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My Dad is very physically fit for a man of 82. He is having no symptoms that would indicate an issue. He has no family history of cancer. I don't know if I could watch him closely enough to keep him on a clear liquid diet for 24 hours or get him through the colon cleansing process. The entire process will cause him to become very agitated. I can't see any real value in putting him through this. Am I wrong?

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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.
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With no reason to suspect a problem, I agree with you. I don't see any value in putting him, or you, through this.
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No you are not wrong. As a matter of fact, IMHO, you are more sane than the doctor who suggested it.
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I cannot believe your Dr suggest this to be done. I agree with the above you are more sane.
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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.
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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.
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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?
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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.
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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!
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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 $$.
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