As an internist, I’m often the doctor who tells people it’s time for a colonoscopy, and you can bet I sense their anxiety. Here’s how I calm their fears.
Colonoscopy is critical
The colonoscopy is your friend. It’s the best way to detect colon cancer and when caught early colon cancer is 90 percent curable. Plus, removing a precancerous polyp decreases your chance of colon cancer by more than half. If you have any family history of colon cancer (be sure to ask!), you need a colonoscopy before age 50.
Ask someone to be your prep buddy, who checks in on you and helps you keep your sense of humor during your 10th trip to the toilet—and takes you to your appointment.
All about the prep
The day before you start the prep (two days before the procedure), eat a big breakfast, a small lunch, and a tiny dinner. The day of your prep, allow yourself light-colored or clear jello, broth, and any drink with electrolytes. Just avoid red or orange flavors. If you don’t eat, you may feel nauseated or be dehydrated on the morning of your colonoscopy.
Keep the prep drink cold—and drink it through a straw to help it go down more easily.
Day of the procedure
Plan to arrive 30 minutes before your appointment and have your ID and medical card with you.
When it’s time, you’ll put on a gown, an ID wrist bracelet, and a nurse may start an IV in preparation for anesthesia. You may also wear a heart monitor and have oxygen. Once you’re on the table for the colonoscopy, you’ll be given medicine that puts you out and the doctor will complete the procedure.
When you wake up in the recovery room, you may have gas but you’ll have no memory of the procedure and your doctor will be there with the results. If your colon is clean, you’re good for another 7 to 10 years. If there were polyps or anything else, your doctor will schedule a follow up.
Then go out and celebrate that you’ve done something to save your life!
