Are colonoscopies useless? (aka. Is Konstantin Monastyrsky credible and accurate?)

[bulan]

I'm researching the risks involved in colonoscopies ahead of my appointment on May 20.

I came across some disturbing information at Konstantin Monastyrsky's website, GutSense.org.

But before I cancel my colonoscopy and gastroscopy, I need to know if this man is credible and whether his information is accurate.

He produced two videos that explain his reasons to avoid colonoscopies, available here: http://www.gutsense.org/crc/crc_colonoscopy.html

While I'm aware of the real risks involved in having a colonoscopy, I'm hoping his warning is overblown, at least with regard to regular (i.e. non-CT) screening.

Has anyone looked into Monastyrsky's claims?

As for having a virtual (CT) colonoscopy, I didn't need much persuasion to stay away from it, and his video highlights the reasons why.

[Amandala]

I have crohn's disease, so I am only 32 but I have had 4 colonoscopies so far. I am not going to lie and say I love the experience, however, I think its invaluable to monitor my progress and nip any issues that may be found in there.
The worst part for me is the prep liquid (so gross and takes me forever to drink it all) and then I always puke after anesthesia.

And, on a side note, my mother put off getting hers done when she turned 50. At 60 years old she started having pain, finally did the colonoscopy and stage 4 colon cancer was found. Maybe if she had gone 10 years prior they could of grabbed the little sucker then. She passed at 62.

So, I don't know your age or why you are having one done, but if you are over 50 a routine colonoscopy is definitely a preventative measure to take in my opinion.

[bulan]

I'm so sorry to hear about your Mom's passing, and about your condition, Amandala. :(

I should have added some details above: I'm 36, and I'm having a colonoscopy due to pain throughout my large intestines, but mostly in the descending colon. We also have colon cancer in our family, as both of my grandfathers were diagnosed with it. My Dad's father died in his mid-60s, but my Mom's father went through chemo, and became a survivor. We're celebrating his 90th birthday this summer.

You mentioned your Mom's avoidance of this procedure. My Mom has been avoiding a colonoscopy too, but finally scheduled hers, which she's having this summer. She's in her early 60s, but so far hasn't had any symptoms, thankfully.

Getting back to Konstantin Monastyrsky's website, it's difficult to know just who to trust! I know what my doctor tells me about the risk of perforation during the procedure, but I had not heard about the other risks and statistics mentioned in Monastyrsky's videos.

So I'm having an impossible time weighing the risks and benefits, since I'm not convinced I have all the facts. It's unsettling, to say the least!

[unsure_about_this]

I had a Sigmoidoscopy last summer (not fun) I had abdominal pain, I thought it was cancer even though no family history. I also mention to the specialist I had NF as well, at first there thought a pouch was seen on the small bowel. so needed a couple of scans to make 100% nothing serious was there, which thankful no keyhole, no polyps etc were seen/needed.
I was 29, now 30.
My parents, Dad had his 2nd bowel screening (poop) test done because of he has reach the age in UK, England and his test was fine, I am hoping if the age for testing should reduced before my mum reaches 60 she takes the chance for screening sooner than waiting to the current age.

[AlexandriaUK]

I have had this and a sygmoidoscopy not great but needed to be done and told me that I didn't have cancer but did have UC not great news but better than C, I think the peace of mind it gives you far outweighs the risk, not going to look at the link you put on because I would sooner believe the consultants sooner than some person I don't know,also I don't want to be freaked out as due another this year