Colonoscopy – Why You Need It? Preparations and Expectations
A colonoscopy detects changes in our large intestines or if there are any abnormalities as well as in rectum. During the process, your doctor will insert a long tube with a camera at an end into your rectum. The camera allows recording a video of inside conditions. When necessary, your doctor for colonoscopy in OKC may remove damaging polyps or any other abnormal growth from the intestine.
Why Colonoscopy
There are multiple reasons to go for a colonoscopy. The most common reason because of which a majority of patients use it to detect colon cancer. The other reasons may include stool blood detection, pain in the stomach, bowel habit change, stool color change, pain in the abdomen, abnormalities found from X-rays or computerized axial tomography (CT) scan.
People who have a history of colon polyp or a family history of colonic or non-colonic cancer are assumed to be at risk and are advised to undergo this test after their age of 50. All the mentioned factors add to their chances of growing colon polyp or cancer.
Preparation Process
The must-do is colon clean up before going for colonoscopy in OKC as a clear colon will give chances of a clear view and if there is any residue it will act as an obstacle.
The process to Empty Your Colon
You must follow a special day just before the day of the colonoscopy. Generally, you should not eat solid food the day before. You will only be allowed to drink clear liquids like soup, juice, plain water, tea without milk and sugar, clear broth or carbonated drinks. Do not eat red liquids as it could be confused with blood during your test. Typically, doctors recommend not to eat anything after midnight before the exam day.
Have a laxative. The doctor will suggest having laxative in pill or liquid form. You may get instructions to have it only at the night before the exam or both at night before the exam and morning of the process.
Take your medicines carefully. Remind your doctor about your medications at least one week before the exam if you are diabetic, have high blood pressure or cardiac problems or you are on supplements containing iron.
Inform your doctor if you are using aspirin or other blood-thin medications, such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven); new anticoagulants like dabigatran or Pradaxa or rivaroxaban or Xarelto, which are used to cut down the risk of clots or strokes; or cardio therapy medications, such as clopidogrel (Plavix) that affect platelets.
What to Expect during Colonoscopy?
Intravenous fluid is administered before colonoscopy and the patient is placed on a monitor to monitor heart rhythm, blood pressure, and oxygen. The patient usually takes medicine (sedatives) intravenously so that the patient gets comfortable and relaxed which reduces pain. When required, additional doses of medication may be administered to the patient during the operation. Colonoscopy often produces a sensation of pressure, cramping and blowing in the abdomen, but is usually well tolerated, with the help of medication, and often causes severe pain.
Contact Digestive Disease Specialists for colonoscopy in OKC.
**Disclaimer: This blog content does not offer a doctor's advice and creates no relationship between any patient and care provider.
