"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!

[valleygirl1436]

I have had both these procedures done, but not at the same time, ever. The preparation procedure to have the colonoscopy done is not pleasant. If you have never done this, it requires you drinking a gallon of fluid designed to 'clean you out' the day before the procedure. You don't eat anything, just drink this 'stuff'', and stay close to a bathroom. I didn't think it did any damage to the upper track or made it raw, however. But, I would go by my GI recommendations.

Valleygirl1436