Colonoscopies are part of a healthy medical routine and are necessary to detect any changes or conditions on the inside of your body. For patients who have never had a colonoscopy before, there is a certain level of fear and worry that comes with the thought of having this procedure done. Do colonoscopies hurt? Is a colonoscopy painful? What should you expect before, during, and after the procedure?
Unfortunately, a colonoscopy is something that most people dread. While it may not feel like a walk in the park, it will most likely not be painful, and you can rest easy knowing that colonoscopies are the best way to detect ailments such as colon cancer or a gastrointestinal disorder.
In other words, a colonoscopy in Los Angeles can save your life! Continue reading to learn more about what you can expect during this important procedure.
How the Procedure Works
If you’ve never had a colonoscopy before, you may have no idea what to expect. The procedure is performed by a certified gastroenterologist who knows how to look through your digestive tract and diagnose any potential conditions.
Step 1. Sedation
The process starts with you lying on a table. A nurse will administer a sedative through an IV to numb your body, so you feel no pain. You will feel sleepy during this procedure, but you will not completely fall asleep. It is sedation, not anesthesia. Still, it means your colonoscopy is not painful.
Step 2. The Procedure
After you have been sedated, your doctor will insert a tube into your rectum. This tube is thin, light, and flexible and comes with a camera and a light on its tip. This is what the doctor uses to get a firsthand look at your insides, looking around for any signs of a developing condition. Typically the doctor will look for abnormalities like cysts or ulcers in your intestine.
Step 3. Additional Steps and Finishing Up
In some cases, if the doctor does find a polyp or ulcer inside of you, he can remove it using some wire, so you do not have to worry about returning for another procedure. Once the procedure is complete, the tube will be removed, and you will have some time to recover before you can return home.
What to Expect
Before the procedure, you will be given something to drink that will help flush out your intestines. You also may not be able to eat for 24 hours before the procedure.
During the procedure itself, your colonoscopy will not be painful at all. Most patients cannot even feel the tube when it is inside of them, and there is no pain during the post-procedure process. There are a few side effects that may occur after the procedure, which include:
- Distention
- Spotting
- Bloating
- Cramping
If you do experience any of these side effects, they will likely be very mild, and you won’t have to worry about any serious side effects as a result of a colonoscopy. If you do experience discomfort and you are worried it is not normal, get in touch with your gastroenterologist as soon as possible to discuss any potential issues.
Getting Your Colonoscopy Results
After the procedure is complete, your colonoscopy results will be reviewed with you. Dr. Tabib explains the results with his patients and will discuss whether or not a future treatment is needed.
A negative result means that there was nothing found in your colon that would be cause for alarm. On the other hand, a positive result indicates that the doctor has found some abnormality. As stated earlier, these abnormalities are usually removed during the procedure itself. They will be sent to a lab and tested to see if any follow-up screenings are needed.
Prepare for a Colonoscopy and Save Your Life!
Colonoscopies are life-saving procedures that can help detect harmful conditions. According to the CDC, colorectal cancers are the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. You can prevent the spread of colon or rectal cancer by taking part in this routine procedure to spot the early warning signs. Get in touch with your trusted gastroenterologist in Los Angeles today and schedule this pain-free procedure to invest in your better health!
