u/ExceptionsOutOfBound

**Title:** 85M with rectal bleeding (on blood thinners, CKD stage 4) — is colonoscopy safe?

**Age:** 85

**Sex:** Male

**Height:** ~5'6"

**Weight:** 49 kg

**Existing medical issues:** CKD stage 4, possible prostate enlargement/tumor

**Current medications:** Blood thinners (recently started), other routine meds

**Smoking/Drinking:** No

**Location:** India kolkata

**Main concern:**

My father (85M) has recently started having **significant rectal bleeding with clots**, sometimes even without stool. He also reports **lower abdominal pain, weakness, and occasional cramping**.

Doctors have recommended a **colonoscopy** to identify the source of bleeding (possible causes mentioned include polyps, diverticular bleeding, or malignancy).

**Concerns:**

* His **advanced age (85)**

* **CKD stage 4**

* Currently on **blood thinners**

* Weakness and overall frailty

I’m worried about:

* Risks of sedation during colonoscopy

* Safety of bowel preparation in CKD

* Bleeding risk due to anticoagulants

**Questions:**

  1. How safe is colonoscopy in someone of this age and condition?

  2. Are there safer diagnostic alternatives worth considering?

  3. How are blood thinners typically managed before such a procedure?

  4. What red flags should prompt urgent intervention vs waiting?

Any medical guidance would be greatly appreciated.

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u/ExceptionsOutOfBound — 13 days ago