Some folks have a hard time dealing with having to get their colonoscopy. It’s very important that you receive regular colonoscopies, however. It’s time to erase some of these common colonoscopy myths.
1. I have to miss work / it’s a huge inconvenience.
A colonoscopy really is a two day process; one day of prep and one day for the procedure. At most, you would take off two days from work, but you can also only take off the day for the colonoscopy (depending on what your job environment is). The prep day is meant to cleanse your colon through a combination of clear liquid diet and drinking cleansing solution. You can return to normal activity the next day, including work and exercise. Considering you don’t have to get a colonoscopy for another five to ten years or so after your first exam (depending on the results), it’s very little inconvenience.
2. I don’t need a colonoscopy until I have symptoms of colon disease.
The issue with colon cancer is that most people experience little to no symptoms at all. The colon is very large and it’s unlikely you will feel any growth in your colon before it’s too late. All it takes is a growth the size of a walnut to lead to malignant colon cancer. You should have your first colonoscopy at the age of 50 and consult with your colorectal doctor about when your next screening should be.
3. It’s embarrassing!
For many people, a colonoscopy is embarrassing and that’s enough to deter a person away from it. Remember, you’re not the only one getting this done; millions of Americans go through this procedure every year; it’s very standard. Your healthcare is never embarrassing. Most hospitals and endoscopy centers try their best to make the process as least embarrassing as possible because we understand it can be embarrassing for the patient. We allow you to undress and dress behind curtains, be covered with blankets and have the colonoscopy in a private room.
4. Preparing for Colonoscopies is too difficult.
Many people think the preparation is daunting. You have to not eat any foods for 24 hours. Within that 24 hours, you need to drink clear liquid and in the evening you will begin drinking some prep solution. Some physicians allow black coffee or tea, if you’re someone who needs to drink something other than just water. You can even eat some semi-solid foods like Jell-O. However, try avoiding it as much as possible. Some tips to get through prep day is to keep yourself busy, avoid being around food, watch movies to pass the time. You will be surprised by how easily your body can handle this challenge.
5. This procedure will hurt.
A colonoscopy should not hurt, and if it does, something may be wrong. You will be given some form of conscious sedative. This allows for a quick “wake-up” after the procedure. Some patients are also given an anti-anxiety medicine if the anxiety is severe. Most patients don’t even feel discomfort after the procedure.