The A-Z Guide To Preparing For A Colonoscopy Conway Process

By Linda Lewis


A colonoscopy procedure is relatively straightforward and involves checkup of the linings of the colon and the rectum. This is usually requested by medical practitioners to investigate symptoms that include bowel problems, abdomen discomfort and bleeding around the rectal area. Read on to learn more about what to do before, during and after a colonoscopy Conway process.

You should tell your doctor about any significant medical conditions you are having before a colonoscopy. These include respiratory, cardiac, and hormonal issues. These conditions could change how the procedure is handled especially about the prescriptions you receive. The doctor will suggest some changes to your food and drink intake a day before the procedure is carried out.

The most common prescription is a laxative. You will be asked to take this to help clean your colon for easier observation. In addition to a laxative, you may be asked to take an enema on the morning of the procedure. This helps push out anything within the colon that is left out by the laxative. This will only be effective if it remains in the body for at least five minutes. You need to ensure that you hold it in for that long.

Make sure you have adequate transport arrangement from the hospital. This is because the colon procedure requires sedation whose effects last for up to 8 hours thus making it very unsafe to drive after the procedure. You can have a friend or family member drive you back home after the process. However, after that period, the side effects go away completely.

The procedure takes half hour to an hour if performed by an experienced doctor. The sedative will make you feel relaxed and somewhat drowsy. The main tool for this procedure is called a colonoscope. It is a long and flexible tube-shaped instrument that goes through the colon all the way to the rectal area making it possible to examine the colon and rectal walls.

While the procedure is ongoing, the expert will transmit an image of your colon so that the doctor can scrutinize it for any abnormalities. This is often done while the patient lies on their left side. The device blows air so that the walls of the colon are more visible after expansion. While this happens, you may experience some minor cramps. The tube is quite flexible and will easily move past along the curves of the intestines with ease.

You should breathe deeply and slowly to reduce the effects of any cramping that may occur. When the process is complete, the colonoscope will be gradually removed as the doctor inspects the lining of the bowel area. You will then be kept in a room for a while as you are observed for any problems although these rarely occur. You might experience some discomfort, mild cramping and bloating. However, these symptoms will go away after a short while.

You will be able to resume normal day to day activities including diet almost immediately. However, you should be very keen to follow all the instructions given at discharge. Let your doctor know if any problems occur after the procedure.




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