How to Survive Your First Colonoscopy
- 1). DO YOUR HOMEWORK. The more you know about having a colonoscopy, the better you'll feel about the procedure. So take some time and do a little research. There are many good Internet sites (see "Resources" below) that will give you the information you need about this important test for colon cancer. Your doctor should have some basic literature to give you. You can also talk to friends and relatives who've had a colonoscopy. But keep in mind, everyone reacts to these situations differently.
- 2). TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR. Make an appointment with a gastroenterologist who will perform your colonoscopy. During your pre-colonoscopy appointment, be sure to ask the doctor all the questions that are on your mind. Some of these might be: How long have you been doing the procedure? What kind of complications could occur? How likely is it that there would be complications in my case? What do I need to do to prepare for the colonoscopy? What should I expect the day of the procedure? What can I expect after the procedure? What kind of anesthesia will be used?
- 3). DO THE PREP. A lot of people think the preparation for the colonoscopy is worse than the procedure itself. That's because the prep involves drinking a lot of thick liquid and multiple trips to the toilet to clear your bowels. By comparison, the procedure is a snap, because you are sedated and unaware of what's happening. So plan to be home the day before the procedure and stay close to the bathroom.
- 4). HAVE THE PROCEDURE. A colonoscopy lasts anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, but with waiting, prep and recovery time, be prepared to be at the surgery center for a few hours. You'll be receiving IV sedation, which will make you very relaxed and for the most part unaware of what is happening during the procedure.
- 5). RECOVER. You'll wake up in a recovery area, where you'll be observed for awhile to make sure your vital signs are good before you are released. I remembered nothing about the colonoscopy. There was no soreness or discomfort. It was as though nothing had happened. Your doctor will come into the recovery area and go over your results with you. This is when it's helpful to have a friend or relative with you, since you might still be drowsy from the anesthesia and forget what the doctor tells you.
- 6). GO HOME AND RELAX. You will be released with a few simple instructions, such as not to operate machinery or sign legal documents for the rest of the day. So go home, relax, and be glad you had this important test. If your results were good, you probably won't need another colonoscopy for the next ten years.
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