Won't get a colonoscopy

[SirDuff]

There is too much trust in the medical community. I mean, just on these boards I think most people would do anything their doctor tells them to do. Medical error - 3rd leading cause of death (though I think it is more like #1 - many go unreported as such).

Can provide the statistics for that? Perhaps I just missed them earlier in the thread.

This doesn't apply to the OP (who has symptoms) but I do remember hearing recently that there is some rumbling about switching routine screening from colonoscopy to FOBT. But, of course, I'm having trouble finding my source for that. I'll look again later.

 

[kaytieeldr]

http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/leading-causes-of-death.htm:

• Heart disease: 611,105
• Cancer: 584,881
• Chronic lower respiratory diseases: 149,205
• Accidents (unintentional injuries): 130,557
• Stroke (cerebrovascular diseases): 128,978
• Alzheimer's disease: 84,767
• Diabetes: 75,578
• Influenza and Pneumonia: 56,979
• Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, and nephrosis: 47,112
• Intentional self-harm (suicide): 41,149

By contrast, this article http://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/deaths-by-medical-mistakes-hit-records shows between 210000 and 400000

 

[indimom]

They die because the tool perforates them. The flora from their colon enters their body and poisons them. My friend that had one got perforated during the procedure, they knew it right away, gave her a bag (colon) and she was in the hospital for a few days. She was released to a rehab, the morning after being released, her body swelled up due to sepsis and she died by the time she got to the hospital. I just believe the medical field hides how many people actually have complications from it. Perhaps they blame these complications on something else. With the medical field it's all about the $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.

Wow, I am so surprised at how condescending and argumentative people can be to just having an open discussion about an issue. My point was to see if anyone opted for another test instead, maybe someone had some insight at that. Sorry, but I do know of 3 people who did die after one and I won't just brush that off as "no big deal". To all that added to the discussion, thank you.

I'm surprised too.

Prior to your inflammatory post (the first post above), there were 3 posts that "maybe" were arguing your point. But, all were polite and none were condescending. I think all three were trying to be helpful and give you another perspective on the test. Mainly because they had a life experience that showed them the value of the test. Perhaps trying to balance the scales in your mind.

After your inflammatory comment (the first post above), people responded. But, if you ask me, the tone of this thread changed there...

No one can force you to do anything you don't want to do. Tell your doctor you will not get a colonoscopy. That's fine. They may try to argue for the test, but they can't force you. You asked about people's opinions on here, and people shared them. But they can't force you to change your mind. It's your body and your choice. Hopefully, it's nothing serious. Good luck.

 

[Disney Doll]

For the love of baby Jesus, the medical field has a very hard time "hiding" anything. There are 65,000 regulatory agencies who make us report if a patient farts crooked, for God's sake. And frankly, those facilities who try to "hide" things eventually get caught.

I have been an RN for 33 years. I have cared for literally thousands of people who have had colonoscopies. I can count on one hand the number of complications I have seen from a colonoscopy. EVERYTHING we do has risks. I'll take the minimal risk of a colonoscopy over colon cancer any day.

Get it or don't, your decision. But don't use "there might be a complication" as your excuse. It's rare.

You might die in a car accident...do you not go anywhere because if it? You might die of an allergic reaction if you eat a new food item...do you never try anything new? You might be killed in a terrorist attack...do you never leave your house?

 

[jerseygal]

I have assisted during hundreds of colonoscopies and taken care of thousands of patients who've had colonoscopies during their hospital stays. I have not had anyone died from their procedures. Can it happen? Yes, but it really is very rare. I've taken care of a lot of hospice patients dying of colon cancer, who wished they'd been able to get treatment sooner.

I totally understand your fears, I put mine off about 7 years, "faced my fears" but I was GLAD I did. My BIL had colon cancer which was only discovered on ROUTINE colonoscopy, thankfully early stage, treated. Hopefully, you will consider having one if physician recommends.

 

[Disney Doll]

No one thinks about the misdiagnosis of cancer which occurs way more than one might think. They get put on the chemo treatment that kills their immune system and end up dying of something chemo related. Did they REALLY have cancer. Who knows? Was it a small growth or mass or just abnormal cells that would have eventually been absorbed by the body or taken over by good, healthy cells if given a chance?

