Colonoscopy Ultimate FAQs answered in Dallas, TX

How painful is a colonoscopy?

Colonoscopy is usually done by first sedating the patient so that he or she doesn’t feel pain. The anesthetic helps to block pain and make the patient more comfortable throughout the procedure.

However, some patients may request to undergo the procedure without sedation. Their decisions may be due to possible allergic reactions to the anesthetic or they want to drive themselves back home after the procedure. In a case where sedation is not given, the patient may experience pain that ranges from mild, moderate to severe pain.

Is it worth having a colonoscopy?

Colonoscopy is used to search for polyps and abnormal tissues in the colon. It can help prevent colon cancer. It is the most accurate screening method to detect polyps and abnormal tissues in the colon.

People who are age 45 and above are at risk of colon cancer. People that have a family history of colon cancer are also at risk of colon cancer. If you are 45 and above or you have a family history of colon cancer, it is medically recommended that you have a colonoscopy at least once every 10 years. Colonoscopy is generally worth it if you’re 45 and above, or you have a family history of colon cancer. It is used to search and remove noncancerous polyps before they turn cancerous.

What can be diagnosed during a colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a screening used to search for polyps or abnormal tissues in the colon. It can be used as a diagnostic procedure to know the possible causes of unexplained diarrhea, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, changes in bowel movements, or blood in the stool.

How long do you stay in the hospital after a colonoscopy?

You will typically need to stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 hours after a colonoscopy. This is to allow the anesthetic to wear off and for you to be monitored before you go home.

Are you asleep during colonoscopy?

During a colonoscopy, you will likely be given an anesthetic through an intravenous (IV) line to make you feel comfortable and not feel pain throughout the procedure. Depending on the discretion of your doctor, he or she may decide to give you a general anesthetic that will make you sleep throughout the procedure or a local anesthetic that will make you not feel pain but you will be conscious throughout the procedure.

Why was my colonoscopy so painful?

A major cause of pain during colonoscopy is during the insertion of the endoscope. Thinner and more flexible endoscopes may cause less stretching of the mesentery (a fold of membrane that attaches the intestine to the abdominal wall and holds it in place), which is the major cause of the pain.

Can a person die during a colonoscopy?

Colonoscopy is generally a safe procedure. However, very rare cases of deaths have been recorded following colonoscopies. The causes of these few deaths have been due to intestinal perforations that occurred during the colonoscopies. The overall mortality rate of colonoscopy is 0.02%.

What foods cause polyps in the colon?

Eating foods that promote inflammation may increase your risk of developing polyps in the colon.

Foods that can cause polyps in the colon include:

• Foods that are high in fat such as cheese, butter, fried foods, etc.
• Red meat such as beef and pork
• Processed meat such as bacon, sausage, and hot dogs.

How long will I poop after colonoscopy prep?

After taking colonoscopy prep, it usually takes 2-3 hours before you start to poop. Prep is usually taking the evening before and the morning of the day of the colonoscopy. You will have frequent bowel movements so that your colon can be cleared out before the procedure.

Do you get colonoscopy results immediately?

If no polyps or abnormal tissues were found, your doctor will tell you straight away after the procedure. If polyps were found and removed, your doctor will take them to the lab for further testing. The results of the test will be available in 2-3 weeks after the colonoscopy.

How do you drink colonoscopy prep without vomiting?

Prep generally doesn’t have a good taste. Some people find it difficult to drink prep just like that. To make drinking prep easier and to prevent vomiting, there are certain ways that you can take it. These include:

Adding flavorings such as Crystal Light or Kool-Aid powder

When you add flavoring to your prep, it becomes tastier with a nice aroma. You will find it much easier to drink when flavoring is added.

Drink it cold

Keep your prep in the refrigerator so that it gets cold before drinking. Most people find it easier to drink prep when it is cold than drinking it when it’s not cold.

Use a straw

When you use a straw to drink prep, it bypasses most parts of your taste bud. You won’t taste the bad taste of the prep because it bypasses most parts of your tongue straight into your stomach.

Suck on a lemon or lick a candy after drinking

After drinking your prep, you can suck on a lemon or lick a candy to clear out the bad taste from your taste bud.

