OT to jaez6: Regarding colonoscopy.
I can address this first-hand since I had my first colonoscopy four months ago. The procedure was performed by a noted gastroenterologist at a major medical center in a large city (I only mention this because the bowel preparation I had prior to the procedure reflects the preference of someone who is an expert in the field, with a particular interest in screening and evaluation of colon cancer).
Although there may be newer methods of bowel preparation, I had to drink about a gallon of an electrolyte solution (rather foul tasting) over a 3-4 hour period the evening prior to my colonoscopy. This is done by drinking an 8-ounce glass of the solution every 10-15 minutes until the electrolyte solution is gone. It helps to chill the solution prior to drinking it. It induces a profuse diarrhea which will last most of the evening. For 24 hours prior to the procedure, you are restricted to clear liquids.
The bowel preparation is by far the worst part of the procedure.
Prior to the colonoscopy, an intravenous will be started and you will be given Versed, which has amnesic properties. I did not remember anything at all about the procedure until someone roused me to inform me that the procedure had been completed. You may be slightly groggy for 1-2 hours afterward and should plan on not driving immediately afterward (or have someone come with you to drive you home, take a taxi, etc,). I had no discomfort either during or after the colonoscopy.
Current recommendation is that all men have a baseline screening colonoscopy at age 50, just as all women have screening mammograms at age 40. If you have a strong family history of colon cancer, the initial colonoscopy should be done earlier, perhaps at age 40. Thereafter, the test should be done at five year intervals, with proctosigmoidoscopy (which looks at only the final 1-2 feet of your colon) and yearly stool-testing for traces of blood done to supplement the complete colonoscopy.
Hope this helps. |
