"Double Dip" - endoscopy and colonoscopy at same time?

[bryan3536]

My GI recommended an upper endoscopy and colonoscopy to take a look at my recurring acid reflux and fairly regular (monthly) rectal bleeding (he suspects hemroidal in nature).  He suggested that they be done in seperate procedures on two different days because, according to him, the preparation for the colonoscopy can make my upper tract appear raw, etc.

I mentioned this to my good friend, a GI resident, and she said that these procedures are routinely done together and didn't think this would be an issue at all - she didn't know why my GI would make that recommendation.

I'm pretty leery about getting put out, so if it's going to happen, I'd prefer it happen once - not twice.  If there is no medical need for me to do this in two seperate procedures, I'd rather get it done all at once.  

So, my question is whether there is any reason why I can't have these procedures done together, i.e., is there any validity to the notion that the preparation for the colonoscopy can skew the results of my endoscopy?

Many thanks!

[pennykins60]

You get put out for both endoscopy and/or colonoscopy.  No need to worry about gagging.  

[kathn]

If we get them done separately, the surgical center bills twice (usage fees), the anesthesiologist bills twice, the anesthesia itself is doubled, there is a second fee for the nurse anesthetist, and other attending personnel that are not included in the center's basic fees.  Considering our co-pay, separate procedures are much more costly - in our case.

[seejayy]

I was registered to have the endoscopy and colonoscopy on the same day. I live in nottingham , England. Despite being very early for my appointment, just a few minutes later I was sent straight through to a nurse to go over the risks / complications / if i wanted sedtive & for me to sign my consent form. 5 minutes later I was lied on the bed greeting the doctors / nurses who would be performing the procedure. The doctor / nurses instantly put me at ease, introducing themselves with a smile and the doctor even told me some funny stories which really calmed me down. A brief discussion of the order of the procedure so I knew what was going to be happening, then I was given the sedative and told very nicely by a nurse who stayed right by my side the whole time that I could squeeze her hand as hard as I wanted. They performed the endoscopy first, then turned the bed and I was given more sedative before they performed the colonoscopy. While being quite out of it at this point, I still remember the nurse holding my hand and asking me if I was okay throughout, though I was mostly mesmerised watching the screen!
The staff in the recovery room were equally as nice, and there was no pressure for me to rush 'coming around' from sedation. Lots of checks to see if I was feeling okay, while not being pushy at all.

All in all- a very good experience. Upon my arrival I was a mess of nerves, but when dealing with such lovely staff I felt so much more at ease. Very professional and genuinely nice team.

[laylasprinkles]

I have my Upper GI endoscopy and Colonoscopy together tomorrow morning. My doctor wanted them both done at once, since they imply its safer to sedate you one time instead of having to put you under twice. They never mentioned about my upper GI would be raw. I go to the best Colon Rectal surgeon in Los Angeles. I hope your went well!

[buzzy44]

I just recently had both done in the same day about 3 weeks ago. My GI doctor recomended it that way for the specific reason that I would not have to come back for a second procedure. He said that he prefers to do it that way he said it is easier on the patient and also on the patients pocket book. He said that since you are already there and are under  anesthesia it only makes sense to do them together. He also said that doing them together saves a lot of money for the patient. They charge so much for the room and the anesthesia so he said it is best to do it all in one visit rather than having the patient pay out twice. I was not looking forward to having it done at all. It was not bad at all they put me out and I dont remember a thing. I am also very glad that I had this done because they found 3 pre-cancerous sist. I was told that if they would not of caught it now that within a year it would have turned into full blown cancer. I had to go in a week later to have them all removed. I am so thankful that I had it done. Hope it all turns out great for you!!!
Steve

[mikeystc]

Wow The colonoscopy Prep Was Nasty 64 Oz Of Gatorade Mix With Miralax Drink Every 15-30  Minutes Till It All Gone Then Drink Some Sodium Crap With 7 Up A Lot Laxatives