you suffer from poor absorption rates in the intestines, like me. Which means that you do not absorb iron well or transfer it correctly. There are blood tests call ferritin and TIBC, for that. If this is true, then again, there are medications and infusions to correct it.
Kepp fight your fight. Best to you. You truly are a Warrior.
My daughter had iron infusions I dk if that could help. My RF factor last check was 119
I’m very apprehensive about colonoscopy
I’ve had them before and only 5 years ago after sm bowel blockage. I know a bowel prep will definitely dehydrate me for sure and they won’t be able to start iv good took them 5 tries last time those scare me because my rheumatologist think that’s why I got septicemia. I’m a mess of nerves my heads all over the place😭😭😭😭
Check with the doctor, but I do believe you can drink water and other clear liquids up to about two hours before. If you do that, you will not be dehydrated. The only issues is what goes in comes out...... if you know what I mean.
Not sure you understood what positive occult means. It means they found blood in your stool. I would definitely have the colonoscopy. Lots can change in five years.
Don't let anyone try to force you to do anything you don't want to. Not sure how easy it is for you to get a second opinion. I would see a Hematologist and let them decipher your blood work. Sometimes other markers in your blood will point to other things. I'm somewhat of an activist when it comes to the medical profession these days. I believe there are a lot of unscrupulous doctors that will go to any lengths to make an extra buck. Yes, I'll get slammed for this but trust me it happens, I've experienced it. I'm with S_dillow. My brother and wife both have anemia and there's been no mention of a colonoscopy.
my husband had to do a colonoscopy cause of his anemia he even had to have a blood transfusion they found out from the colonoscopy it was from a bleeding ulcer . A lot if doctor now are giving pills for colonoscopy talk to your gastro doc see if that is a fit for you it may or may not be.
Sounds like you have a lot going on. I can't stress how much you should have a colonoscopy if they found occult blood in your stool sample. My last colonoscopy revealed 3 bleeding polyps, which they removed. I felt pretty luck that they were caught early.
The new preps for CKD patient are not as horrible as the old ones. Please do it. Because it's been five years, a lot can happen.
I hated colonoscopies. Dr wanted one a year. I had ulcerative colitis. I refused. After 15 years and a terrible flare I was hospitalized. Had my last colonoscopy because they had to remove my colon! Colon cancer is still a leading killer because people delay tests and don't report bowel changes to their Dr. Colon cancer is highly treatable and most people don't end up with an ileostomy like me. It is the blood in your stool that is the concern.
I’m so sorry to be so whiny when so many others have terrible problems too. Yes this I think was the first time I had a positive occult test. I keep having problems with tummy bloating, loud noises sometimes and the horrible unpredictable trips to restroom Constipation with huge watery poos. I’m so mentally drained physically tired. I want so badly to be able to travel this May to Grand Canyon with my daughter but live with worry about bowel issues, fatigue I don’t want to be a burden to her. Sorry I wrote a book here .
There’s times I have wished they would of done a colostomy but that would probably be bad too.
4 or 5 years ago I had an endoscopy and colonoscopy the same day. It wasn't fun, but it wasn't horrific either. I know far too many people who have had colon cancer and I think that any time a colonoscopy is recommended it should be done. Colonoscopies are no fun. The prep feels like is should belong in history during the Spanish Inquisition. Yet, thousands of people are saved because they had a colonoscopy.
I recently had laparoscopic surgery for a non-kidney matter and was pleasantly surprised about some of the newer pre-surgery procedures. I was allowed to drink water up until 2 hours prior to my procedure (until the time I arrived at the hospital for the pre-surgery prep.) That was nice, this was the first time I've had an IV without multiple tries to insert one. I woke up after the surgery feeling better than almost any previous surgery and even though I had a cathter I did not get a UTI.
Talk to your doc, be honest about your feelings and listen to what he/she has to say. I think if you talk to him/her about your fears and listen to his reasoning that both of you will come to understand the other.
My opinion on this issue is no one INCLUDING and maybe especially your doctor should try to “pressure” you into any treatment that in many ways is unnecessary and not a good diagnostic tool to begin with. This, IMHO, is a time I’d make the decision to change providers. That’s just my opinion though.
That is a tough call.. I hve had patients pass away rom an unwarranted colonoscopy and I have also had patients survive because of it..I had a wonderful lady patient who ketp becoming anemic nd finally a great doc did a thorough colonoscopy and found a hidden bleed.. not cancer.. a bleed.. was repaired..she is fine now..and a wonderful gentlemen with bad heart and the prep put him into chf.. adly he did not make it..check with kidney doc.. and a second opinion from someone you trust may help
thanks I had the procedures both endoscopy and colonoscopy
Small bowel anastomosis still ok had few internal hemorrhoids and few diverticula other than that he said to talk to primary care doc about Questran for bile acid malabsorption. Do I have not took the med yet as one of the side effects is constipation which I fear because of bowel blockage history. It’s a dang if you do and dang if you don’t . I’m so tired of being sick . Thanks everyone who’s gave helpful advice.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Constipation with huge watery poos. I’m so mentally drained physically tired. I want so badly to be able to travel this May to Grand Canyon with my daughter but live with worry about bowel issues, fatigue I don’t want to be a burden to her. Sorry I wrote a book here . 
Vegan Diet
confused
Uric Acid Meds - Gout
Should I undergo another colonoscopy?
So confused...
