Hi everyone!  Hope you are doing well.  In this post I will explain what a colonoscopy is as well as why you should consider getting it.  I will also tell you a story or two about my experience with colonoscopies.  I will try my best not to gross you out too much!

What is a colonoscopy?  According to Webmd.com, a colonoscopy is a test that allows your doctor to look at the inside of your colon and rectum.  This test looks for any ulcers, colon polyps, tumors and inflammation that may be in your large intestine.  It is also a screening for colon cancer.  A person should consider getting a colonoscopy around the age of 50 unless there is a history of colon cancer or a chronic gastrointestinal disease in their family then one should be performed earlier.

A person who is experiencing the below symptoms is a candidate for a colonoscopy:

• constant abdominal pain
• constant diarrhea and/or severe constipation
• bloody stools
• weight loss
• fatigue
• bloating (distention)

Many people believe the preparation for a colonoscopy is the worst part of the procedure.  It is, trust me!  There are a couple of ways to prepare for a colonoscopy.  Generally, the prep begins 1-2 days before the procedure.  There is a solution called Colyte you drink the night before the procedure.  You can also mix Miralax with 64 ounces of Gatorade, Powerade or any other clear liquid along with several laxative pills.  These preps are what I have experienced and I don’t think one is any better than the other when it comes to taste.  I think it is a texture thing for me also.  I’m not into drinking thick liquid unless it comes in the form of a milkshake or smoothie!

Below are a couple of pictures of a healthy colon vs a diseased colon:

Healthy colon

Inflamed colon

Crohns – Colitis colon

Colon polyp

Crohns disease

As a patient, you arrive at the hospital or outpatient clinic the day of your procedure.  They take you back to get you prepped for your procedure which includes putting a hospital gown on, answering a butt load of questions (no pun intended), and getting your IV.  I hate the IV part because due to the night before, I am very dehydrated and they can’t ever find a vein on the first try.  They then wheel you in the operating room, make sure you are comfortable and tell you to count down from 10.  I can never make it to 7 before I am out cold!  The next thing you know, you are in recovery and trying to wake up.  I have a little problem when I am trying to wake up – I’m still groggy and trying to put a bag on before I have another problem!  Anyhoo, they give you a drink and a snack then explain to you what, if anything, they found during the procedure.

Below is a picture of the instrument they use during the procedure:

Colonoscope

The Colonoscope is a long, flexible tube that is inserted into the rectum.  It also has a light source and a tiny video camera to record anything suspicious.  (www.cancerquest.org)

A colonoscopy actually saved my Aunt’s life when she got her first colonoscopy.  Afterwards, she was told by her doctor that they found a huge tumor inside her colon.  She had colon cancer.  She didn’t feel much different than she normally did and had no idea what was growing inside her.  She had to go through a surgery to remove the tumor and made it through radiation and is now in remission.  I believe I get my strength from her – she is relentless!

I personally have gone through many, many colonoscopies in the 20 years I have had Crohn’s Disease.  While they are not fun, I know that I am free of colon cancer and if something else is seen, my doctor can diagnose it quickly and give me the proper treatment.  I hope this post answers some of your questions on when and why you should get a colonoscopy.  Please share this post with your friends and family as well.  It may save their life.  Remember to take this disease one day at a time and with time it will get get better.

Chow for now!