Won't get a colonoscopy

[GaryDis]

I try to keep an open mind about these things. So in my surfing, I just came across this article by a physician who opposes routine colonoscopies. I encourage everyone to read it, even though it hasn't changed my mind about my upcoming colonoscopy.

But note the irony. Here's a doctor who's against colonoscopies but is clearly selling himself and his dietary retreats in order to make lots of money. To me, this part of the lesson is that it's a bad mistake to pick sides because you perceive some people on one side of the argument as greedy. There are clearly greedy people on both sides.

There are also lots of sincere, well-intentioned medical professionals trying to do the best they can to promote the health of their patients.

 

[mefordis]

http://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsr...mistakes-are-3rd-leading-cause-of-death-in-us

I try to keep an open mind about these things. So in my surfing, I just came across this article by a physician who opposes routine colonoscopies. I encourage everyone to read it, even though it hasn't changed my mind about my upcoming colonoscopy.

But note the irony. Here's a doctor who's against colonoscopies but is clearly selling himself and his dietary retreats in order to make lots of money. To me, this part of the lesson is that it's a bad mistake to pick sides because you perceive some people on one side of the argument as greedy. There are clearly greedy people on both sides.

There are also lots of sincere, well-intentioned medical professionals trying to do the best they can to promote the health of their patients.

Good post. Thank you!

I believe this doctor's premise is that colon health is achieved through healthy diet, and that routine colonoscopies are unnecessary and dangerous. If one takes care of their colon through good diet they will minimize the problems that come with an unhealthy diet. So what is an unhealthy diet? He teaches that and makes a living doing so. I have no problem with that - the man has to make a living. And since he is a doctor I'd think he would be well trained on nutrition, since that is the first line of defense against disease. Sadly, medical school does not focus on eating for good health and most doctors are clueless on proper nutrition. Why is that? Medical schools get their funding through pharmaceutical companies. Once you research how this industry works you really stop being so gullible and trusting of the system. Health lies in your own hands - it cannot be bought in pill form or through diagnostic measures. Avoidance of toxins + good nutrition + exercise. It's as simple now as it was 200 years ago. Except now it is easier to stay healthy because we have the information and we also have good sanitation and indoor plumbing, which has drastically reduced communicable disease to an incredibly low level.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

OP, at least get 1 colonoscopy to make sure you do not have precancerous polyps.

I am not afraid I just don't buy into the business of all of these unnecessary (yes I still believe they mostly are) medical procedures. However, other people who I don't know or love - have at it! Do it up.

I also believe the entire approach to "cancer" in the medical community is all wrong. I'll just leave it at that.

I won't argue that the approach to cancer needs to step it up. They have better equipment and tests that could detect earlier cancers that are not used for the general population of people.

Believe me, as I sit here typing, in pain, from the burning on my left breast from radiation treatments from breast cancer, I get it.

I do play the "what if game" with this treatment plan, but it is what it is at the moment.

 

[mom2rtk]

http://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsr...mistakes-are-3rd-leading-cause-of-death-in-us



Good post. Thank you!

I believe this doctor's premise is that colon health is achieved through healthy diet, and that routine colonoscopies are unnecessary and dangerous. If one takes care of their colon through good diet they will minimize the problems that come with an unhealthy diet. So what is an unhealthy diet? He teaches that and makes a living doing so. I have no problem with that - the man has to make a living. And since he is a doctor I'd think he would be well trained on nutrition, since that is the first line of defense against disease. Sadly, medical school does not focus on eating for good health and most doctors are clueless on proper nutrition. Why is that? Medical schools get their funding through pharmaceutical companies. Once you research how this industry works you really stop being so gullible and trusting of the system. Health lies in your own hands - it cannot be bought in pill form or through diagnostic measures. Avoidance of toxins + good nutrition + exercise. It's as simple now as it was 200 years ago. Except now it is easier to stay healthy because we have the information and we also have good sanitation and indoor plumbing, which has drastically reduced communicable disease to an incredibly low level.

The 2 approaches are not mutually exclusive.

You can (and should) try to prevent illness (colon cancer included) with healthy eating and living. And you can also do routine recommended diagnostic screenings.

Sometimes all the healthy living in the world just won't defeat bad genes.

Ask the family of the healthiest person I ever knew. She ate all the right stuff and ran marathons. She dropped dead of a heart attack at age 37. It seems all that healthy living was a response to losing her dad young to a genetic heart condition.

 

[Hikergirl]

http://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsr...mistakes-are-3rd-leading-cause-of-death-in-us



Good post. Thank you!