What data do you have to support this assertion of cancer misdiagnosis of people having cancer that don't? My 33 years of nursing experience doesn't support that.

 

[NMAmy]

I don't believe an endoscopy is as dangerous as a colonoscopy.

Perhaps you misread my post. I had both procedures at the same time. The endoscopy corrected a minor issue for which I was showing symptoms. The routine colonoscopy that I had a year ahead of schedule saved me from wearing a colostomy bag for the rest of my life. If I'd waited past the recommended procedure at the age of 50, I'd have had cancer and who knows how long I'd still be alive. I had absolutely no symptoms.

I'm 52, as well. I have two new grandsons who were born this year. I'm glad I'm here to spoil them. I'm extremely grateful that I only have to undergo a slightly uncomfortable prep every couple of years for a recheck instead of chemo or major surgery or death.

I prefer to be proactive when it comes to my health care. Even though my doctors earn money from them, I have testing like mammograms, pap smears, and regular check ups.

 

[kandb]

I'm surprised too.

Prior to your inflammatory post (the first post above), there were 3 posts that "maybe" were arguing your point. But, all were polite and none were condescending. I think all three were trying to be helpful and give you another perspective on the test. Mainly because they had a life experience that showed them the value of the test. Perhaps trying to balance the scales in your mind.

After your inflammatory comment (the first post above), people responded. But, if you ask me, the tone of this thread changed there...

No one can force you to do anything you don't want to do. Tell your doctor you will not get a colonoscopy. That's fine. They may try to argue for the test, but they can't force you. You asked about people's opinions on here, and people shared them. But they can't force you to change your mind. It's your body and your choice. Hopefully, it's nothing serious. Good luck.

My post was not inflammatory to anyone. Yes, I believe a lot of decisions from the medical field are based on how much $$$$$$ they are going to make. No, I never said anything inflammatory to anyone on here. The people on here don't own the medical community. Of course there are doctors/nurses that want to help people but the field is a big business. I have seen many examples of it.

 

[mjkacmom]

Just a PSA, if you are going anyway, make sure they do an endoscopy at the same time, since you are already sedated. At 70, my mom had a routine colonoscopy, and as usual they found nothing, and she vowed never to have another one, because she was in excellent Heath, ate a healthy diet, exercised daily, etc. She did mention it was strange that they didn't do an endoscopy at the time, like usual.

A year later, she was dead - esophageal cancer. She had no symptoms. Who knows, maybe she complained to her doctor about how unnecessary these tests are for healthy people, and just money makers.

 

[anniemae]

I understand your position OP, but I would do the test. In fact, I just recently scheduled mine. The thing with colon cancer is that there are no symptoms in the early stages, and that is when it is most treatable. Once you have symptoms, it's often too late. My mom died of colon cancer and I am haunted to this day of her agonizing death. I will take my chances with the test. Early detection is the key.

 

[Hikergirl]

Colon cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer death for men and women combined. My mother is included, she died at 57. I'll risk the very small chance of death from complications from a colonoscopy.

 

[Jennasis]

To answer your original question, ASK YOUR DOCTOR about alternatives. And be prepared to hunt for a new doctor who will tell you what you clearly want to hear.

 

[kandb]

To answer your original question, ASK YOUR DOCTOR about alternatives. And be prepared to hunt for a new doctor who will tell you what you clearly want to hear.

What are you saying, that the alternatives are not effective? Perhaps there is testing that is not as invasive. My co-worker/friend who died from the colonoscopy was in her 60's, that is very concerning since it was just a "routine" test. It just seems strange that I have heard of 3 people who died and another co-worker knows another 3 who have died. Seems like a lot of people for
a routine test.

 

[mom2rtk]

What are you saying, that the alternatives are not effective? Perhaps there is testing that is not as invasive. My co-worker/friend who died from the colonoscopy was in her 60's, that is very concerning since it was just a "routine" test. It just seems strange that I have heard of 3 people who died and another co-worker knows another 3 who have died. Seems like a lot of people for
a routine test.

