Will having a Colonoscopy hurt ?
What will happen ?
scared
2006-12-20 06:22:24 · 8 answers · asked by anne e 1 in Health ➔ Women's Health
As you may already know, a colonoscopy allows a doctor to look inside the entire large intestine. To prepare for the procedure you will have to follow a liquid diet for 1 to 3 days beforehand. The liquid diet should be clear and not contain food colorings, and may include fat-free bouillon or broth, strained fruit juice, water, plain coffee, plain tea, diet soda, ande gelatin. The medical staff will also want to know if you have heart disease, lung disease, or any medical condition that may need special attention. You must also arrange for someone to take you home afterward, because you will not be allowed to drive after being sedated.
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.
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 When the doctor has finished, the colonoscope is slowly withdrawn while the lining of your bowel is carefully examined.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.
2006-12-20 06:33:17 · answer #1 · answered by The Doctor 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Have you tried calling the office of the doctor who is doing the procedure? I would bet they would be happy to reassure you and answer your questions.
Here is what is likely to happen with some minor variations.
You will do the bowel prep on you own the day before. Make sure you a familiar with the instructions ahead of time to maximise you chance of a good prep. If you are going to go through the procedure, you want the most accurate result possible.
The day of the procedure, you will arrive at the site of your procedure and complete the registration process (paper work).
Once you arrive on the unit, you will answer a few more questions, then get into a hospital gown. An IV (intravenous) will be started so you can be given medication for the procedure room. After a brief wait (hopefully) you will be taken to the procedure. You will be sedated, given various medications to help you relax, minimize discomfort, and minimize your memory of the procedure. The scope will be inserted, and your colon (large intestine) examined. This generally takes less than 1/2 hour. Additional medications can be given as needed.
Once completed you will be given some time to recover, about 1 to 2 hours, then discharged. As a general rule you should not drive, make important decisions, operate machinery or work the rest of the day.
Most people do very well with this procedure. Serious complications are very unusual. It is a widely and frequently done procedure.
2006-12-20 06:45:56 · answer #2 · answered by Jeffrey P 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've had two colonoscopy's. I know it's scary, but with me it did not hurt, you won't feel anything because you will be under anesthesia. It will be over before you know it. Try not to worry! It will be ok! Good Luck!
2016-03-29 01:38:49 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i jus had one a month ago u dont feel a thing cuz they jus give u a like a heavy sleeping pill and u sleep through the whole thing.....ur a lil drowsy when u wake up and ur tummy is goin to feel like u ate alot of food at once...the only thing that sucks is for a whole day u can only drink liquids and drink this nasty stuff to clean ur bowls out but other than that u should be fine and GOOD LUCK !!!!
2006-12-20 07:45:42 · answer #4 · answered by UR COUNTRY BEAUTY 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hopefully - if the doctor does it right - you'll be asleep for it, so you will feel no discomfort whatsoever. However, if you're awake there could be some discomfort involved. Talk to your doctor before the procedure and make sure you're being fully anesthetized.
2006-12-20 06:26:13 · answer #5 · answered by Brutally Honest 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No it will not hurt at all. I had it done last year..they put you under go in and remove the polyps..then after it is over bring you back to recovery.. and you go home..All done within the same day. You should be find.
2006-12-20 06:29:00 · answer #6 · answered by SMOOCHES 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
my daughter had a colonscopy, and she was alseep during it and had no problems at all..she didn't remember a thing...Good luck...
2006-12-20 06:26:24 · answer #7 · answered by kelly p 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No they will put you to sleep.You want know they have done that.
2006-12-20 06:26:22 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