First, what is a colonoscopy? A colonoscopy is visual examination of the colon and the rectum for abnormalities, such as polyps or cancer. During the exam, a colonoscopy, which is a long very narrow tube with a camera on the end of it is inserted into your rectum.
Your doctor will schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist. You will be given literature explain how to prepare and watch a video explaining the to expect.
You cannot eat for 24 hours before the colonoscopy. You cannot to take iron or anything that changes the color of your colon. You can only take clear beverages. You have drink a strong laxative to clean your colon and sometimes enemas.
Before a colonoscopy, you will be given a mild sedative, which I found quite delightful, if I do say so myself. Once you are sedated, you will be taken into the room where the procedure will take place and given an intravenous painkiller. The nurse will cover you so that you are comfortable and not exposed unduly. You will be lying on your side for the colonoscopy.
In the process of having my colonoscopy, my doctor woke me up to show me the inside of my colon. Clean as a whistle except for the two polyps staring right at me. I watched as the polyps were removed. This will prevent them from becoming cancerous. A loop at the end of the tube enables the growth to be grasped cut. I felt no pain or discomfort at all! I am so glad I had my first colonoscopy.
After your procedure, you are taken to rest in a room until you feel steady. I it not best for you to drive, so bring someone with you to take you home. Now that I have been through the process, I will have no apprehension when it is time to take my next colonoscopy.
