Colonoscopy Coming Up, What To Expect?

Hi I have a colonoscopy coming up in 2 weeks due to some bleeding I had when going number 2 over a year ago. Haven't had anymore bleeding since, but my doctor still wants me to have it to rule anything bad out. I've been told there's nothing to worry about with a colonoscopy but I'm a bit apprehensive. Can anyone ease my mind or give me an idea of what to expect? I've heard the prep is the worst part? I suspect I might have an internal hemmroid. Will they remove that during the procedure? What if the procedure causes me to have bleeding, will they stop that? I just wouldn't want to go home and have a perforated bowel or anything. My cousin had a colonoscopy done and had major bleeding after due to a tear he suspected was caused in the procedure (by a totally different doctor thankfully) if anyone can give me some advice/pointers I'd  appreciate it thanks!

[geminigirl1963]

The prep really IS the worst part of  a colonoscopy.  During the actual procedure you will be sedated and you should not feel a thing nor remember anything.  They usually do not use a general anesthesia, meaning you are completely out and need a breathing tube - more so they use what is referred to as conscious sedation - you don't require a breathing tube to breathe for you and you are able to follow any instructions they give you, however, you will feel as though you slept through the whole thing and won't remember anything.

It really varies depending on the doctor and what they find as to exactly wht they do during the procedure - if they find polyps, they typically will remove them so they can be sent to pathology just to make sure there are no cancerous cells.

As with any invasive medical procedure, there are risks, but the chance of serious problems I believe are quite low.  I've had several colonoscopies and have never had any problems during or after.

The day before the procedure you're defintely going to want to take th day off from work if you work outside the home, because once you beging the prep, you will need/want to be near a bathroom.  Even though you'll be on a clear liquid diet that day, you still need to make sure you're drinking enough and getting enough fluids because with the prep, you could quite easily become dehydrated if you're not drinking enough.  Stock up on gingerale, clear fruit juices, jello, etc. - just be sure to avoid anything with red dye  (and antying that is purple because that also contains red) in it becuase that red dye could be mistaken for blood.

After the procedure you may feel "gassy" and bloated because of the air they pump in.  Moving around when you can will help move that gas out and help alleviate any gas pains you might have.  your throat may be a littel sore for a day or so from the tube, but because they usually spray the back of your throat with a numbing agent before they administer the sedative, the sore throat shouldn't be too sever.  Again, staying well hydrated afterwards will not only help replenish the fluids you've lost from **** the prep, but also help keep your mouth and throat moist and reduce any soreness that you have.

If they do take any biopsies, you may have some slight tenderness in those areas, but again, it shouldn't be severe.

You'll probably be a bit drowsy for a while afterwards, but that should wear off completely by the next day, if not sooner.  You'll definitely need t have someone with you the day of the procedure to drive you home becuase they won't release you wihtout someone there to drive you because of the sedation.

I'm not sure about the hemmorroid question - I'd ask your doctor about that, but I'm guessing that they would remove it if at all possible.

I hope I've been able to answer some o fyour questions.