
You Don’t Have to Be Afraid of Getting a Colonoscopy

If you’ve been told it’s time for a colonoscopy but you’ve been putting it off, you’re not alone. Many people feel nervous about having a colonoscopy, even though it’s the gold standard for diagnosing colon cancer in its earliest — and most treatable — stages.
While some people might worry about the test being uncomfortable, for many, anxiety is rooted in the prep that comes before, thanks mainly to a lot of hype that’s been way overblown.
The fact is, the colonoscopy procedure is simple — and you’ll be sleeping during it, anyway. As for prep, it’s a lot easier than you might think — and it plays an absolutely critical role in making sure your results are accurate.
As a leading provider of colonoscopy screening using state-of-the-art technology, Michael H. Tarlowe, MD, wants people to know that having a colonoscopy screening should inspire confidence and peace of mind, not fear. In this post, learn what really happens before, during, and after a colonoscopy, so you feel more relaxed about your upcoming screening.
Getting ready: The “dreaded” prep
To clearly and thoroughly evaluate the lining of your colon, it needs to be cleared entirely of poop. And to do that, you need to prep. This is the part of colonoscopy that a lot of people worry about for very puzzling reasons.
First, you’ll need to adhere to a clear liquid diet for the day before your colonoscopy, with foods like clear soups, plain gelatin desserts, fruit juices, and coffee or tea (without milk or creamer). You’ll also need to take an oral laxative — either a series of pills or a liquid laxative.
Once the laxative part of prep begins, you’ll start to poop — a lot. To make things as comfortable as possible, try to arrange things so you’ll have clear and constant access to a toilet, and stock your bathroom with a laptop, books, or other activities.
If you’re using the liquid prep, chilling it thoroughly and mixing it with clear or lemon-lime Gatorade® or apple juice can improve the taste — but truly, it’s not nearly as bad as you’ve been led to believe. It’s also a critical part of the colonoscopy process.
The colonoscopy procedure: During and after
Before your screening, you’ll change into a gown and receive sedation through an IV placed in your arm. That’s about all you’ll remember: The sedative will make you very sleepy, although you’ll still be able to respond to commands when needed.
During the procedure, Dr. Tarlowe passes a thin, flexible scope through your anus and into your rectum and colon. The scope is equipped with lights and a camera that takes real-time still and video images of your colon, instantly transmitting them to a video monitor. Dr. Tarlowe watches the monitor and uses the images to guide your screening.
If he notices any polyps or other areas of abnormal tissue, he can use the scope to remove the growth or tissue sample, sending it to a lab for immediate evaluation. The complete colonoscopy procedure only takes about half an hour.
Afterward, you’ll go to a recovery area where you’ll be monitored for a short time before being allowed to go home. It’s normal to have some bloating and gas, side effects that clear up shortly afterward. Make sure to bring someone with you to your screening, since the sedation means you won’t be able to drive home.
Getting back to normal
Considering you’ve only had liquids for a day, it’s normal to be hungry after your colonoscopy — but it’s also important to start slowly with small meals, avoiding spice and fried foods. Your digestive system needs a little time to get back to its normal routine.
After your colonoscopy, Dr. Tarlowe reviews your results and shares them with you. If any polyps or other unusual signs were found, he reviews follow-up care, if any. Otherwise, most people don’t need to have another colonoscopy for 10 years, five if you have risk factors for colorectal cancer.
Schedule your screening today
Having a colonoscopy isn’t scary, and it’s definitely not something you should put off or avoid. Regular screening is essential for preventing colorectal cancer and its deadly complications. To schedule your screening, call 954-210-7127 or request an appointment online with Dr. Tarlowe in Deerfield Beach, Florida, today.
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