Is Colonoscopy really necessary?

[lifelover]

I found this link and thought the information was interesting, anyone have any thoughts? I realize he is not speaking specifically about Crohn's but about the dangers of colonoscopy and seems to think the Sigmoidoscopy is more beneficial. I can't ask my doctor, I feel like I can't get an honest answer from a doc, they just want to do what makes them the most money. I've been to three GI docs that don't want to hear anything about diet and lifestyle changes, they're only interested in prescribing meds and booking colonoscopies. They look at me like I am a crazy person when I talk about slippery elm and probiotics and reishi mushrooms.

I had a colonoscopy in 2008 and have been in remission and med-free for years with a vegan/gluten free diet. I've now gone into a bad flare and the doc won't prescribe any medication without the colonoscopy. I threw up violently and constantly for three days straight after drinking the prep and I have a family friend who recently almost lost her life due to perforation in the colonoscopy procedure. I just am wondering if there isn't a better way these days.

Here is the link I found: https://www.drmcdougall.com/misc/2010nl/aug/colon.htm

Has anyone gone through this without having a colonoscopy?

 

[Clash]

A sigmoidoscopy doesn't view but the very bottom and isn't beneficial for CD since it can occur from mouth to anus. Even with UC your not seeing the whole of the colon.

The second point would absolutely be that he isn't discussing some with CD. With CD scopes are necessary at times and often life saving.

You could discuss having some type of imaging to see where things stand but that doesn't mean that afterward the doc might want a scope for biopsies.

 

[Cross-stitch gal]

This might be a little more than you were looking for. But, this website will explain a little better as to the need for colonoscopies. I hope this helps.

http://www.colorectalcanceralliancecentralma.org/Surveillance_Colonoscopy_in_IBD.pdf

 

[Grant]

Tbh the worst part for me has always been the Prep. I cannot tolerate Kleen Prep or Fleet. Just vomit them up. So I always have Picolax nowadays. And surely the benefits of the Consultant being able to see what is actually going on inside us far outweigh the negatives. Yes there's a 1 in a 1000 (i think it is) of perforation but without the scope who knows how many would perforate anyway because the Consultant isn't able to give a proper diagnosis.
Food for thought I feel.
Rgds
Grant

 

[Ihurt]

It is a tough call. The problem with a sigmoidoscopy is that it cannot view the upper part of the large bowel or the end of the small intestines where a colonoscopy can.

It is no lie, colonoscopies do carry risks. My gynecologist said her colleague almost died when his bowel perforated during the colonoscopy as well, so it does happen. My biggest fear with the colonoscopy is that every time you do one, you lose lots of your beneficial flora in the gut with the prep and that alone can cause many gut issues in itself. It is a hard call.

Sometimes we have to go through these tests, there is no other way to know what is happening. I also was told perforation is more likely in people who have an inflamed bowel or in an older person whose bowel is not as strong. I would make sure I had a Dr who has done tons of them and do not be afraid to ask if he has ever had a patient whose bowel perforated in his time doing them.

 

[Lizzie]

I'm having the same problem at the moment, GI refusing to prescribe drugs (other than steroids) until colonoscopy has been carried out. I'm equally unhappy after having had a CT scan but my doctor is based here in the UK, where health treatment is largely free at the point of use, though we pay a lot through our taxes. My GI gets paid the same either way, and if anything would be under pressure not to carry out procedures on cost grounds, so this leads me to believe there must be sound clinical grounds for this as it is clearly not based on any profit motive. Now, vets who treat our animals, that's a whole different story!

 

[my little penguin]

There is a very good reason for colonoscopy
The doc needs to know the extent of the damage so the right level of risk is taken with the appropriate meds so you get the best benefit.
The reason the docs are not interested in your lifestyle changes is they are just that lifestyles changes and have not been proven to be an effective treatment .
Did they work for you ...

You know once you have a colonoscopy and they can see the full extent of the damage.
Crohns can be silent - causing damage without outward symptoms until things are extremely bad . Perforation can be a risk regardless with any flare especially if you weren't monitored by imaging /blood work and colonoscopy for a few years .

Prep can be bad
But I have used miralax and ducolax combo for every one of my kiddos prep ( 6 scopes so far )
No issues
It is much gentler in the tummy

Also add in if your really inflamed your much more likely to get sick during prep
Good luck