Things You Should Know About Colonoscopy and Colon Health

Introduction

Ready to explore the topic of colon health? It’s a subject that is often avoided, and it’s understandable why people might shy away from it. Your colon has been the workhorse all these years, and now it’s time to pamper it!

Colon Cancer Screening

Let’s talk about colon cancer screening. It might not be the most exciting topic, but it’s incredibly important. Here’s the deal:

Colon cancer is a serious matter. If there’s one disease that requires attention, it’s this one, especially because there might not be any symptoms until it’s advanced. This is why screening is of utmost importance.
The general rule of thumb is that by the age of 45, you should start being screened. However, if you have a family history of colon cancer, you might need to start these screenings at a younger age.
There are several types of screening tests, but the colonoscopy is considered the gold standard. It’s the most comprehensive and reliable method for detecting colon cancer.

You might be thinking, “Do I really have to go through this?” Let me rephrase that: Would you rather spend a day preparing for a colonoscopy, or spend months undergoing treatment for colon cancer? I think we both know the answer. Plus, if any polyps (which can lead to cancer) are found during the procedure, they can be removed on the spot. It’s like taking preventive action without the hassle of multiple procedures.

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Side Effects Associated with Colonoscopy

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room – a colonoscopy is not the same as an endoscopy, but then again, colon cancer is not something to take lightly. Here’s what you or your friends might face:

The Prep: This is usually the worst part. You’ll drink a solution that will clean out your system thoroughly, leading to multiple bathroom trips in short bursts.
Gassiness: After the procedure, you might feel bloated due to gas trapped inside. It’s as if you swallowed a bean burrito, but remember, you haven’t eaten for 24 hours.
Grogginess: One of the side effects of sedation is that you’ll feel like you’ve had a long nap. It’s best not to schedule any activities that require focus or precision for the rest of the day.
Mild Discomfort: Some people might experience slight discomfort due to cramps, swelling, or other reasons. Your colon is simply reacting to the unusual activity.
Rare but Serious: In very rare cases, there can be complications like bleeding or perforation of the internal tracts. Although uncommon, they can happen.

These side effects are usually short-lived and of mild to moderate severity. If that’s what it takes to have peace of mind and a clean bill of health, it’s a relatively small burden to bear.

What to Ask the Doctor Before Getting a Colonoscopy

Don’t be shy—doctors have seen it all. Here are some questions you might want to ask:

“How many of these have you done?” (You want to be treated by someone with plenty of experience, not someone who’s still practicing on patients.)
“How many polyps do you usually detect?” (For an average-risk patient, the doctor should find polyps in at least 25 percent of the patients treated.)
“What kind of prep do you recommend?” (There are different options, and some taste better than others.)
“Will I be completely anesthetized or just mildly sedated?” (Know what to expect when you wake up.)
“How long will the procedure take?” (So you can plan your day and warn your bathroom mates.)
“What if you find something?” (It’s good to know the game plan.)
“How long until the results are available?” (Because waiting is the worst part.)

There’s no such thing as a dumb question when it comes to your health. Even if you ask, “Can I eat a Big Mac right before the procedure?” – the answer will always be NO.

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Pre-Procedural Instructions for a Colonoscopy

The funniest thing about a colonoscopy is the preparation one needs to do. It is like a weird dry fast. Here are the stepwise directions in your head:

Diet Restriction: One or two days prior, fruits with seeds or nuts or food rich in fiber will be off your list. Your colon should be spotless.
Clear Liquids Only: The day before, you will have a diet consisting of only liquefied broth that is devoid of any solid pieces. There are jellos meeting those areas, but no red or purple colored ones. There are clear soups for this purpose too. Not very appetizing; nevertheless, it is for a good cause.
The Dreaded Prep: This is part of the responsibility of the patient. You’ll sip a specific solution that will get you completely empty. It doesn’t taste pleasant, but it does its job. Fork out: Freeze it and use a straw.
Stay Near the Bathroom: Trust me on this. You will need to do this several times.
Hydrate: You should try to drink lots and lots of clear fluids in order to minimize dehydration conditions. Why would you want to make it worse than it already is?
Arrange Transportation: After the procedure, you are going to be disoriented, so you need a vehicle to take you home. This is not the moment to discover whether your Uber rating is perfect or not.

How to Eliminate Waste from the Colon

It’s worth knowing that even when you are not getting prepped for a colonoscopy, it’s important to take care of the colon. Here are some tips:

Fiber Makes You Strong: Make sure you take in enough corn, vegetables, and whole bread. Imagine a broom stuck into your intestines.
Water: Water makes it easier for the intestines to do their work. You should take at least eight glasses every day.
Physical Activity: Physical activity makes the bowels go into action. Even walking fast may put things into motion.
Probiotics: These good bacteria also help in maintaining a healthy gut. Think about yogurt, kefir, or tablets.
Processed Food: It is acute constipation to the colon.
Don’t Hold It In: Nature wants to do its thing, let it! It can lead to consequences such as constipation if repressed.
Think of Doing a Colon Cleanse: But check with your doctor first. Some cleanse is not equal, some would do more harm than good.

The healthier your colon is, the happier you will be. Treat it properly, and you can expect it to be grateful!

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Conclusion

I get it, discussing colonoscopy and colon health issues isn’t the sexiest approach to take. But you know what is less sexy? Colon cancer that awaits people who neglect their colon care. Taking care of your colon is almost like paying into a retirement plan that is, shall we say, very odd – there are no returns immediately, but in the future, you will really appreciate the wisdom.

Therefore, do not be a lax patient, avoid the daunting terms, say no to cancer, get that screen, prepare to look as if you are in a gladiator competition, and most importantly, maintain the cleanliness of your colon. Your butt will appreciate it, and so will your friends and family. I mean, everyone will appreciate the butt-kissing and crapping jokes, along with how much one dreads colon prep for endoscopy, so yes, please survive.