Your First Colonoscopy: Is There Anything to Be Scared of?

Turning 45? Does your doctor suggest you do colonoscopy screening? Getting scared? Believe us, there is nothing to fear. This screening can help you to detect any sign of colon cancer and save your life if the doctor catches it at an early stage.

According to the American Cancer Society, an individual should do a screening after he or she turns 45. Many people get scared when they hear about colonoscopy because they don’t have a clear conception of the process. Today, we have provided an insight into the procedure so that you can understand what to expect from the process.

What is a Colonoscopy?

The experts insert a thin and tube-shaped device with a mini camera inside your colon. They introduce the device through the rectum and then into the colon to scan for polyps. The specialist provides a sedation medication before starting the screening. It will help the patient to get relaxed and undergo the procedure in comfort.

How Will You Feel After a Screening?

First of all, colonoscopy screening is not painful. There is a lot of misconception around us that it hurts. As the expert gives you sedation, therefore, you may experience sleepiness even after the procedure. You cannot drive home alone. Someone has to pick you up and you should take the day off to get proper rest.

Moreover, you may also feel a little bloated because the carbon dioxide gas inflates your colon during the process. After a few hours, you will notice that the bloating goes away. The only side effect you may get from the procedure is hunger from the fasting you have done for the screening. But you should not eat a big meal after fasting. It may irritate your stomach and your bowels.

How Often Should You Do Screening to Be Safe?

As reported, an individual has an average risk of colon cancer after they turn 45. There are various types of colon tests but colonoscopy is the gold standard among them. Doing it every ten years would be enough for an individual. After turning 75, the patient should talk to his or her GI practitioner about screening protocols.

Take Care of Your Colon

Undergoing a colonoscopy screening may not be a fun thing but it can help you to stay healthy as you get older. Delaying the screening means cancer cells get another day to grow.

You should do a screening as early as possible. The test not only detects the problem but also pops out the polyps from your body. If you want to live longer in this beautiful world without getting into any trouble, then visit us at Digestive Disease Specialists, INC.

**Disclaimer: This blog content does not offer a doctor's advice and creates no relationship between any patient and care provider.