{"id":22089,"date":"2020-03-09T14:47:49","date_gmt":"2020-03-09T14:47:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hancockhealth.org\/?p=2869"},"modified":"2020-03-09T14:47:49","modified_gmt":"2020-03-09T14:47:49","slug":"what-to-expect-from-a-colonoscopy-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hancockhealth.org\/de\/2020\/03\/what-to-expect-from-a-colonoscopy-2\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Expect from a Colonoscopy"},"content":{"rendered":"
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What to Expect from a Colonoscopy<\/h1>\n\n
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Smile! It\u2019s time for your colonoscopy. That\u2019s one of those words we hate to even hear, isn\u2019t it? Colonoscopy. But it\u2019s an important diagnostic tool for detecting colon cancer and other bowel disorders. Plus, during the procedure, your doctor can even identify and remove precancerous polyps before they present any health risk.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Yes, it does involve having a camera inside your intestine. But most people choose to be sedated for the procedure and don\u2019t remember anything after the anesthesia. And based on all the information it provides, and its benefits, a colonoscopy is considered among the best and most effective screening tools<\/a> in medicine.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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You should definitely ask dein Arzt<\/a> about a colonoscopy if you\u2019re over 50 and haven\u2019t had one before. (If you have had one before, your doctor can tell you when you\u2019re due for the next one.) And, if you\u2019re between the ages of 45 and 50, know that last year the American Cancer Society updated its guidelines to recommend screenings for those over 45.<\/a> (The American Academy of Family Physicians is standing by its ages 50\u201375 recommendation.)<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Here\u2019s what you can expect, and why you should consider getting a colonoscopy if you meet the guidelines:<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Exam Precautions<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/div>
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Before scheduling your colonoscopy, your doctor will want to be aware of any medical conditions or circumstances that might affect the procedure. These include pregnancy, lung and heart conditions, drug allergies, and any medications you\u2019re taking, such as for diabetes or blood thinning. Some medications may need to be adjusted ahead of time.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Preparing for the Exam<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/div>
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To make a colonoscopy possible, you first have to empty your colon. A lot of people think this\u2014not the procedure itself\u2014is the most unpleasant part, but with a little planning you can relieve some of the hassle.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Step One. <\/strong>Restrict your diet for 24 hours before the exam: no solid foods. You can usually have clear liquids such as coffee, broth, water, or sports drinks, but follow whatever your doctor recommends. Avoid red, blue, or purple coloring in liquids<\/a> like drinks, Jell-O, or popsicles, as these colors can make is difficult to see the lining of the colon and interfere with the test results.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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It may also be helpful to reduce your dietary fiber in the days leading up to your 24-hour fast. Though they\u2019re ordinarily healthy foods, spend a few days avoiding whole grains, nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and raw fruits and vegetables.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Step Two. <\/strong>Typically, you\u2019ll be prescribed a strong laxative that will help you empty your bowels. Patients are typically advised not to stray too far from the bathroom during this step, and to arrange for someone else during this time to care for children or other relatives who regularly need your assistance. Though not common, an enema may be necessary before the procedure to remove any excess contents.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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During the Exam<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/div>
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You\u2019ll be sedated during the exam, which means you won\u2019t be able to drive home afterward. Make sure you arrange to have someone there after the procedure who can take you home, and that you don\u2019t have to drive yourself anywhere else\u2014or operate heavy machinery\u2014for at least eight hours.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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You\u2019ll be asked to lie on your side on an exam table and will likely be given sedatives through an IV in your arm. This will put you to sleep. When you wake up, your colonoscopy will be over!<\/p>\n<\/div>

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For the curious, here\u2019s what happens while you\u2019re asleep: The doctor will use a a long, flexible instrument called a colonoscope<\/a> to look at the inside of your colon. The colonoscope has a tiny light and camera that make this possible. It also has a pump that allows your doctor to very slightly inflate your colon to get a better look. Finally, it has a small snare that can be used to take a small sample of the colon for testing (called a biopsy) or to remove any abnormal growths (called polyps) that are found. This is part of what makes the colonoscopy such a top-notch exam: It\u2019s possible to come out healthier than you went in.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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After the Exam<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/div>
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The colonoscopy usually lasts between 20 and 30 minutes. After that, you\u2019ll recover from the sedative for a half hour to an hour. A little cramping or gas is normal after the procedure. Apart from any discomfort that may cause, you can eat and drink normally.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Make sure you understand the follow-up instructions before you go home\u2014especially if you had any special instructions regarding medications. You may need to continue to alter your dosage for a time.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Complications from colonoscopy are very rare, but call your doctor if you experience more than a little bleeding or bleeding that lasts a long time, or if you have severe pain in your abdomen, fever, or chills.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Usually within a week or two after your colonoscopy, you\u2019ll receive a report of any biopsies that were taken during the course of the exam. Your doctor will help you read the results.<\/a> If you show any sign of cancer or pre-cancer, you may need to have follow up tests or procedures, and you will mostly likely be recommended for a follow-up colonoscopy in two to three years.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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However, if your test indicates no concerns, your next colonoscopy likely won\u2019t be for another 10 years. In which case, you can celebrate with one of those leftover popsicles.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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