I believe this doctor's premise is that colon health is achieved through healthy diet, and that routine colonoscopies are unnecessary and dangerous. If one takes care of their colon through good diet they will minimize the problems that come with an unhealthy diet. So what is an unhealthy diet? He teaches that and makes a living doing so. I have no problem with that - the man has to make a living. And since he is a doctor I'd think he would be well trained on nutrition, since that is the first line of defense against disease. Sadly, medical school does not focus on eating for good health and most doctors are clueless on proper nutrition. Why is that? Medical schools get their funding through pharmaceutical companies. Once you research how this industry works you really stop being so gullible and trusting of the system. Health lies in your own hands - it cannot be bought in pill form or through diagnostic measures. Avoidance of toxins + good nutrition + exercise. It's as simple now as it was 200 years ago. Except now it is easier to stay healthy because we have the information and we also have good sanitation and indoor plumbing, which has drastically reduced communicable disease to an incredibly low level.

Hhmm, you mean kind of like how diagnostic measures and medicines have drastically helped save lives?
I'm not going to count on avoiding toxins and good nutrition alone to keep me alive and healthy for a long time. I'm also going to rely on the proven science and technology that has already helped millions of people who would otherwise be dead without it.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Ask the family of the healthiest person I ever knew. She ate all the right stuff and ran marathons. She dropped dead of a heart attack at age 37. It seems all that healthy living was a response to losing her dad young to a genetic heart condition.

Yep to bolded.

If you have cholesterol levels in the 500's and live an impeccable life you still are going to die from a heart attack.

My dh is one of those people with abnormally high blood cholesterol and yes it was in the 500's in his 20's.

He did have his heart attack at 45 and had a triple bypass. Now he goes to a lipid clinic for his cholesterol.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

I am biased

I did not want to have s colonoscopy bit Doctor insisted because my brother died at age 45 from colon cancer

I was 37 and yes I did have cancer. I really didn't have any symptoms to speak of and yet the cancer was already stage 2B

I tell everyone I know that having a colonoscopy is a lot easier than doing a year of chemo like I did

 

[MaryLovesPoohBear]

Yep to bolded.

If you have cholesterol levels in the 500's and live an impeccable life you still are going to die from a heart attack.

My dh is one of those people with abnormally high blood cholesterol and yes it was in the 500's in his 20's.

He did have his heart attack at 45 and had a triple bypass. Now he goes to a lipid clinic for his cholesterol.

Or you could be like my husband.

No high cholesterol levels. No risk factors.

He exercised. He ate right. Did everything he was suppose to do.

Had a heart attack at 41. It came out of the blue, no warning.

 

[mefordis]

Hhmm, you mean kind of like how diagnostic measures and medicines have drastically helped save lives?
I'm not going to count on avoiding toxins and good nutrition alone to keep me alive and healthy for a long time. I'm also going to rely on the proven science and technology that has already helped millions of people who would otherwise be dead without it.

Well, you can do that. But you'll have to accept the risks that go along with that technology. As far as proven, until you have read all of the independent research you really cannot say it's proven anything. I'm not talking about the CNN headlines you might google. I'm talking about real 3rd party research. If i'm going to make a claim that my procedure, shot, pill, whatever is going to save lives and be virtually risk free (which no one ever claims so there is risk), I am going to have to prove that with impartial, third party, untainted studies. Not the other way around.

There is a palpable fear of death in our society and that is the saddest thing. When it's your time there isn't really anything you can do about it. However, I believe you can hasten it by chasing invasive procedures and harmful meds to try to avoid the inevitable. It does truly backfire in a lot of cases. You can read countless stories of botched surgeries, procedures and deadly side effects from meds. They are not hard to find.

My 100 year old relative smoked until in her 50's, was overweight a good portion of her life until she lost the weight, and here she is - 100 years old. However, she has never had a colonoscopy or mammogram. Either way, it's the luck of the draw.

Bottom line: I don't really care what anyone else (except those I love) does to their health. But don't call people irresponsible if they don't make the same choices as you. I wouldn't call anyone on here irresponsible for popping pills, or doing reckless procedures, surgeries, etc. They can do what they want - that is their right. Just don't go calling people out if they don't do the same as you.

Long winded, I know, but I have to say that it seems like some people were born yesterday with no knowledge of the history of medicine. It wasn't that long ago really that bloodletting was acceptable, as was injecting children with cow pus, which caused so many child deaths. There are so many other examples of widely used and accepted medical practices that have been discarded and now just seen as tragic. It is truly dangerous, our lack of knowledge of history because it causes people to just accept without question what we are told. What we find completely acceptable today could possibly be found to be an insane practice 20 years from now.

