Colonoscopy?

My DH had some small polyps removed on his last colonoscopy so when the 5 year point came I had to make a decision. At that point he was 75 years old, almost 76, and probably Stage 5 Alz. Three things made me decide against doing it: 1) based on how he was at the time, I knew that the prep and procedure would be a problem - it would be confusing and cause him stress as he wouldn’t remember what it was for and I don’t know if I could get him to comply. 2) I read that colonoscopies after age 75 are higher risk 3) if he had questionable polyps, I asked myself what I would do with that information. These are very tough decisions that are most likely easier later in the progression.

Also what reason did the DR give for not wanting to do it?

When DW was about stages 3 she had a lumpectomy and the recovery process was challenging. They 1st day after surgery she ripped off the bandage which was suppose to remain in place for several days and she did not want to were the support bra the doctor prescribed. Although she understood why she was getting the surgery initially, once it was done she did not understand the reason the reason for recovery care. A couple of years later when she was about stage 5, I made the decision to stop colonoscopies and monograms because I knew she would not understand why I was putting her through prep/procedure and if they found cancer I felt she could not tolerate the chemo or radiation. Including the lumpectomy DW was hospitalized 3 times during her progression, following each hospitalization she experienced noticeable decline in her cognitive and physical capability. It is a difficult decision but I reach the point where I did not want to do anything that would accelerate her decline and from first hand experience I knew another hospitalization would do exactly that.

“His internal medicine DR doesn’t seem to think anyone over 75 should have a colonoscopy. His gastroenterologist sent him a reminder that it was time for his next colonoscopy, but I don’t think he’s aware of the Alzheimer’s diagnosis.”

I’m the one on the frequent schedule (mostly 3, sometimes 5). DH has never had a polyp and has always been on the ten year schedule. I dreaded the prep of him having another colonoscopy. After my last one, after going over my results with my gastro guy, I asked him his opinion of DH getting another one. He unequivocally said that at DH’s age, with his history, of no polyps, and dementia stage, he would not perform a colonoscopy. So when DH’s primary mentioned it was time for his colonoscopy I nixed the idea.

With your DH’s history, I think I’d call the gastroenterologist office and inquire if they are aware of the dementia diagnosis. And if they were not, ask if the knowledge of a dementia diagnosis makes a difference in their recommendation.

I stopped colonoscopies in Stage 4. My husband had a history of polyps. Reasons why I stopped them: He would not have been able to do the prep. The anesthesia would have been bad for him and could have caused progression of the Alzheimer’s. What would I have done if they found cancer? He would not have been able to go through treatment.

After my hubby was diagnosed with EOAD, I decided that he should never get another colonoscopy. But then, 5 years later, he managed to get a case of ischemic colitis. He was hospitalized and they gave him one there to confirm the diagnosis. That was okay because he was sedated the whole time. The problem occurred two months later when they wanted him to have another colonoscopy to see how he was doing. That was a nightmare! We were at home, of course. He didn't understand why he needed the prep. He was miserable and fought drinking anymore toward the end. Fortunately, he had had enough for the procedure. But I vowed that I would never subject him to that no matter what.