Dad is 82 with Alzheimer's. His doctor wants him to have a colonoscopy. I don't think he should. Am I wrong?

The Mayo Clinic here in the State recommend the stop date for colonoscopies to be 75 for those patients who have had consistently negative screenings, thus no polyps or colon cancer..... and are not at an increased risk of colon cancer because of family history need not continue getting routine screening.

You are right NOT to do this. My Daddy was 82 when his doctor suggested this be done and led my Mama to think it was a necessary step to help Daddy...turns out during the colonoscopy he perforated Daddy's colon and sadly it was a rapid downhill journey from there...I would absolutely NOT have this done and I would love to personally slap the crap out of the doctor who even suggested it. I'm sorry, it is just not right to suggest procedures which after a certain age truly are aimed more at a doctor's greed than the patients health...imo

No, you are not wrong. Sans symptoms, I would not put someone 82 years old through that procedure. If he hasn't had one thus far in his life, why on earth, would a doctor want to do one on him now? Oh, wait. Medicare $$.

I think that colonoscopies in the elderly, should be done on a case-by-case basis. Obviously, some 85 year olds are in better shape than others, both physically and mentally. If they can handle the prep and if there are treatment options available, depending on the outcome, then the test is warranted. If however, the prep alone will be difficult and they can't withstand the treatments, if an issue is uncovered, then the test is not warranted. Loved ones have to ask the right questions and make these decisions based on their knowledge of the patient's physical and mental capabilities. As for you, Nancy H, you need to fins another doctor. My whole family (mom, dad, sister, brother and myself), have regular colonoscopies because of the colon and breast cancer, in our family. It is not painful or even uncomfortable, in the least, if you are sedated properly. Your doctor/anesthesiologist, is not doing something right! Please, for your health and peace of mind, find another doctor and get your colonoscopies, as recommended! Good luck to all!

Thank you to all who have shared your messages of sympathy and love for me and my family. My dear and loving husband was a true companion and friend for almost 42 years (tomorrow, the 31st of July). He opened his heart to me and my children; we had both lost our spouses. God has provided so many blessings for both of our families. We were a team and felt the love of God throughout our married life. If I can say anything - please never give up, as God will always take of you, no matter what. His Grace is enough for me and for you too. Love, blessings and prayers. I love you all with a thankful heart.

Butterflykisses, Sorry about your dad and sorry for you in particular. I'm glad it was peaceful however. Bummer.

I agree with all these posts - do not put your Dad through this. My husband had a colonoscopy earlier this year because of bloody stools; they found nothing. Because of his Alz. and a Meningioma, it was stressful for him even though he was able to drink "the stuff" and expel it. I would never do it again, and he won't have to, as he passed away peacefully this past Sunday, July 21, 2013 and his funeral is tomorrow. I'll probably not be posting much, but will continue my prayers for all who are caregivers - we are a chosen group.

absouloutly not unless the Doctor has a very valid reason. For military retires at 80 they stop doing this test. I have a BIL who is 91 in WV, for years he has been given a very expensive shot in the stomach area for prostate cancer, guess what Dr informed him as of next January he can no longer give him the shots that run $1800 per shot. Guess not, health care will pull everything for the elderly. But that Dr made a bundle off of this man

I'm 60 years old, and I WILL NEVER have another colonoscopy again. It wasn't supposed to hurt, but it did! Even in la-la land where they're supposed to put you while doing the procedure, it was painful. Don't do it to an old person.

Our doctor told us that he don't normally do that procedure for anyone older than 80yr of age. He done n only did this test due to my mil was complaining about her abdomen area what I think it was called, endoscopic test. She had to drink barium enema n suppository the night before the procedure. Let's just say we had a mess all over the house. Plus, if he is having no problem or complaints why get the test?
Burnedout, That dr makes no sense but to make money if he cannot offer treatment to help her. wtf! I ask what the use of the test if he cannot help her? Some of these dr just make no sense. Does she have a primary physician for I would ask that dr what he thinks about the situation. Good luck n go with your gutt instincts.

I am going through similar experiences with my 86 and 89 year old parents.
My 89 year old dad just went through 3 months of surgery and rehab - I now have specialists calling about more tests and more procedures. He barely survived the last surgery - I told them he needed some time to recover and they are adamant that I go forward with these test. Same thing with my mom who is 86 and weighs 93 pounds. Her doctor recommended a 3 1/2 hour stress test. When I asked him if he would then recommend treatment if anything came up, he said no - she is too frail for treatments. What is going on?

I appreciate all the feedback. Very helpful! I particularly agree with Blannie who spoke of her 92 yr old father & the cancer treatment. My husband was diagnosed with head & neck cancer several years ago. Attending his treatment sessions with him I see many other cancer patients. Watching the very elderly at the cancer center lose the quality of life they had prior to treatment is enough for me! I would not do it, not for myself or my parents. I think in many cases the doctor suggesting the treatments are not greedy but rather they are thinking that the due diligence of a doctor requires them to order tests/treatment for these elderly patients. It is up to us to just say no.

You can get another opinion. Go to a doc that specializes in elder care.

No you're not wrong, the doctor is. When my dad was 92, he was diagnosed with lung cancer. The oncologist wanted him to do six weeks of daily radiation. I said no. We did two weeks for palliative care and my dad lived a year and three days (the doc said he expected him to live about a year). I figured the treatment was going to be worse than the disease and I wasn't about to put a man of his age through that. I'd say the same thing about your dad.

I don't know whether it's greed, a doctor's desire to keep everyone alive, or a fear of being sued that makes them recommend things that are so stupid given the patient's situation. Thank goodness your dad has you as his advocate. A lot of people would just go along with whatever the doctor recommended.

My 84 yr old father just had this done and it was quite unpleasant. Fortunately he was in the hospital so they were able to help him drink the fluids and avoid eating. I'm not sure I could have done it. He counted that day as one of the most miserable he'd ever remembered having. He, however, had a bleed that required him to have two units of blood while in the hospital. They scoped his stomach and couldn't find anything so the next step was the colonoscopy. Fortunately, they found nothing and his blood seemed to settle out ok... they never did find a reason for the blood being so low.

But with no symptoms, I'd not put him though that misery...especially with ALZ when he can't understand what's happening to him. I'd talk with the doctor quite frankly and ask him why he thinks this is necessary and if is worth the misery for your father.

I cannot believe your Dr suggest this to be done. I agree with the above you are more sane.

No you are not wrong. As a matter of fact, IMHO, you are more sane than the doctor who suggested it.

With no reason to suspect a problem, I agree with you. I don't see any value in putting him, or you, through this.