Who should not get a colonoscopy?

Colonoscopy is generally recommended for people who are between the age of 50 and 75. If you don’t have a family history of colon cancer and you’re not in this age range, you don’t necessarily need to get a colonoscopy. Colonoscopy is generally not recommended for people that are above the age of 75 unless otherwise advised by your doctor.

What colonoscopy prep does Medicare cover?

Suprep Bowel Prep is covered by Medicare.

What colonoscopy detects?

A colonoscopy commonly used to detect polyps and abnormal tissues in the colon. Noncancerous polyps turn into cancerous polyps over time. If the polyps are not removed from the colon at their early stage, they turn cancerous. A colonoscopy can also be used to detect the cause of abnormal pain, unexplained diarrhea, rectal bleeding, changes in bowel movements, or blood in the stool.

Why colonoscopy at 40?

Your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy at the age of 40 if you are at a high risk of colon cancer, such that you have first-degree relatives with colon cancer.

Why colonoscopy at 50?

Men and women that are 50 years and above are generally at average risk of colon cancer. It is medically recommended that people that are between the ages of 50-75 undergo colonoscopy at least once every 10 years.

Can colonoscopy detect prostate cancer?

Colonoscopy cannot detect prostate cancer.

Can colonoscopy detect pancreatic cancer?

Colonoscopy cannot detect pancreatic cancer. Ultrasound, computerized tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are the techniques used to detect pancreatic cancer.

Can colonoscopy detect IBS?

Colonoscopy cannot detect irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Can colonoscopy detect sibo?

Colonoscopy cannot detect small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).

Can colonoscopy detect ulcers?

During a colonoscopy, your doctor can see the colon walls and can detect any ulcer on the colon walls.

Can colonoscopy detect cancer?

Colonoscopy is the best test to detect colon cancer. During a colonoscopy, your doctor is able to view your entire colon to check for the presence of polyps which may be noncancerous or cancerous.

Can colonoscopy detect hernia?

Colonoscopy along with specialized X-ray can be used to detect hiatal hernia.

Will colonoscopy diagnose IBS?

Colonoscopy cannot be used to diagnose irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Will colonoscopy show parasite?

Colonoscopy can reveal the presence of parasites and infection in the colon.

Will colonoscopy show tapeworm?

Colonoscopy doesn’t show tapeworm.

Will colonoscopy show diverticulosis?

Colonoscopy can detect diverticulosis. You may need to get a colonoscopy every 5 to 8 years if you have diverticulosis.

Will colonoscopy change gut flora?

Before undergoing a colonoscopy, you will need to take a prep to clear out your colon. Taking prep can alter the microbiome (the rich array of microbes that are present in the gut) However, the microbiome will return to normal in about two to four weeks after the procedure.

Specialist who does colonoscopy?

A gastroenterologist is a specialist with the required training and skills to perform a colonoscopy.

Gastroenterology is the branch of medicine that focuses on the digestive system and diseases affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Gastroenterologists are physicians practicing in this field.

What is the best time of the day to have a colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy can be performed at any time of the day. You can have your colonoscopy at any time of the day. However, the best time to have a colonoscopy is in the morning. Your physician will be more agile and alert when performing the procedure in the morning. If you have your colonoscopy in the afternoon or evening, your physician may be worn out and tired by that time, and may not perform the procedure so well due to tiredness.

Is using a tampon during a colonoscopy a problem?

Using a tampon is not a problem during a colonoscopy. You can wear a tampon during a colonoscopy but you will need to remove your pad.

Will smoking medical cannabis on the day of my colonoscopy cause any complications?

Smoking medical cannabis may have unpredictable reactions and can alter your recovery from the sedation. It is advised not to smoke medical cannabis or cigarette on the day of your colonoscopy.

Why should you not smoke before a colonoscopy?

Smoking can increase your nicotine levels in your blood which can affect anesthetic recovery. It can also increase your risk of complications. It is advised not to smoke for at least 24 hours before a colonoscopy.

Is it necessary to take a day off from work after a colonoscopy?

Most people can resume work within 24 hours or after the sedation has worn off after having a colonoscopy. You can take a day off work to have your colonoscopy. It is not necessary to take the next day off.

