David refused to have colonoscopy. He was 50 when he was first told to have a colonoscopy. “It’s embarrassing.” “I don’t want anyone going through my bottom.” At 62, he was diagnosed with colon cancer. Colonoscopy is not embarrassing. Colon cancer has no shame. Scope in. Cancer Out.
Why people think colonoscopy is embarrassing
- Bowel prep. Bowel prep is the process of preparing your bowel for colonoscopy. You need to drink a bowel cleansing agent to clean out your colon so the doctor can see. You will poop a lot. Don’t be embarrassed by this. It is an important step.
- Sedation. Most people are asleep during colonoscopy. Some people are embarrassed by what may happen when they are asleep. Don’t worry. You won’t say embarrassing things and even if you do, everyone knows it is due to the effect of anesthesia.
- Colonoscopy procedure. There are only two ways to get into your colon. Through your anus or through a stoma for patients with colostomy. Most times a digital rectal exam is done before colonoscopy. A lubricated gloved finger is used. Lubricant is applied to the tip of the colonoscope before it is inserted into the anus. If you are worried about stool remaining in your colon, don’t be. The colonoscope can suction any remaining fluid or stool. Most of the time, remaining stool can be flushed with water and suctioned.
- Nakedness. You will not be completely naked during colonoscopy. You will change into a gown. The front portion of your pelvic area is completely covered and so is your chest area and belly. Most times, you will lie down on your left side. Your bottom is only exposed slightly so that the colonoscope can be inserted into the colon.
Suggested Reading
- What to expect during colonoscopy.
- Why people hate colonoscopy and what to do about it.
- 30 myths about bowel prep, colonoscopy and colon cancer.
Quote: “The front portion of your pelvic area is completely covered and so is your chest area and belly”…this is not entirely true. It is true DURING the actual colonoscopy. However, after the patient is sedated and PRIOR to the actual colonoscopy procedure, the staff will roll the patient onto their back and the doctor will pull up the patient’s gown to their chest and perform a full abdominal examination to look for abdominal masses, hernias, scars to indicate prior surgeries that could have resulted in adhesions that might affect the colonoscopy, and any other relevant issues. This exam must be done in the supine position (lying on your back) with frontal exposure. Then they will pull the gown back down and roll the patient back onto their left side in the left lateral position. The patient will only find this out by obtaining a copy of their medical report.