I've been scheduled for a colonoscopy in early August and have a couple of questions?

Question

1. If they find internal hemorrhoids, will they take care of them then and there, like they do with polyps?

2. I'm supposed to be food-free the day before, but will it be easier on me with the colon cleanser if I "semi-fast" for a few days before that - ie. lots and lots of water and small meals of easily digested food (like vegetables and fruits)?

3. How long will I hurt for afterwards?

4. Why do some people remember parts of the procedure and others don't? I really don't want to remember it - can I request a special medication that knocks me completely out, or is it just dependent on how you react to the med?

Thanks :)

Answer 1

1. This is a question for your doctor. Some doctors prefer to take care of them at that time, and others take a wait and see response. It also would depend on the severity.

2. The colon cleanser is meant to clean out anything in your GI tract. It is going to have the same response regardless of what is in your tract. I would recommend eating normally until your food free day, because you will be going without food for an extended time anyway.

3. That depends on how far they are going and what they do while they are there, and on your pain threshold. So, that would be another question to ask your doctor.

4. The sedative used is called Conscious Sedation. The most common medication used is Versed (Ver-sed). Some people have a higher tolerance than others. The people with lower tolerances are usually the ones who remember parts of the procedure, as the medication wears off faster. Most doctors prefer to not knock patients out completely, as in a lot of cases they need the patient's help in moving around.

Answer 2

It will be up to your dr. if he deals with hemmoroids...
I eat light a couple days before the test is scheduled
Also about 2 days before I take a mild laxative, esp if I have been constipated the cleanser works better.....
It doesn't hurt during the test, nor does it hurt afterwards
You won't remember the procedure...with the "go to sleep meds" you also get a "forget it med" .
I have had 4 colonoscopies and really didn't mind it..actually the cleaning out is more trouble than the test...good luck.....

Answer 3

Only polyp removal is done because they can be precancerous.Eat normally but take laxative as prescribed . You will not hurt after as no trauma occurs ,except for gas pains due to inflation of air during procedure . Some Dr's use "twilight sedation " so you are aware but groggy -others favor complete unconsciousness.Don't worry its a snap!