Why a Colonoscopy Matters
Taking care of your health is one of the most important things you can do. One way to stay healthy is by getting a colonoscopy when your doctor recommends it. A colonoscopy is a special test that helps doctors check your colon, which is part of your digestive system. This test can find problems early, sometimes before you even feel sick.
What Is a Colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a test that lets doctors look inside your colon. During the test, the doctor uses a long, thin tube with a tiny camera on the end. The camera shows pictures of your colon on a screen. This helps the doctor see if there are any small growths or other problems.
Why Is a Colonoscopy Important?
Find Problems Early: Colonoscopies can catch problems like small growths called polyps. If these polyps are found early, they can be removed before they turn into something more serious.
Prevent Serious Illness: Many people don’t feel sick when polyps first appear. A colonoscopy can help find and remove these polyps to keep you healthy.
Peace of Mind: Knowing your colon is healthy can help you feel more at ease about your health.
Who Should Get a Colonoscopy?
Most people should have their first colonoscopy at age 45, but your doctor might suggest getting one earlier if:
- You have family members who had colon cancer or polyps.
- You have certain health problems like Crohn’s disease.
- You’ve noticed changes in your digestion, like blood in your stool.
What Happens During a Colonoscopy?
Before the test, your doctor will give you instructions to clean out your colon. This is important so the doctor can see everything clearly. During the test, you will get medicine to help you relax or sleep. Most people don’t feel anything during the colonoscopy. The test usually takes less than an hour.
After the test, you might feel a little tired or have mild cramping, but most people feel back to normal the next day. Your doctor will talk to you about the results and what they mean for your health.
Stay Healthy and Get Screened
A colonoscopy is a simple way to take care of your health. It can help catch problems early and even prevent serious illnesses. If you’re 45 or older or think you might need this test, talk to your doctor today. Staying healthy starts with taking the right steps, and a colonoscopy is one of them!
FAQs
Ask anyone who’s had a colonoscopy, and they’ll likely tell you this was the worst part. But, in reality, it’s not all that bad. Your doctor will give you instructions on how to prepare your bowels for the procedure (also found here). All items you need can be found over-the-counter at grocery stores or drugstores. Just follow the instructions and the timeline, and you’ll be just fine!
Generally, you should not eat or drink anything after midnight the day of your colonoscopy. Make sure you closely follow your surgery preparation instructions. If you need to take approved medications the morning of your procedure, work with your pre-op nurse for guidelines.
Some prescribed and over the counter medicines or supplements can cause problems with safely having a colonoscopy. Make sure you’ve provided a complete list of all medicines you take to your surgical team when you schedule your procedure so they may guide you on whether medications need to be stopped and when they need to be stopped before your colonoscopy.
No. You will be sedated and sleep through the whole procedure.
The colonoscope is a flexible tube with a small camera on the end.
A polyp is a growth of tissue that can occur within your colon. Over time, these can become cancerous. If a polyp is found during your colonoscopy, your doctor will likely remove it right away instead of having you come back later for another procedure. The removal of polyps may change the cost of your procedure and may require you to have future colonoscopies more often.
Most adults need a colonoscopy every 10 years beginning at age 45. If you have a family history of colon cancer, have had previous polyps, or are at high risk, your doctor may recommend you start screenings earlier or have them more frequently.
While you may feel some discomfort when you awake up from the air used to expand your colon during the procedure, you shouldn’t feel any pain during or after a colonoscopy.
No. You are not allowed to drive after your colonoscopy because you have been fully sedated. You will need to have a driver the day of your test.
