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Colonoscopy is a procedure that utilizes a flexible tube with light and camera at the end (endoscope or colonoscope) to look at the inner lining of a person’s large intestine (colon) through a video monitor.
Colonoscopy is recommended for the following reasons:
- Screen for colorectal cancer.
- Blood in the stool.
- Change in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea).
- Abdominal pain.
- Abnormal tests like CT scan, X-ray, or stool test.
- Unexplained iron deficiency anemia.
- History of colon cancer or polyps.
- Management of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease).
Before your colonoscopy
(Image credit: gutcheck.cancer.gov)
Before your colonoscopy, you will need to prepare your bowel for the procedure. This is called bowel preparation. The process of bowel preparation often begins up to a week before the scheduled procedure and involves stoppage or adjustment of medications such as anticoagulants. It often requires a change in diet a day or more before the colonoscopy and consumption of a bowel cleansing agent. For tips on how to make your colonoscopy preparation more tolerable, read 10 Tips for Making Colonoscopy Preparation More Tolerable.
Before the procedure, your doctor will go over the procedure with you, explaining the risks, benefits and alternatives. This is called the consent. You will sign a consent form after all your questions have been answered.
During your colonoscopy
(Image credit: gutcheck.cancer.gov)
During your colonoscopy, your doctor will give you medications to make you feel relaxed, drowsy, or asleep during the procedure. This is called sedation. The level of sedation depends on your health conditions, preference, and the practice pattern of your doctor. It should be noted that colonoscopy may be performed without sedation. After sedation, your doctor will insert the lubricated tip of the colonoscope into your anus and then using dials and fine movements navigate the colonoscope up into the rectum, colon, and sometimes the terminal ileum. Looking at a video monitor, your doctor will examine the innermost lining of your bowel.
During the procedure, your doctor has the ability to take a small piece of tissue from the colon (biopsy), remove a polyp (polypectomy), mark a specific spot (tattoo), treat a blockage, or stop bleeding (hemostasis).
After your colonoscopy
(Image credit: gutcheck.cancer.gov)
After your colonoscopy, you will be taken to a room where you will be monitored until you wake up. This is called recovery. You may eat after you are awake. You may experience abdominal discomfort and bloating after the procedure. This is mostly due to the air used to distend the colon for easy viewing. Passing gas may help relieve the discomfort. Most doctors recommend that you do not operate machinery or work for the rest of the day. An adult relative or friend will be responsible for taking you home. You will be given instructions on when to resume your medications. Instructions on when to call your doctor or provider will be provided. Call your doctor or provider if you have any of the following problems after your colonoscopy:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Persistent nausea and vomiting
- Distended and tense abdomen
- Large rectal bleeding
- Fever
If a small piece of tissue is taken from your colon (biopsy) or a polyp is removed (polypectomy), your doctor will give you the results after a few days. It may take up to a week or more for some special studies to come back.
What happens before, during, and after your colonoscopy varies depending on your condition and your doctor’s practice. Please, talk to your doctor about your colonoscopy.
Things People Say After a Colonoscopy
- My colonoscopy was easier than I thought.
- The most unpleasant aspect of my colonoscopy was the prep.
- My colonoscopy was shorter than I thought.
- I feel bloated and gassy after my colonoscopy otherwise it was okay.
Suggested Reading
- 30 Myths about Bowel Preparation, Colonoscopy, and Colorectal Cancer.
- Bowel Preparation Poem.
- Why people hate colonoscopy and what to do about it.
Is it normal to be raw from wiping so much? And will they still be able to do the colonoscopy
Feeling raw at the bottom is common. It comes from all the bowel movements and wiping. Use the softest toilet paper or wipes possible. Use vaseline or desitin or hemorrhoidal cream. Read https://bowelprepguide.com/how-to-hack-your-colonoscopy/
Yes, they will still be able to do your colonoscopy.
Good luck!
Yes, I suggest wet wipes; unscented and no alcohol. Or gently wet paper towels.
Hi have been up and down the stairs like the runs kinda like pee but it isn’t so sore is my bottom
Hope this is all good
Cannot go through this again if this is a fail
Clear yellow stool like urine means you’re ready. I hope you did the split dose regimen. Read https://bowelprepguide.com/how-to-tell-if-your-bowel-is-clean-prior-to-colonoscopy/
Good luck!
I’ve had 4 colonoscopies and only one of them was unpleasant. Severe pain and gas after the procedure due to using air to inflate the colon in front of the camera. I have since read you can request they use carbon dioxide instead of room air which leaves no trace behind. It is simply absorbed through the lining of the intestines and breathed out of your lungs.
It’s going to be my first time tomorrow so will give an update.