When is it really necessary to get a colonoscopy?

Question

I went to see my Dr. because I was bleeding when I had a stool; but, it only lasted for about 3 days and it wasn'y all the time. Anyway, he recommended I see another Dr. And the other Dr. didn't even check me or anything. He just said I should get a colonoscopy done. The thing is that I don't have any insurance and it's expensive. The doctor wont do the procedure until I cough off the dough. How do I know if it's really necessary. Please help!

Answer 1

If you are over 40, then consider it, also if you have a family past history of colon cancer.

Even without health insurance, your body is the biggest investment you can make, you may wish to obtain individual coverage, however, then testing maybe considered a Pre-Existing Condition Exclusion.

Check your state to see if there are assistance programs, maybe you quailfy for Medicaid benefits, or an insurance pool

Answer 2

Routine colonoscopy are recommended for those 50 and over. If you have family history of colon cancer, then do it earlier, I think around 40. I would ask for an occult blood test first, it's way cheaper, they give you 3 cards for you to put your stool sample on each day, send it back, and they'll know if you're still bleeding when you're not seeing blood anymore. There are some more instructions on the cards, like what type of food to avoid so you wouldn't test false positive. This is usually done 1/year instead of the colonoscopy, which is every 10 years. If the occult test positive, THEN you have to go for a colonoscopy. If it's negative, you should be ok.

Could be hemorrhoids, could be nothing serious.

Answer 3

Without the money you really don't have an option at this time. When You get the money or insurance you can have the test. It really doesn't need to be done until you are 40 years old.

The bleeding could be a slight tear in the rectal Area. This occurs quite often because of constipation and hard stools. If this has been occurring for you you should start using preparation H suppositories, twice daily to take down the inflammation. Also you have to take a powdered fiber supplement, such as Metamucil, three times daily with a large glass of water. Use prunes, raisins, watermelon and to any other type of melon daily. Use brown rice and Oatmeal.

Start drinking at least ten glasses of water a day.

If you have any further questions please let me know,
Billie77

Answer 4

Colonoscopy is often done to investigate symptoms such as unexplained bleeding from the rectum, prolonged diarrhea or constipation, obvious or hidden (occult) blood or pus in the stool (feces), or lower abdominal pain. Check out http://healthbase.wordpress.com/2007/04/19/colonoscopy for more information on colonoscopy.

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Answer 5

It could be hemorrhoids! or it could cancer. You really never know. A colonoscopy will rule both of those out. But the pay I know it can cost up to 2500.00 for the procedure. But it is your health. If I were you I would have it done! No matter the cost.

Answer 6

Personally, I wouldn't trust a doctor that told me I needed an operation without even a physical. I think I would have to get a second opinion.