The Dreaded Colonoscopy

[EVELYN]

Hi All

Tyce and I had annual physicals done last week. Of course, it's time for the "dreaded colonoscopy" for Tyce (mine was done in June.) Our PCP, who we love mucho said that she would talk with the gastro and because his last colonoscopy was clean (no polyps), would recommend that he have the procedure done fully anticoagulated if it was OK with the gastro.

My only thought was "WOW!!" Of course, being the nervous Nellie that I am, I worry about a puncture, etc., etc., etc.

OK, question.....Has anyone had their routine colonoscopy done while fully anticoagulated? If so, any problems? Would you recommend it or prefer the Lovenox routine?

ANY suggestions or help is greatly welcome in helping us through this.

Thanks.

Evelyn

 

[Nancy]

Joe had one done on anticoagulation. He did have a polyp. The gastro guy said that it looked benign and was very small, so it wasn't removed, due to the anticoagulation.

His Primary made me promise that he have another one done sometime this year. I guess he'll have to be bridged, since he just absolutely cannot go off Coumadin without some protection, too many serious issues. It will be a tricky thing.

I have another even more serious issue regarding Joe's colonoscopy, and it probably doesn't apply to Tyce. The prep stuff has precautions for those with abnormal heart rhythms and those with congestive heart failure.

I know that Joe's brother, who has no known heart problems was about to have his colonoscopy and was whisked into the ER with potential abnormal rhythms.

I myself, a long time ago, has such a low potassium count that I required immediate medication.

So, I mention these things for Tyce to make sure he discusses them with his doctor, and for others who have similar conditions, so they can get it all right before something happens unnecessarily.

Heart people just have to be super careful of every little thing.

 

[MarkU]

I did the Lovenox bridge thing before my colonoscopy, but learned one important thing that applies no matter what:

If you have a polypectomy, make sure you stay on a clear liquid diet for at least three days AFTER the procedure to let the scabs heal at the polyp removal sites. My "former" gastroenterologist neglected to advise me about that.

As a result, I spent four days in the hospital until they could stop my bleeding and get me cleaned out again so everything could heal up properly.

Mark

 

[Rich]

I had mine done last November.
He took me off Coumadin but only for two days, and also checked my INR before the procedure.
He removed five polyps but I had no bleeding at all afterwards.
Rich

 

[warrenr]

Hi All

Tyce and I had annual physicals done last week. Of course, it's time for the "dreaded colonoscopy" for Tyce (mine was done in June.) Our PCP, who we love mucho said that she would talk with the gastro and because his last colonoscopy was clean (no polyps), would recommend that he have the procedure done fully anticoagulated if it was OK with the gastro.

My only thought was "WOW!!" Of course, being the nervous Nellie that I am, I worry about a puncture, etc., etc., etc.

OK, question.....Has anyone had their routine colonoscopy done while fully anticoagulated? If so, any problems? Would you recommend it or prefer the Lovenox routine?

ANY suggestions or help is greatly welcome in helping us through this.

Thanks.

Evelyn

Evelyn,
The ASGE guidelines for screening colonoscoy state that the colonoscopy can be conducted without interruption of anticoagulation regardless of the indication for anticoagulation.

 

[Guest]

I know a woman who came to the hospital complaining of severe intestinal pain. The doc did a colonoscopy on her and removed a polyp within a couple of hours of her arriving at the hospital. I'd hate to think that it was just done because the GI doc was going on vacation the next day, but that appears to have been the motivating factor. It can be done under "special" circumstances.

 

[EVELYN]

Thank you all for responding....sorry I didn't get back to you but we were on vacation.....well searching for property in Virginia....... When we returned last night we had a call from our Primary's office to call her back.....will let you all know what the scoop is on Tyce's colonoscopy. Have to tell you, though, it sure DOES bother me.....

Evelyn

 

[bvdr]

Evelyn, I was in the hospital on lovenox anyway when I had my colonoscopy. The PM shot was held, the colonoscopy was done at 7am (or about) and the lovenox was taped on my chart to be given right after. Biopsies were taken and I had no problems with bleeding.

I hope all goes well, Keep us updated. God bless.

 

[RCB]

On warfarin- no problems

On warfarin- no problems

I had one done in 2001 due to an attack od diverticulitis. I was asked to stop
warfarin and when I protested, the dr. said okay but if anything needed to be done I would have to do it again off warfarin. Everything was okay and if I have to do it again, I will do it on warfarin.
Having had one stroke in my life(which is much worse than HVR surgery),
I will do anything I can to avoid another stroke.

 

[Guest]

I read that Abagail Adams, wife of the 2nd US President, was treated by bloodletting around 1800. They drained off 80 ounces. Yes folks, five pints!!! More than half a gallon. She said that she felt tired for several days afterwards. Ask your doctor if you are likely to bleed more than that!!!!!

I think that the stopping of warfarin for a colonoscopy is another medical myth.

 

[EVELYN]

I agree with you, Al......I'm so glad Tyce's PCP and gastro man are willing to do it with him fully anticoagulated!!! It sure eases my mind!!!

Evelyn