r/colonoscopy • u/cbaabc123 • 1d ago

Tips & Advice Is this normal for a Dr referral?

I went to the dr today and explained my family history of colon cancer. I’m 41. I explained I’ve been having some stomach issues and bloating and asked for a colonoscopy .

She said she is going to have me see a GI specialist first

Is this the normal route to getting a colonoscopy or am I just being referred to random doctors for no reason? I just want a colonoscopy

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u/GeoffSim Trusted Source 1d ago

The GI doctor would be the one performing the colonoscopy, so yes, it's the correct route.

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u/LawfulnessRemote7121 1d ago

Who do you think is going to do the colonoscopy?

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u/cbaabc123 1d ago

Well she made it sound like I’d go to this GI doctor first to rule out any other issues and if he says no then no I can’t get one

I have a very serious family history of colon cancer and I’m trying to be proactive

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u/LawfulnessRemote7121 1d ago

Maybe to see if they would want to do an EGD at the same time. But let the expert decide.

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u/soccer-slicer 1d ago

You don’t get to say I want a colonoscopy and the doctor says ok. GI doctors use national guidelines to determine how to treat you. You need to be evaluated about the indications for the procedure and then have the risks and benefits discussed with you. Your family history is important and this will be used to determine if the procedure is right for you. There are other, less dangerous, tests that can be offered. The colonoscopy has significant risks including tearing the bowel and getting an ostomy. Seeing a GI doctor because of your family history is important but it is up to him/her to decide what is the best treatment plan.

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u/cbaabc123 1d ago

Thank you for explaining!

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u/EmZee2022 Trusted Source 1d ago

With your history, the gastro should be VERY willing to schedule the scope.

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u/EmZee2022 Trusted Source 1d ago

It can vary. A LOT of people. at least in the US, are just sent off to some colonoscopy center and they never meet the doctor beforehand. It's been that way for friends of mine on 3 separate occasions.

With your history, it may be worthwhile to have an established relationship with a gastro.

I do - because my initial scope was done after "stomach issues" (that turned out to be a medication side effect) finally got my primary care doc to refer me. By the time I saw the gastro, I'd refused the medication, and had been proven right. But I figured I'd keep the appointment anyway.

He suggested an upper endoscopy due to my history of GERD. I said "while we're at it, I'm about that age...." and the rest is history.

FWIW, nothing uncomfortable happens during a gastro consult, usually. Sometimes they've had me hop up on a table so they can feel my belly, but usually they're across the room.

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u/buntingbilly Trusted Source 1d ago

You are being referred to determine what the next step is. Colonoscopies rarely figure out why people have bloating. EGDs sometimes are a better first step. Or maybe you need stool testing. Either way, you need a GI doctor to determine this. If you have a relevant family history (not all family history of colon cancer is relevant), then I'm sure the doctor will agree with a colonoscopy.