Anxious About Colonoscopy/Endoscopy

[SRF]

I am a 52 year old male who has been referred to a gastroenterologist for a combined colonoscopy and endoscopy. The reason for the referral was (A) because I have never had one and, at my age, should and (B) because I have mild iron deficient anemia.

Because I have sleep apnea and use a nasal CPAP, my nasal passages are extremely dry. The result is very frequent nosebleeds; some of which are profuse. I have these episodes every few days. They have been particularly bad during the past 6 months or so.

I have no other symptoms and my FOBTs are negative.

My doctor tells me the anemia COULD be caused by the nosebleeds, but he obviously can't guarantee this. That's the reason for the colonoscopy and endoscopy.

How concerned should I be? What are the odds that nosebleeds could be the cause? I am trying to calm myself down in the midst of all the uncertainty. I don't want false reassurance, but at the same time I don't want to spend the next three weeks (until the procedure) thinking that I have cancer, either. I need to find a middle ground I can live with.

[Fred's Dad]

To help with any concerns about the procedure, I'll share my recent experience (10/20/2006):

Just had my 50 year old (50,0000 mile) colonoscopy.  Colon cancer runs in the family.  The prep was not that difficult, the procedure itself was uneventful. The nurse prepped me with a saline solution IV (for dehydration?), performed an EKG, checked blood pressure, etc.   The nurse rolled me into the procedure room where the colonoscopy was to be performed.  The doctor came in and explained what he was about to do.  Asked if I had any questions.  The nurse then told me that they would be administering the anesthia and then would ask me to count backwards from 100 to 1.  I never made it to 100!  Out like a light. I never felt a thing.  Woke up in the recovery area (very drousy.)  Nurse said I was a cheap date! :)   Wife helped me get dressed drove me home and poured me into bed where I slept for about 5 hours.  Best sleep I've had in months.  

[foundry]

Hi I Am A 34YR. Old Male That Just Recently Had A Colonoscopy if you will go on a low residue diet 3 to 4 days Before You start your prep You Will find that the prep Will Not Be as Awful as you might think. Seriously eat foods that are low in residue and the prep will be alot Easier on you.                         foundry.

[SRF]

Thank you for the encouragement. I have been having these chronic nosebleeds for quite a while, well over a year actually. Some of them are severe. Also, I was told that my iron deficiency is quite mild. So, I guess I am pinning my hopes on the nosebleeds as the cause of the anemia.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Before attributing the nosebleeds as the cause of the anemia, I agree with the upper endoscopy and colonoscopy first.  You would have to have a pretty severe nosebleed to lead to significant anemia.  

If the endoscopies are negative, then you may want to look at other causes of bleeding.  Standard of care at this point would be to pursue the endoscopies.

This issue can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_

[Hudson]

Hi there. I am a 51 year old woman with a history of anemia. When I turned 50, the docs started bugging me about getting a colonoscopy, especially due to my age and the anemia. I was a wreck, but the colonoscopy turned out fine.

I would bet your anemia is due to your nosebleeds. Try not to worry. And if I could offer a tip to you...drink lots of fluids before you begin your colonoscopy prep. I'd recommend gatorade or something with electrolytes. The prep is rugged, but the test itself is nothing.

Hudson