Mom's doctor called today and wants to schedule a colonoscopy- the reason: Mom's red blood count has been steadily falling over the past year; she is anemic. She has no internal bleeding or other symptoms to indicate why she's anemic. He fears she might have an ulcerated colon polyp. She's had polyps in the past and should have a colonoscopy every 5 years to catch polyps before they become cancerous. The doctor wanted my opinon on whether mom would want the colonoscopy and if she could stand the "preparation" for the procedure. We agreed that it's best to do the prep at the hospital before the colonoscopy. The prep is a complete cleansing of the colon with really strong laxatives; it can be nasty. It means sitting on a toilet for long periods and possible dehydration. Given her age and tendency to be slightly dehydrated it's best to do it at the hospital where they can quickly diagnose and address any complications.
I did some brief research on anemia in the eldery and am more concerned for mom. The immediate worry is cancer or pre-cancerous polyps. If that is NOT the cause of the anemia then we must worry about finding the cause and the secondary effects of low iron in Mom's blood. For healthy younger people anemia meand fatigue and reduced endurance. In the eldery it can mean increased risk of heart attack and has been linked to vascular dementia - confusion and forgetfulness resulting from decreased oxygen to the brain. Long term effects of anemia are organ failure and even peptic ulcers.
I hate the idea of a prolonged diagnosis of the cause of this anemia. I find myself almost wishing it is some polyp that is easily removed so she'll be fine but I can't help worry that there's something else wrong. If it's not polyps then tests and procedures will wear Mom out and make her worry. For now, I will tell her only that it's time for her regular colonoscopy and that I'll be there to help her through the prep and the procedure. The rest we'll handle as it comes.
Mom has anemia what does that mean? anemia in the elderly causes of anemia in the elderly dementia from anemia. Can anemia cause dementia? can anemia cause alzhiemers?
colonoscopy in the elderly , anemia in the elderly should my mom have a colonoscopy. , colon cancer in the elderly. grandma has colon cancer.
I did some brief research on anemia in the eldery and am more concerned for mom. The immediate worry is cancer or pre-cancerous polyps. If that is NOT the cause of the anemia then we must worry about finding the cause and the secondary effects of low iron in Mom's blood. For healthy younger people anemia meand fatigue and reduced endurance. In the eldery it can mean increased risk of heart attack and has been linked to vascular dementia - confusion and forgetfulness resulting from decreased oxygen to the brain. Long term effects of anemia are organ failure and even peptic ulcers.
I hate the idea of a prolonged diagnosis of the cause of this anemia. I find myself almost wishing it is some polyp that is easily removed so she'll be fine but I can't help worry that there's something else wrong. If it's not polyps then tests and procedures will wear Mom out and make her worry. For now, I will tell her only that it's time for her regular colonoscopy and that I'll be there to help her through the prep and the procedure. The rest we'll handle as it comes.
Mom has anemia what does that mean? anemia in the elderly causes of anemia in the elderly dementia from anemia. Can anemia cause dementia? can anemia cause alzhiemers?
colonoscopy in the elderly , anemia in the elderly should my mom have a colonoscopy. , colon cancer in the elderly. grandma has colon cancer.
Posts
Follow up: Mom DID have 2 polyps removed but neither could be considered "ulcerated" or bloody. Her prep went well, she had an IV bag of saline. The hardest part was keeping her warm while she sat on the commode. The nurses - one which happened to be a wonderful and kind cousin of ours - brought pre-heated blankets that made all the difference. Since the colonoscopy, her iron levels went up and it's not longer a problem. Perhaps the polyps were the problem but we can't be sure. Her iron levels slowly went up over 2 months after the colonoscopy. Her doctor also prescribed a multi-vitamin with some iron but not a "mega dose". Regarding the colonscopy - her doctor does not want to do it again. In 5 years, she'll be 94 and it's just too hard on her body. She'll likely die of old age before dieing of colon cancer. If she were diagnosed with colon cancer the treatment would kill her faster and in a much more agonizing manner than just letting her life out her life in comfort.
ReplyDelete