What is the recovery period like after a colonoscopy?

After having a colonoscopy, you will need to remain in the hospital for 1-2 hours to allow the anesthesia wear off before you go back home. You may feel cramping in your abdomen or bloating during the first few hours. You may also feel nausea from the anesthesia. This will resolve after a while. You don’t need to take any pain medications because you will most likely not feel any pain. You can resume work or continue your normal daily activities within 24 hours after your procedure. Inform your doctor if you are experiencing any adverse reactions or complications.

How long does it take to recover after a colonoscopy?

It typically takes within 24 hours following a colonoscopy to recover. You can resume work or continue with your normal daily activities the next day after having a colonoscopy.

Is there usually a biopsy during a colonoscopy?

According to a study, a precancerous polyp is found as often as 40% of the time during a colonoscopy.

Is it possible to drive after a colonoscopy even if it is not allowed?

After a colonoscopy, you will remain in the hospital for about 1-2 hours so that the effect of the anesthesia can wear off. You are not allowed to drive after having a colonoscopy. Your doctor will not release you if there’s nobody to drive you home.

Do we need to have blood work before a colonoscopy?

Routine blood work is not required before a colonoscopy in an average-risk individual. Patients that are on blood thinners will need to stop taking them before having a colonoscopy.

What if I can’t drink colonoscopy prep?

If you can’t drink colonoscopy prep, taking more water and fluids can help clean out your colon. Other alternatives to prep include taking fiber supplements, eating high-fiber foods, using stool softeners, taking laxative stimulants, using lubricant laxatives, and using an enema.

Why is milk not allowed to drink before a colonoscopy?

Drinking milk can make the inside of your colon difficult for your doctor to see clearly. You’re only allowed to drink clear liquids before a colonoscopy.

Is it ok to take an enema before a colonoscopy?

If your colon is not empty after colonoscopy prep, your doctor may recommend a cleansing enema. A cleansing enema involves injecting liquid into the colon via the rectum to clear out the colon.

Can a colonoscopy be performed safely on a man with an indirect inguinal hernia?

A colonoscopy requires complete bowel preparation. It is not advisable for a person with any known intestinal or abdominal wall musculature herniation to have bowel cleaning. During a colonoscopy, air is pumped into the colon to expand the colon so that the physician can see inside the colon more clearly. The air is not very good for hernias. It is generally not safe to perform a colonoscopy on a man with an indirect inguinal hernia.

During a colonoscopy, how do they get the scope to bend around the corners of the colon?

The scope used in a colonoscopy is able to bend around because it is flexible. It is just like a rubber wire that can easily bend and change directions around the corners of the colon.

What is considered a light meal before a colonoscopy?

Light meals are foods that are easy to digest such as low-fiber foods, white bread, pasta, and rice. On the day of your colonoscopy, you will only need to drink clear liquids such as water, broth, clear soft drinks, clear juice, and other clear liquids.

Why do we fart after a colonoscopy?

The reason why people fart after a colonoscopy is because of the air that was introduced into your colon so that the physician can see inside your colon more clearly. After the colonoscopy, you fart because the body is getting rid of the air.

Can you drink “Ensure clear protein” drink as part of liquid diets before a colonoscopy?

No. It is not advised to drink Ensure before a colonoscopy. This is because Ensure is opaque. You’re advised to drink only clear liquids. This means liquids that are transparent or translucent.

If your ride home is a no show after your colonoscopy, will the facility allow you to sign a release and take a taxi or other means of transportation?

This depends on the rules for outpatient procedures in your specific state. A patient can be released to an adult who is 18 years or older. Some hospitals may allow you to take a cab home while some may not. Some hospitals have transport services that can take you home.

Can I have a screening colonoscopy if I suspect I have a small left inguinal hernia and gallbladder problems?

Yes, you can have a colonoscopy as long as you inform your doctor about your condition before undergoing the colonoscopy.

What is the impact of a colonoscopy on gut bacteria?

Bowel prep has a big effect on the gut microbiome and metabolome. This goes back to normal within 14 days of bowel prep. Bowel cleansing before a colonoscopy is generally safe on gut bacteria.

