Many of the reasons your doctor will recommend a colonoscopy is because of persistent abdominal pain, blood in stool, changes in bowel habits or anyone over the age of 50.
50 is the age when the risk for colon problems increases. Due to this it is recommended to have a colonoscopy every 10 years after the age of 50. However, if your family has a history of cancer you may need to have more frequent exams before the age of 50.
As with many medical procedures the dreaded anticipation of the procedure is worse than the actual deed. I mean your drugged for the procedure. Your not drugged while you worry the week before.
Asking a friend or relative to come with you is a smart thing to do and it required. You will not be allowed to drive after the procedure due to the sedatives you will receive.
Two doctors that you may speak to are a Proctologist and a Gastroenterologist. These doctors specialize in the process that the organs perform when food enters the body and is eliminated from the body.
Staying well hydrated is one of the more difficult things to do before, during and after a colonospopy. Since the main purpose of the prep is to flush and clean the colon your system will need an unusual amount of water.
The colonoscopy prep included being on a liquid diet in the days before the colonoscopy. You may be able to drink plain coffee, plain tea, fat-free bouillon or broth, strained fruit juice or diet soda. No sugar or fat or food coloring is allowed.
One option available to some patients is a new pill. This pill helps prepare for the colonoscopy by cleaning the colon and reducing the days needed for colonoscopy prep. Only your doctor can determine if this method is right for you.
I would like to wait for the pill that does the colonoscopy for me. You know take the pill and it can be like a mars satellite exploring my intestines and sending data back to the doctors. I never have to leave my couch. I can always dream right!