 

[maxaroni]

Enough has been said about the pros of colonoscopies. I will concur in the importance of them. To the OP looking for alternatives, I have been told by my doctors that the colonoscopy is the "gold standard" for cancer screenings. In our area, there is a facility for a virtual colonoscopy. If anything is suspected, they will send you for a regular colonoscopy. However, even with the virtual screening, my doctors do not feel as though it should be done as it isn't a as thorough. However, you may want to look at that as an option.

As far as the poster saying to take care of your colon with diet & exercise.....I firmly believe that this is what we should all aim for.. However, I do not feel that that should eliminate the screenings of a colonoscopy. Same holds true for the PAP, mammogram, or any other screening. I prefer to be proactive over reactive.

 

[kandb]

Op, something you're not likely taking into account is the health history of those you "know" who have died from a colonoscopy. Someone who died after a medical procedure may very likely have had a secondary cause that greatly contributed to the death.

Personally I don't care what someone I don't even know chooses to do. I can only share my opinion and experience. Fortunately I have a doctor that very much wants me to be a partner in my own healthcare and decisions related to it. If you don't have that I'd recommend doctor shopping.

You are right, thank you, good advice.

 

[Hikergirl]

Well, you can do that. But you'll have to accept the risks that go along with that technology. As far as proven, until you have read all of the independent research you really cannot say it's proven anything. I'm not talking about the CNN headlines you might google. I'm talking about real 3rd party research. If i'm going to make a claim that my procedure, shot, pill, whatever is going to save lives and be virtually risk free (which no one ever claims so there is risk), I am going to have to prove that with impartial, third party, untainted studies. Not the other way around.

There is a palpable fear of death in our society and that is the saddest thing. When it's your time there isn't really anythign you can do about it. My 100 year old relative smoked until in her 50's, was overweight a good portion of her life until she lost the weight, and here she is - 100 years old. However, she has never had a colonoscopy or mammogram. Either way, it's the luck of the draw.

I've never claimed that anything was risk free, but yes I am perfectly willing to take those risks. My mother died from colon cancer at 57, so for me the risk of a colonoscopy far outweighs the very real risk that comes along with having a 1st degree relative with the disease.


Can you please share with us all the proven independent research you have that back up your claims in your previous post. I'm sure some here would love to read it and see just how simple it is to live a long healthy live by just avoiding toxins and having good nutrition.

Mefordis, are you a female? Just curious if you get regulat PAPs and mamograms?

 

[anniemae]

I am not afraid I just don't buy into the business of all of these unnecessary (yes I still believe they mostly are) medical procedures. However, other people who I don't know or love - have at it! Do it up.

I also believe the entire approach to "cancer" in the medical community is all wrong. I'll just leave it at that.

Could you elaborate on this? I am really curious to know. I have been reading a lot about different approaches and theories etc. to treating different illnesses. I am on a very powerful drug for autoimmune disorder and am interested in hearing alternative options to different diseases. If you want to privately message me, that is fine too. Any web sites or info would be appreciated!

 

[GaryDis]

Once you research how this industry works you really stop being so gullible and trusting of the system. Health lies in your own hands - it cannot be bought in pill form or through diagnostic measures. Avoidance of toxins + good nutrition + exercise. It's as simple now as it was 200 years ago.

This sort of cynicism is counterproductive, because it throws out the baby with the bathwater.

Another irony: The doctor who wrote the article I linked and which you seem to like proposes a vegan diet with no added fats. So what does he recommend for cooking vegetables if you can't add a bit of olive oil? Teflon and similar - products that are known to release toxins when overheated.

Sorry, it's not simple and never was. Genetics is complex, and our understanding of the connections between genetics and various life-shortening conditions is still poor. 200 years ago the life expectancy was much less. Nutrition and modern medicine have both contributed to our longer lifespans. Suggesting that diagnostic tests are generally worthless is extreme. Suggesting that we shouldn't be gullible and trusting of the medical system, but by implication it's ok to be trusting of random web sites and anyone who goes against the system is just inconsistent logic.

 

[mefordis]

So many questions! All Im saying is do whatever you want, but don't put others down because they are choosing different for themselves. Worry about yourselves, basically.

OP: if your gut is telling you to question the colonoscopy, find a DO who will be on board with refusing. Just listen to your inner voice. And I would stop coming here for medical opinions because they are 99% in line with the CDC - so just go there to see what the majority here would advise.

 

[Poohforyou]

http://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsr...mistakes-are-3rd-leading-cause-of-death-in-us



Good post. Thank you!