Can I smoke pot after a colonoscopy?

You are not allowed to smoke anything 24 hours before a colonoscopy. You may be able to smoke after recovering from a colonoscopy depending on your health condition. It is best to ask your doctor if you can or not.

What happens if you eat solid food before a colonoscopy?

If you eat solid food before a colonoscopy, it will not digest on time. The food may travel up into your esophagus and you could breathe it into your lungs. The food may also obstruct the physician from seeing inside the colon clearly.

Why did you decide to get a colonoscopy without anesthesia?

Some patients may decide to get a colonoscopy without anesthesia so that they can drive themselves home. Some may decide to get it without anesthesia to prevent any adverse effects from the anesthesia.

Is it dangerous for a heart bypass patient to have a colonoscopy?

You may be able to have a colonoscopy after a heart bypass of the heart bypass was successful without any complications. Inform your doctor first to know if it is safe for you to get a colonoscopy.

What danger is there in donating a unit of blood the day before a colonoscopy?

It may or may not be dangerous to donate blood on the day before your colonoscopy. Inform your doctor to know if is safe or not.

Why should you be awake during a colonoscopy?

You can be awake during a colonoscopy if you want to remember everything that happened during the colonoscopy.

Can someone be diagnosed with colon cancer without having a colonoscopy?

Your doctor may be able to diagnose colon cancer using fecal immunochemical testing (FIT), fecal occult blood testing, stool DNA, sigmoidoscopy, CT colonoscopy, double-contrast barium enema, or single-specimen gFOBT.

I am 19 and my grandma died from colon cancer, when should I get a colonoscopy?

If your grandma died from colon cancer, you’re a second-degree relative. You should be screened as an average risk individual, which is by age 50 and above.

Can colon cancer develop two years after a negative colonoscopy?

If your colonoscopy was negative, you will most likely not have colon cancer after two years. After a negative result, it is recommended to have another colonoscopy after 10 years.

What causes lower abdominal pain after a colonoscopy?

Abdominal pain is the most common side effect after a colonoscopy. The pain may be caused by the air introduced into your colon. The pain typically resolves within 24 hours.

Can I eat McDonald’s after a colonoscopy?

After a colonoscopy, you can eat any kind of food you want including McDonald’s.

How long does a colonoscopy take?

A colonoscopy typically takes between 30 to 60 minutes.

How common is colonoscopy perforation?

Perforation is one of the most serious complications of colonoscopy. According to report, perforation occurs in the range of between 0.03% and 0.7%.

Why is my pre colonoscopy prep making my poop lime green?

When you take prep, the color of your stools should progress to a cloudy liquid and finally to a yellowish clear liquid. If your poop is lime green, it may be that you’re excreting fluids known as bile. You shouldn’t be worried about this.

Can a CT of the abdomen show colon cancer?

A CT scan can detect colon cancer but it is not always 100% accurate. Colon cancer is undetected in 20% of CT scans which are detected with colonoscopy.

Can anyone recommend a doctor for a colonoscopy without sedation?

If you want to undergo a colonoscopy without sedation, we recommend Dr. Prashant Kedia. He specializes in a wide range of gastroenterological procedures and treatments. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Prashant Kedia via kediamd.com.

Can ileitis be caused by colonoscopy prep?

No. Ileitis is often caused by Crohn’s disease and certain other diseases.

Can a colonoscopy diagnose ulcerative colitis if in remission?

Yes. A colonoscopy produced live images of inside the colon. Most gastroenterologists recommend colonoscopy to diagnose ulcerative colitis.

Can anyone recommend where to have a colonoscopy done?

If you are looking for the right place to get a colonoscopy, we highly recommend Dr. Prashant Kedia.

Dr. Prashant Kedia MD specializes in a wide range of gastroenterological procedures and treatments. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Prashant Kedia via kediamd.com.

Will colonoscopy prep cause my birth control pill not to work?

Colonoscopy prep will most likely not cause your birth control pill not to work but it may interfere with the absorption of the pill. It is best to take the pill in the morning with a light breakfast before the colonoscopy. You can resume taking the birth control pill as usual after the procedure.

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