How do I get over my fear of a colonoscopy?

How to Overcome Colonoscopy Fears

1. Make cancer screenings part of your to-do list. March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month – a good reminder to make one doctor’s appointment you may be avoiding.
2. Correct colorectal health misconceptions.
3. Schedule your screenings.
4. Take action to stay healthy.

How unpleasant is a colonoscopy?

The bottom line. Colonoscopies aren’t usually painful because most patients receive a sedative before the procedure starts. The sedative makes you so sleepy that you usually don’t feel or remember anything of the procedure.

Is it embarrassing to have a colonoscopy?

You don’t need to worry about being embarrassed or exposed during a colonoscopy. You will wear a hospital gown, and a sheet provides extra covering. Rest assured that, during the procedure, your gastroenterologist will be focused on a monitor displaying the inside of your colon, not on your backside.

Should I be worried about going for a colonoscopy?

Colonoscopy: What to Know If your doctor recommends you have a colonoscopy, don’t worry. You may think it’s going to be a terrible procedure, but it won’t be. Most likely you won’t even be awake to remember it. (Most people consider the preparation for the procedure to be the worst part.)

Are colonoscopies horrible?

Does Having a Colonoscopy Hurt? Greenwald says the most common misconception about colonoscopy is that it will hurt. “The truth is that most colonoscopies in the United States are done with sedation,” he says. “The procedure is painless,” and most patients aren’t even aware it’s taken place.

Can you refuse sedation for colonoscopy?

Most Colonoscopies in the US are Performed Under Sedation It’s possible to request a colonoscopy without sedation or general anesthesia. Some patients may prefer this option so they can drive themselves home after the procedure, but they’re more likely to experience discomfort and possibly pain.

Can a 21 year old get a colonoscopy?

“For a young adult, a colonoscopy isn’t recommended unless other workups or tests indicate that there’s good reason for a more thorough check of your colon.” Typically, screening colonoscopies begin at age 45 and are done every 10 years.

What happens if you don’t get a colonoscopy?

If a polyp is found during colonoscopy, it will be removed and this prevents the polyp from every turning into cancer. But if you don’t have your colonoscopy in the first place, then you are throwing away the chance to detect polyps when they are easily treated.

Is it OK to throw up during colonoscopy prep?

What if I vomit after taking any of the doses of preparation? It’s OK! You may stop taking the mixture for 1 hour and then resume according to the dosing instructions. If vomiting continues after several hours, please call your doctor.

What if I am still pooping before colonoscopy?

What if I’ve taken all my preparation and am still passing solid stool on the day of my exam? In this case, your procedure will need to be rescheduled. You may be prescribed a different preparation for your next procedure. Please call the triage nurse to reschedule your procedure with a different preparation.

What if I poop during colonoscopy?

Solid stool may be leftover in your colon. But if you are passing clear liquid with no solid material, your procedure may still be able to be done.

Why was colonoscopy so painful?

The most common complaint following a colonoscopy is abdominal discomfort or pain caused by cramping or bloating. This occurs because, in order to perform the colonoscopy, your doctor uses air to inflate the colon and maneuver the colonoscope.

How can you die from a colonoscopy?

The risk of a perforation or hole during a colonoscopy is about 1/1500. The risks of dying would increase if one had a perforation that was not noticed. Also there is a risk of having complications from the sedation. One could stop breathing from over sedation which could lead to death, again, a rare event.

How often should you have a colonoscopy?

Colonoscopy every 10 years,unless polyps have been found or you are at high risk,in which case more frequent testing will be needed.

What is the best diet for a colonoscopy?

Breakfast: Greek yogurt with bananas and honey topping

What is the best medication for a colonoscopy?

According to an analysis of 1.4 million colonoscopies published in May 2016 in Gastroenterology & Hepatology, midazolam, also known as Versed, is the most common drug used for colonoscopies. It induces a state of conscious sedation and is a benzodiazepine, a class of medication which also includes Xanax.