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Have you ever just said no to a colonoscopy?

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 2/20/2013 1:06 AM (GMT 0)

Annual gastro visit coming up, and it's been nearly 10 years since last colonoscopy.  I just know the doc is going to say, ''Oh, let's get another one scheduled''.  My crohn's is controlled with pentasa and I eat nothing I am not supposed to (low fiber, low residue diet)...I'm doing fine...leave me alone.  Have you ever said that you're just not interested in having this done? I'm just not up for it right now, especially having just had a slight scare (needlessly, thank goodness) of another type of exam.  It's my choice, isn't it? Just don't want him to say, well, then go find yourself another doctor.  All I want is a refill on my pills and I'm good.  yeah

Posted 2/20/2013 1:27 AM (GMT 0)
oh yeah! you have to do what is right for you even if it pisses off your doctor. he'll get over it.

I just had one in august 2012 and in October, my doctor wanted to "see how things were doing." I told him no way since I just had 3 in 2011, too, and the august 2012 one made me MUCH worse.
Posted 2/20/2013 2:49 AM (GMT 0)
Of course the decision should be up to you, but 10 years is a long time to go between colonoscopies. we can have advancement of the Crohn's without symptoms, and we are more at risk for colon cancer than the regular population. I'm glad you are doing so well, but I think it's a mistake to put your head in the sand and not proactively try to prevent a spread of the disease or colon cancer.
Posted 2/20/2013 3:12 AM (GMT 0)
They can't perform a procedure you do not agree to (assuming you are in your "right mind" and able to make such decisions.

However, since it has been 10 years since your last colonoscopy your gastro is not only justified in his suggestiion it is time for another he would be remiss if he didn't do so. Crohn's disease and/or Ulcerative colitis are not the only reason(s) to undergo a colonoscopy - colorectal cancer is a very major reason to agree to having one done after 10 years.

Why not explain that you just are not up to agreeing to one right now but realize that the time is drawing near that you should and suggest that the two of you revisit the subject in 3 to 6 months when hopefully you will better able to undergo one.

Posted 2/20/2013 7:41 AM (GMT 0)
The only time I refused a colonoscopy was when I was in my 8th month of pregnancy and my GI at the time (have moved on to GI #4 since) wanted to scope me...I saw my colon and rectum surgeon the next day and told him my GI wanted to scope me (I was very new to the disease) and he said, don't do it, too far along in your pregnancy and not worth the risk of premature labor...so I didn't, and I never went back to that GI either (on the recommendation of my colon/rectum surgeon as well as my own common sense).

10 yrs is a long time though and although you're doing well, it wouldn't hurt since they can colon cancer screen you as well, but of course the choice is yours and I don't blame you for not wanting to get scoped since there's always a risk of a scoping bringing on flares as well, although it is only a slight risk of it.

Guess you have to weigh the options for yourself given the information you've gotten from the responses...good luck.
Posted 2/20/2013 10:52 AM (GMT 0)
I have just refused an endoscopy. Despite the fact that i probably do need one i have a really bad phobia of choking and i know there is no way i could lay there and not have a full blown panic attack. They said they can't do it under aneasthesia so i guessi'll just have to do without.
Posted 2/20/2013 11:53 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you for your replies. The dr. said no need for a colonoscopy more than once every ten years, so who am I to argue. When I had mine in 2003 the tech could not proceed past a point at ileum even with pediatric scope, so was not able to get complete pictures. Do not want to go through the prep, the discomfort, when it seemed to be for nothing. Since diagnosed 15 years ago I probably am more cautious about what I eat than necessary, take my pills daily, visit my gastroenterologist yearly, and take my crohns very seriously, but guess I am just fed up with all the procedures and endless recommendations by doctors. Take care all.

Post Edited (ragbag) : 2/20/2013 5:10:45 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 2/20/2013 5:29 PM (GMT 0)
Its not all that unusual that a scopist cannot get thru the termnal ileum even w/a healthy intestine. I forget the figures but I think I remember that it is some 15% of the procedures that the ICV is not penetrated. And the very next scope on the same person can be successful into the terminal ileum. The scope prior to the "incomplete" one could have successfully penetrated the ICV. Usually, but not always, if there is Crohn's disease activity in the TI there iare also signs of disease activity in the proximal cecum which is the beginning of the colon and accessable.
Posted 2/20/2013 7:34 PM (GMT 0)
ragbag, that doesn't sound right...with having an IBD we have a higher risk over the years of colon cancer and generally GI's like us to get scoped at least every 1-2 yrs (some cases longer like 3-4) so they can check for cancer as well.
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