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I desperately need a colonoscopy but my pulmonary doctor said no. Anyone know why?

A myPHteam Member asked a question 💭
Fort Wayne, IN

I have dealt with chronic constipation for years now and have to take massive amounts of laxatives to go at all. It hurts up under my ribs and I’m bloated really bad. My cardiologist ok’d it so I’m confused! I’m type 4 stage 3 PAH he said and have been for at least 5 years but no one told me. I had surgery to remove blood clots from lungs 5 years ago, I guess they didn’t get them all. I’m just finding this out now!
But why no colonoscopy??

1 day ago
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A myPHteam Member

I have had a colonoscopy since being diagnosed but it had to be in a hospital, not surgicenter. And I needed a full anesthesiologist with a cardiologist on stand by.

Again, PLEASE confirm your diagnosis. Group 4 is PH, not PAH, unless you overlap into both Groups 1 and 4 like @A myPHteam Member

20 hours ago
A myPHteam Member

Well you can read my story and see why I want have one again! You best get all pulmonary Hypertension people who understand it. Anesthesia is the issue and medical people who want listen to the patient!

2 hours ago
A myPHteam Member

My pulmonologist will only allow me to have a colonoscopy in a hospital as opposed to a surgical center. He explained that is because of the increased risks from anesthesia with PAH.

4 hours ago
A myPHteam Member

Hi Schlene, two weeks before my diagnosis I had a very minor maybe 10 minute procedure and my lungs went blue twice. In my case having ph isn't friendly with anesthesia and if I ever need anesthesia again I will need to be intubated.

16 hours ago
Instant Answer

That sounds incredibly frustrating, especially when two doctors are giving you different answers — and on top of processing some big news about your PAH. That's a lot to take in at once.

The reason your pulmonologist may be hesitant about a colonoscopy likely comes down to the risks that come with having advanced PAH. Here Show Full Answer

That sounds incredibly frustrating, especially when two doctors are giving you different answers — and on top of processing some big news about your PAH. That's a lot to take in at once.

The reason your pulmonologist may be hesitant about a colonoscopy likely comes down to the risks that come with having advanced PAH. Here are some of the key concerns:

- Sedation and anesthesia can lower blood pressure and oxygen levels, which is especially risky when your heart and lungs are already under strain
- The prep process (heavy laxatives, fasting, fluid shifts) can stress your cardiovascular system
- Procedure-related stress on the heart can be dangerous at Stage 3 PAH
- Your history of blood clots adds another layer of complexity, particularly around bleeding and clotting risks during any procedure Since your cardiologist has approved it but your pulmonologist hasn't, it's really important to get both of them talking to each other directly. Ask for a joint consultation or a care conference between the two.

You absolutely have the right to ask your pulmonologist to explain their reasoning clearly, and to explore whether there are safer alternatives for managing your symptoms in the meantime. Don't be afraid to advocate for yourself — your comfort and quality of life matter enormously here.

1 day ago

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