A colonoscopy is used to screen for polyps, early signs of colon cancer and certain digestive disorders. During the procedure, a flexible tube called an endoscope is inserted into the rectum and colon. The colon is approximately five feet in length and begins at the small intestine and ends at the rectum and anus. During the procedure, a doctor views the colon through a video camera, and can remove polyps and abnormal-looking tissue for examination.
Advice
Ask your doctor about different brand prep liquids available and different flavors. Also, ask your doctor about pills vs. drinks for the purge prep.
Eat lightly for the two days prior to the procedure so that you have less to expunge from your system.
Schedule your purge day prep so you are in your house as you will be visting the bathroom often.
Everyone is apprehensive about having the procedure. Is it enjoyable? NO! But just follow the prep directions and try to relax. The prep is the worst of it. And the procedure is over before you even know it. Don’t postpone the inevitable! Just make the appointment and get it over with.
Stories
Colonoscopy
The colon prep may be uncomfortable and you may feel hungry on the clear liquid diet. If you need to drink a special solution as part of your prep, be sure to have clear fruit juices or soft drinks to drink after the prep because the solution tastes salty. The prep is more trying than the actual procedure!
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Sheila, female, 67, New York
Colonoscopy
Just do it. The prep is not fun, but the procedure is no problem. And the prep is getting less awful as I compared it to 10 years ago. There are different forms of prep, as I heard from friends, and some seem much easier. Read More
Carol, female, 70, New York
Colonoscopy
The best advice I got was to eat lightly for the two days prior to the procedure which meant the “system purge” didn’t have to expunge all that much. Check around for advice on which of the prep liquids to get and which flavor. Doctors prescribe different brands. Read More
Jen, female, 40, Massachusetts
Colonoscopy
There was no discomfort in the procedure. The only unpleasant part was the prep, which included the drinking of magnesium citrate laxative. Read More
Merle, female, 61, Massachusetts
Colonoscopy
I had a colonoscopy as part of my “preventative maintenance.” When it was over I was... hungry. Read More
Michael, male, 65, Massachusetts
Colonoscopy
My B12 levels were low, so my doctor suggested a colonoscopy. The preparation was extensive. Read More
Steve, male, 33, New York
Colonoscopy
I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and they recommended a colonoscopy to confirm the diagnosis. Read More
Rich, male, 40, California
Colonoscopy
For three months I had been having bouts of gastro-intestinal problems including bloating, vomiting and fever, but no diarrhea. After visiting my internist after the most recent bout, he referred me for a colonoscopy. Read More
Allison, female, 39, New York
