Can I get a colonoscopy if I am anemic?
Is undergoing a colonoscopy while anemic safe? I’ve had to get iron IV every three months or so for two years because of anemia (unknown cause). I’ve recently been very fatigued (an energy level of two or three on a scale of one to ten), and I’ve been this fatigued before because of iron. But I’m concerned because I’m supposed to get a colonoscopy this week, and I’m wondering if it’s safe to do so while I’m so weak? My recent blood work said that I now have more than enough iron stores, but my saturation is pretty low. My doctor hopes that the high dose vitamin C IVs that I’ve also had will boost my saturation. Will I be putting myself in jeopardy if I go through with this colonoscopy while I am weak and anemic? Thanks.
Healthcare Providers (2)
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You understand and agree that use of the Website does not in any way create or establish a physician-patient privilege or physician-patient relationship between you and any Medical Professional Member. You should recognize that the information provided on the Website (including past questions and answers and articles posted on the site) is provided for your general information. These materials should not be relied on as medical advice and reading and reviewing them is not a substitute for direct consultation with a medical professional about a specific medical problem.
Without limiting the foregoing, you understand and agree that submitting a Free Question or receiving an answer to a Free Question does not in any way create or establish an physician-patient relationship between you and any Medical Professional Member, or between you and us. The information and answers provided in response to Free Questions is intended to be generic medical information, not medical advice, and is based upon the very limited information provided by you in a Free Question. Specific medical advice can only be given with full knowledge of all of the facts and circumstances of your situation. If you are currently being treated by a doctor, that doctor is the best person to give you advice about a medical case or medical matter. Under no circumstances should the information obtained on this site be used to make decisions about the quality of service provided by a doctor or about the proper course of a medical matter.
One of the most common reasons to do a colonoscopy is for anemia. So you should be fine. Your gastroenterologist should discuss the risks with you.
To find the cause of anemia is often a reason to have a colonoscopy. Your risk factors should be discussed with your primary care doctor and the doctor that is scheduled to do your colonoscopy.