Never had it done to myself...my friend had one though...its nothing to worry about
Procedure
For the colonoscopy, you will lie on your left side on the examining table. You will be given pain medication and a moderate sedative to keep you comfortable and help you relax during the exam. The doctor and a nurse will monitor your vital signs, look for any signs of discomfort, and make adjustments as needed.
The doctor will then insert a long, flexible, lighted tube into your rectum and slowly guide it into your colon. The tube is called a colonoscope (koh-LON-oh-skope). The scope transmits an image of the inside of the colon onto a video screen so the doctor can carefully examine the lining of the colon. The scope bends so the doctor can move it around the curves of your colon.
You may be asked to change positions at times so the doctor can more easily move the scope to better see the different parts of your colon. The scope blows air into your colon and inflates it, which helps give the doctor a better view. Most patients do not remember the procedure afterwards.
The doctor can remove most abnormal growths in your colon, like a polyp, which is a growth in the lining of the bowel. Polyps are removed using tiny tools passed through the scope. Most polyps are not cancerous, but they could turn into cancer. Just looking at a polyp is not enough to tell if it is cancerous. The polyps are sent to a lab for testing. By identifying and removing polyps, a colonoscopy likely prevents most cancers from forming.
The doctor can also remove tissue samples to test in the lab for diseases of the colon (biopsy). In addition, if any bleeding occurs in the colon, the doctor can pass a laser, heater probe, electrical probe, or special medicines through the scope to stop the bleeding. The tissue removal and treatments to stop bleeding usually do not cause pain. In many cases, a colonoscopy allows for accurate diagnosis and treatment of colon abnormalities without the need for a major operation.
During the procedure you may feel mild cramping. You can reduce the cramping by taking several slow, deep breaths. When the doctor has finished, the colonoscope is slowly withdrawn while the lining of your bowel is carefully examined. Bleeding and puncture of the colon are possible but uncommon complications of a colonoscopy.
A colonoscopy usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. The sedative and pain medicine should keep you from feeling much discomfort during the exam. You may feel some cramping or the sensation of having gas after the procedure is completed, but it usually stops within an hour. You will need to remain at the colonoscopy facility for 1 to 2 hours so the sedative can wear off.
Rarely, some people experience severe abdominal pain, fever, bloody bowel movements, dizziness, or weakness afterward. If you have any of these side effects, contact your physician immediately. Read your discharge instructions carefully. Medications such as blood-thinners may need to be stopped for a short time after having your colonoscopy, especially if a biopsy was performed or polyps were removed. Full recovery by the next day is normal and expected and you may return to your regular activities.
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2006-08-22 00:57:28
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answer #1
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answered by gasol188 2
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It is more scary when you think about it than actually having it doen. This is what happens. You go take a drink that clears out your stomach and intestines, Pickleaxe is a common one. This makes you go to the toilet lots (and lots and lots and lots!) Basically, prepare to spend the day in the house. Try buying baby wipes to wipe with so your bottom doesn't get sore, and either parafin crwam or sudocreme will help to.
For the actual treatment, which should be the next day,you get into a hospital gown and remove your underwear. They put a needle into your arm ready for the sedative. Then you lie on the couch on your side, and they ask you to pull your knees up to your chest.The dr will part the back of the gown so he has access to your bottom. They will link up the drugs and you will be given the sedative. The doctor then inserts the camera. It isn't pleasent, but by now you should be feeling drowsy from the drugs, and shopuldn't hurt.
Afterwards, the dr will wipe you clean from the lubricant and cover your bottom back up with your gown and you're taken back to the ward to sleep off the sedative. You go home the same day.
The nurses and dr's have done it loads of times before and should do their best to put you at ease. It is embarresing and horrible and leaves you feeling exposed but at leaast it is quick. Good luck.
2006-08-22 01:13:25
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answer #2
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answered by Cazza 4
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I haven't had one, but all I can say is to try and relax. I know that sounds stupid. People must have these every day and cope with it. You can be just the same. Try singing a song in your head or plan your next holiday. Anything to keep your mind of what is actually happening. I understand that it may be unpleasant, but you might make it worse if you're tense. It won't last forever You'll be fine xx
2016-03-27 00:59:31
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answer #3
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answered by Anonymous
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I had one last year. I think the worst part about it was the night before. You have to drink this mixture of water and some medicine and it cleans you out completely. I seriously felt like I had the stomach flu. It cleaned me out pretty good.
As for the exam it was a breath. You are sedated. You're not supposed to remember anything. I was pretty droggy. I could still feel a little but I was so out of it that it didn't really bother me.
2006-08-22 01:16:15
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answer #4
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answered by Anonymous
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I have had several, and the only scary thing about the procedure, is that your backside is exposed to the world when they are working.
there is truly no need to worry about it, as the procedure will show if you have any problems , and you will feel no after effects.
Aneasthetic today is very low risk , and you will wonder what all the fuss was about after it is all over.
2006-08-22 01:05:56
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answer #5
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answered by pa69oldfart 4
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Twice,dont worry,I slept through the procedure both times.
2006-08-22 02:32:52
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answer #6
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answered by pops 3
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I have had a colonoscopy it was painless, and went very well. Its just a bit embarrasing having it done thats all. Good luck, everything will be fine.
2006-08-22 01:03:36
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answer #7
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answered by Anonymous
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they give u sedative 2 calm u relax and it'll b fine
2006-08-22 00:57:32
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answer #8
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answered by mishnbong 6
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it's not nearly as bad as you imagine...honest.
2006-08-24 04:17:39
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answer #9
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answered by coolbythepool23# 2
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