What is a colonoscopy and how do I prepare for it?

A colonoscopy is a medical procedure that lets your doctor look inside your colon and rectum for problems such as ulcers, inflammation, bleeding, polyps and tumors. Watch this animation to learn about the anatomy and function of your colon, how to properly prepare your colon for a colonoscopy using bowel prep medications and changes to your diet, and how you should talk with your doctor about any health conditions you have or medications that you are on before having your colonoscopy.

[ssr]

Ignoring the fact I had to be in the bathroom for hours on straight... One of the worst things about the preperation was the fact that I was cold ALL THE TIME due to my body being so empty... I could be under 3 blankets and still shaking like a leaf.

The actual procedure wasn’t so bad. I was awake the whole time. It didn’t hurt that much, mostly just slight pressure when they applied air in, and it was actually kind of fun to watch what the insides of my body looked like from the screen. When they took samples it only felt like a small pinch, though it was a little scary to see the slight bleeding since it looked bigger on the screen than it actually was.

My doctors were really nice too and were constantly asking if I was hurting anywhere and we even joked around a bit before the procedure started. It’s been 2 years since I had colonoscopy but it’s still one of my favourite memories from a hospital

[johngaines]

The worst part of the procedure is the preparation, as you have to drink ALL of this horrible tasting laxative the evening before, and are up and down all night going to the toilet. You cannot eat or drink anything except water after that, so try to get the earliest appointment you can, because you will be starving. You will be given a sedative, and will not remember the procedure at all. You will need someone with you to drive home, and stay there during your procedure. (Must be an adult). After eating, you will just want to "crash and burn" for a few hours. That's about it.

[andy-typh]

Excellent video thank you! I think the anticipation of the procedure is probably the worst part

[vy]

Reading this while sitting on the throne the day before procedure. This is a 2 day process when undergoing this procedure. FML

[PTLOH]

:50 "These polyps may be normal (also called "benign")"... Polyps are not "normal". A benign polyp simply means that the polyp is not cancerous, but it is still considered abnormal, and consitutes a positive colonoscopy.

[kevinn]

First colonoscopy tomorrow morning, I dread this cleaning already

[Jennifer-pbzq]

Thank you for posting this. I wish we knew more about this before my mom's Colon Cancer Diagnosis.

[azteca]

Had my first colonoscopy on 6/12/19. They removed a polyp. I ended up getting a headache the day of the test. And after words. O was dehydrated. Next time, I'll drink Pedialyte after the test.

[angelagillett]

So I have started my prep today. On the miralax and dulclax, started at three pm. It's now eight thirty pm, nothing happens. According to direction miralaxy 12 hours before it works, the gineric dulcolax 6+ hours to work. Again nothing happened

[nagibfarjani]

I have my Colonoscopy tomorrow afternoon. Just completed my first dose of PLENVU Solution. A horrible drink, but the after taste isn’t bad! 🤞

[nwaforjoy]

Am happy I view this video it is very educative

[craigusselman]

Almost finished the Colyte getting it tomorrow -poopy and hungry white grape juice is not a meal lol.

[Junjo]

Thanks for the info. I am preparing for a colonoscopy

[Amatullahooo]

The bowel prep medication tastes like sea water yall😭🤮

[gerardwharton]

Last time I prepped it was for a colon graph and I had a massive pile from straining, dreading the same and then having one of these! Can I get put under please

[michealyoung]

Started my prep 48 Minutes ago and not looking forward to lots of Toilet Visits 😕.😅

[efremgebreselassie]

Also how old do you have to be to get one

[efremgebreselassie]

when you have a colonoscopy does it hurt and how long does it last?

[honeybunny]

I need one but have severe panic and anxiety disorder can I be put to sleep.

[groovymusic]

Mine is on Aug 25th... I am scared... I Don't want to do it... I know I have to... I hope they knock my ass