I believe this doctor's premise is that colon health is achieved through healthy diet, and that routine colonoscopies are unnecessary and dangerous. If one takes care of their colon through good diet they will minimize the problems that come with an unhealthy diet. So what is an unhealthy diet? He teaches that and makes a living doing so. I have no problem with that - the man has to make a living. And since he is a doctor I'd think he would be well trained on nutrition, since that is the first line of defense against disease. Sadly, medical school does not focus on eating for good health and most doctors are clueless on proper nutrition. Why is that? Medical schools get their funding through pharmaceutical companies. Once you research how this industry works you really stop being so gullible and trusting of the system. Health lies in your own hands - it cannot be bought in pill form or through diagnostic measures. Avoidance of toxins + good nutrition + exercise. It's as simple now as it was 200 years ago. Except now it is easier to stay healthy because we have the information and we also have good sanitation and indoor plumbing, which has drastically reduced communicable disease to an incredibly low level.

First off you contradict yourself. You say that this person should know about nutrition because he's a doctor but then say doctors don't k ow about nutrition because it isn't taught in medical school (you're correct about that to an extent).

You're also correct that a healthy diet and lifestyle (maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, no smoking, minimal alcohol, etc) are the key to general health. Every decent doctor will tell you that. However, they'll also tell you that genetics and just plain bad luck play a part in staying healthy.

My brother who's battling colon cancer is a vegan who exercises a great deal and is on the skinny side of normal. He has done everything for years to maintain his health. His one big mistake was not going for a colonoscopy at the recommended age. It wasn't until routine blood work showed he was anemic that his cancer was found.

Sadly it isn't as simple as you make it out to be. People who take care of themselves get sick just like good people die at a young age.

Oh, and wasn't it 3rd party research that claimed immunizations caused autism but was later recanted by the author as being fraudulent? One can't blindly believe what they read on either side of the fence.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I found this when I searched for how safe is a colonoscopy
https://www.sharecare.com/health/co...cancer/how-lower-risk-perforation-colonoscopy Someone asked how to reduce the risk of perforation "The way to lower your risk is to make sure that the colon is adequately cleansed of fecal material. Small perforations usually seal themselves off and are followed with close observation in the hospital. Larger perforations may require surgery and removal of the injured bowel."

 

[MrsDuck]

My 64 year old father refuses the test and it makes me nervous.

I'm in my 20s and had one this past August for medical reasons. No complications, easy peasy - aside from the prep.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Could you elaborate on this? I am really curious to know. I have been reading a lot about different approaches and theories etc. to treating different illnesses. I am on a very powerful drug for autoimmune disorder and am interested in hearing alternative options to different diseases. If you want to privately message me, that is fine too. Any web sites or info would be appreciated!

My college age dd has vasovagal syncope (passes out for medical things) and needs to get a pap and a breast screening.

I have been looking into other screenings for her that are non invasive/painful. Upon doing this research there are alternatives. One is thermography.
http://www.breastthermography.com/

Not sure how to get her a pap smear. Still looking into that.

I also would be interested in different types of screenings.

 

[robinb]

I am 52 year old female. I don't have a great stomach, never had, have reflux. I have been having stomach issues lately (bloating, gas, increased bm's). I am going to a gastro doctor next week. I had a stomach virus a month ago and it seems like my stomach hasn't been right since then. I know the gastro doctor will want to do a colonoscopy. I will refuse. I had a co-worker/friend that died after a colonoscopy. I also know 2 other women who have died after getting routine colonoscopies (my sister's friends mother and another friends neighbor, they were all female). I was discussing this with a co-worker who has crohns disease and she is young and her mom doesn't want her to get colonoscopies as she is required to do. She told me her and her mother know 3 people who have died after a colonoscopy. I have done some research since it seems strange that that many people can have serious complications. I also know someone who did not die but had to have surgery after a colonoscopy (perforation) also my husband had a lot of bleeding approx. 3 days after a colonoscopy and he had to go to the emergency (luckily it resolved itself)

My question, do any of you refuse colonoscopy? Are there other tests to get instead? I heard of one that tests your fecal dna? Any insight/comments are appreciated.

Yes, I know some will say the risks outweigh the complications, but my research on the matter shows different.

I'm posting without reading the rest of the comments.

All procedures have risks. You are wise to research those risks. But you also have to weigh the risks of doing the procedure v/s the risks of NOT doing the procedure. I am not a medical expert ... that's the role of my doctor(s). If my doctor said that I needed to have a procedure that I was uncomfortable with, I would have them explain to me why they want to do the procedure and what the procedure would definitively tell them. I would work with him or her to make my decision.

FWIW, I have had one colonoscopy and my DH has had 3. They found polyps on his first one and he had to be held overnight because of bleeding ... but everything turned out OK.