That is a lot of people. Maybe there's a bad doctor or center somewhere in your area?

I have never heard of a single instance in my area. (And I'm at an age where we talk about these things. ) No friends. No friends of friends. I'm sure it happens. But not at the level you are hearing about.

 

[DVC-Don]

I've had 4 over the past years since I turned 45. But, my wife has to have a yearly one due to having a genetic issue (Lynch syndrome,) and she's had about 18 so far with no issues.

 

[Hikergirl]

There are 14 million colonoscopies performed each year. I am having trouble finding actual numbers on how many people die from complications.

OP, any surgery has risk, and while you say you know 3 people who have died and someone else knows 3, do you know the actual details? There are risks from the procedure itself, and there are risks from anesthesia, and there are risks if you have underlying medical conditions.

 

[kaytieeldr]

My post was not inflammatory to anyone. Yes, I believe a lot of decisions from the medical field are based on how much $$$$$$ they are going to make. No, I never said anything inflammatory to anyone on here. The people on here don't own the medical community. Of course there are doctors/nurses that want to help people but the field is a big business. I have seen many examples of it.

This "With the medical field it's all about the $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$." statement is what's being interpreted as inflammatory. It wasn't directed at any specific poster, but with so many members here also being in the medical field, well...
Anyway, I believe most decisions from the medical field are based on healing the patient. Where they're not would be elective treatment like cosmetic surgery.

What are you saying, that the alternatives are not effective

No, she's saying exactly what she said: ask your physician about alternatives. You asked here. Your doctor knows of any alternatives and their effectiveness. I think the rest of the point was, since it seems your mind is set, be prepared to doctor-shop until you find one who agrees that the risk of having a colonoscopy outweighs the risk of not having one.

 

[kaytieeldr]

There are 14 million colonoscopies performed each year. I am having trouble finding actual numbers on how many people die from complications.

OP, any surgery has risk, and while you say you know 3 people who have died and someone else knows 3, do you know the actual details? There are risks from the procedure itself, and there are risks from anesthesia, and there are risks if you have underlying medical conditions.

I found three articles from 2011 or 2013 that cited identical information (i.e. they used a single source) that claim a colonoscopy mortality rate of 210 000-400,000. Annually, I think, I skimmed through one. And that could be worldwide.

The OP knows one person who died from complications, and is two or three degrees away from two others, but it's not clear if she knew them or knew of them after th fact. She knows someone else who knows [of] three people. It's possible there's some overlap. Anyway, what's apparently not being considered is how greatly the rewards outweigh the risks.

 

[Poohforyou]

Op, something you're not likely taking into account is the health history of those you "know" who have died from a colonoscopy. Someone who died after a medical procedure may very likely have had a secondary cause that greatly contributed to the death.

Personally I don't care what someone I don't even know chooses to do. I can only share my opinion and experience. Fortunately I have a doctor that very much wants me to be a partner in my own healthcare and decisions related to it. If you don't have that I'd recommend doctor shopping.

 

[MIGrandma]

Personally, I don't know of one single person who has had complications, let alone died, from a routine colonoscopy.

I'm 58 and have had two of them. I would much rather be proactive and do what I can to prevent serious illness or at least find them early so they can be helped/cured, than not have an advised medical test just because I'm afraid "something will happen to me." Goodness, I could slip and fall in the shower, hit my head and die. I could die from an automobile accident, or in a plane crash, etc. etc. etc. but I don't stop doing those things just because I'm afraid "something will happen to me." OP, it's your body and your decision, but if you end up dying from colon cancer (which is very treatable if discovered early) you will have no one to blame but yourself.

On another subject, the shingles vaccine. My Mom is 78 and refuses to get one simply because it doesn't protect against shingles 100%. Me? I can't wait until I can get the vaccine when I turn 60. I will do anything I can to try and help prevent it. After I get the vaccine if I still get shingles I will at least know I did what I could to help prevent it. Same with a flu shot. I get them yearly, as it's someting I can do to help myself, to try and prevent getting the flu.