My Experience

This was the third colonoscopy that I’ve had. In the first one I had some polyps removed and so I required a follow-up within 2 years which I did have. I will be having one again, shortly. I have had cancer of the breast and lung, fortunately not related to each other, so it is advised that I have one sooner than the usual five year wait period.

Before this test, you will need to clean out your colon (colon prep). Colon prep takes 1 to 2 days depending on which type of prep your doctor recommends. Some preps may be taken the evening before the test. For many people, the prep for a colonoscopy is more trying than the actual test. Plan to stay home during your prep time since you will need to use the bathroom often. The colon prep causes loose, frequent stools and diarrhea so that your colon will be empty for the test. 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!

Each time, I had the procedure in the physicians’ office. You put on a surgical gown and proceed to an examining room where you lay down on a flat table on your side. A nurse, anesthesiologist, and the gastroenterologist are in attendance. An intravenous tube is inserted into your arm and you are very lightly sedated. You are asleep and the procedure takes no more than 20 minutes. You are awakened immediately, and you have no memory of the colonoscopy. As soon as you are able to get off the table and stand erect, you are taken to a recovery room where you can rest for as long as needed. Usually, the nurse brings you a glass of juice and something sweet. The last time I had the procedure, I was dressed and out of the office within 30 minutes after I entered the recovery room. It is advisable to have someone take you home, although after the last one, I took myself home by bus.

By the time I got home from the doctor’s office, I was very tired, so I ate lightly and then spent the balance of the day resting and sleeping on and off. I did not have any physical discomfort. By the next day, I was back to doing all activities.