Colonoscopy
When most people hear the word colonoscopy, they cringe at the word. But, in reality, a colonoscopy could just be one of those things that helps save your life or make your life more long because of it. A colonoscopy is a procedure where an examiner places a scope inside the colon. Usually the scope has a camera and a light source at the end, and it’s placed inside your colon through the anus. It can be an uncomfortable procedure which is why some people choose not to go through with it, but if you use breathing exercises before the procedure and you take the sedation and pain medications they give you, you should be okay. The scope will reach various parts of your colon so it could be a mildly odd experience for some people. Below you will find out more about the colonoscopy procedure in Flushing along with why you would want one (benefits) what to expect during a colonoscopy, and more.
Why Are Colonoscopies Done?
A colonoscopy can be done for a variety of reasons, but usually when your doctor asks you to have one it’s because he or she sees underlying symptoms such as bloody stool, stomach pain, or change in bowel habit. You also may be asked to get one if you have a family history of things like polyps or colon cancer in your family because you are at a higher risk to have or get colon cancer than someone who does not have a family history of colon cancer. Another reason behind having a colonoscopy, especially if you are over the age of 50 is to remove polyps. Essentially, these are little pockets of fat that get stick to the inside of your colon and they can result in bleeding, stomach aches, pains in the stomach, problems going to the bathroom, etc. But, if you are over the age of 50 and you have polyps and you do not take care of them or get them removed, they can turn cancerous. Most people over the age of 50 need to have a colonoscopy once every 10 years after the age of 50.
During Your Colonoscopy
If you’ve never had one, this can be a really scary experience. Before having the procedure you will most likely be placed on a machine that will give you intravenous fluids and our will also be given medications such as a sedative to relax you and a pain killer to alleviate any pain from the procedure. If done right you can expect that you will feel a sense of pressure during the exam, but with the help of medications, this should all be very easily tolerated and you shouldn’t be going through any huge amount of pain or discomfort. You will be asked to lie either on your back or left side, depending on where the doctor needs you to lay. The scope will be slowly placed inside the anus and slowly advanced, as well as slowly removed making sure that every section of the colon is reached and examined. These usually take around 15 to 60 minutes.
Cleaning Our Your Bowels
s with any colonoscopy, you will either need to clean your bowels out yourself, or you may have them do it for you. The whole point to this is to allow them to see clearly through your colon without any obstructions. Think of it this way if it seems embarrassing to you: If the colon isn’t clean, you will probably have to go through this process all over again at a later date, so it’s probably better to just do it right the first time around so you won’t have to go thro0ugh double the trouble.
Why Are Colonoscopies Done?
A colonoscopy can be done for a variety of reasons, but usually when your doctor asks you to have one it’s because he or she sees underlying symptoms such as bloody stool, stomach pain, or change in bowel habit. You also may be asked to get one if you have a family history of things like polyps or colon cancer in your family because you are at a higher risk to have or get colon cancer than someone who does not have a family history of colon cancer. Another reason behind having a colonoscopy, especially if you are over the age of 50 is to remove polyps. Essentially, these are little pockets of fat that get stick to the inside of your colon and they can result in bleeding, stomach aches, pains in the stomach, problems going to the bathroom, etc. But, if you are over the age of 50 and you have polyps and you do not take care of them or get them removed, they can turn cancerous. Most people over the age of 50 need to have a colonoscopy once every 10 years after the age of 50.
During Your Colonoscopy
If you’ve never had one, this can be a really scary experience. Before having the procedure you will most likely be placed on a machine that will give you intravenous fluids and our will also be given medications such as a sedative to relax you and a pain killer to alleviate any pain from the procedure. If done right you can expect that you will feel a sense of pressure during the exam, but with the help of medications, this should all be very easily tolerated and you shouldn’t be going through any huge amount of pain or discomfort. You will be asked to lie either on your back or left side, depending on where the doctor needs you to lay. The scope will be slowly placed inside the anus and slowly advanced, as well as slowly removed making sure that every section of the colon is reached and examined. These usually take around 15 to 60 minutes.
Cleaning Our Your Bowels
s with any colonoscopy, you will either need to clean your bowels out yourself, or you may have them do it for you. The whole point to this is to allow them to see clearly through your colon without any obstructions. Think of it this way if it seems embarrassing to you: If the colon isn’t clean, you will probably have to go through this process all over again at a later date, so it’s probably better to just do it right the first time around so you won’t have to go thro0ugh double the trouble.