What should I expect from a routine colonoscopy screening experience?

Answer by  emhaskey (685)

To prepare for a colonoscopy, you will drink a bowel preparation mix which will help clean out the colon. During the procedure, you will be sedated and lie on your left side. After the procedure, which takes about 30 minutes to an hour, you may have some cramps and gas.

Answer by  Elis (150)

Your doctor will specify a period of time before the procedure when you need to avoid eating anything so that your colon will empty and clean to make it easy for them to study it. You may also be asked to drink something to help that process along. The actual colonoscopy usually involves enough painkillers and sedatives to be easy.

Answer by  YellowCup (1650)

When you your colonoscopy, sometimes a sedative is use. If so, you need to rely on having somebody to take you home. If no sedative is use you will be able to leave on your home. You will drink a dye and then have a camera inserted in your rectum.

Answer by  ferfer72 (2623)

Everyone will tell you that the worst part is the "prep". Prior to your colonoscopy, you will have to clear your bowels with laxatives. Make sure you have a soft brand of toilet tissue on hand for this experience. For the colonoscopy itself, they'll usually put you to sleep.

Answer by  G12345 (1808)

You should not expect to remember much. Most colonoscopies are done under "concious sedation" in which you are half wake, half asleep. They typically use Midazolam and fentanyl. The good side effect of the midazolam is the amnestic property. Really, the worst part of the whole experience is the bowel prep, you take at home the day before.

Answer by  cindy (1484)

The night before a colonoscopy your doctor will give you fluid to take to clean out your bowels. The colonoscopy itself will not be comfortable but will not be very painful either. It is a relatively short procedure and most of the time is without complication.

Answer by  Marybeth (841)

You should be mildly sedated, you will not feel anything, and most likely you will not remember anything. The anticipation of this test is always much worse the the test.

Answer by  Rose (6804)

The day before the screaming you will have to drink a mixture that will cleanse your colon. The morning off you will arrive at the hospital and be put to sleep. You will be under for about an hour and will have no pain, during or after the procedure. The worst part is the day before.