Channing Muller, a 38-year-old marketing consultant in Chicago, has become a pro at easing her friends’ concerns about having a colonoscopy. She has a family history of colon cancer, so she has them regularly to stay on top of possible problems.
“I’ve experienced this procedure multiple times across the span of 13 years,” Muller says. When a friend asks her what to expect, she knows what they need to hear.
“There’s no need to be nervous,” she says. “It’s so much simpler now than it was 10, 20, or 30 years ago.” Plus, she reminds them, it’s the best way to get ahead of problems.
What to Expect
A colonoscopy is an exam that looks at the inside of your large intestine, or colon.
A specialist, called an endoscopist, will place a thin, flexible tube through your rectum and into your colon. The tube is called a colonoscope. It has a digital camera and a light to help your endoscopist see anything that looks abnormal.
A colonoscopy is a quick procedure. It takes about 15 minutes. It may be a little longer if your doctor removes or treats something at the same time.
You’ll have anesthesia, so you won’t feel it happening.
The most common type of anesthesia for colonoscopies is deep sedation, or monitored anesthesia care (MAC). This is an IV with the drug propofol, which makes you fall asleep. It wears off quickly, about 10-15 minutes after the procedure.
After your colonoscopy, you may feel like you’ve had a really nice nap. You may also be ready for a big, filling meal.
All About the Prep
The day before your colonoscopy, you’ll clear out your colon by taking a special laxative and by avoiding solid foods. This is called bowel prep. It’s important to completely clean out your colon so your doctor can see into it clearly and spot any polyps or areas of concern.
Your doctor may give you a special drink that causes diarrhea and empties out your colon. You may drink one half in the afternoon and the other half in the evening. Newer laxatives, made of pills or a smaller amount of liquid, may also be an option. Talk to your doctor about what’s best for you.
You’ll have a clear, liquid diet the day before your colonoscopy. You’ll avoid solid foods and have clear liquids only, such as apple juice, broth, flavored sparkling water, or white grape juice.
Before her first colonoscopy, Muller asked family members who already had colonoscopies to find out more about what the prep would be like.
“Everyone had a different take. Some complained about cramping. Others said it was really no big deal at all -- you just have to be at home,” she says.
When she did her own prep, she realized it wasn’t as bad as she expected. “You’re just going to have to feel like you need to go have a bowel movement, and it’ll just flow right out -- literally!” Muller says.
To help your prep go smoothly, try these tips:
- A few days before your procedure, start eating small portions and low-fiber foods.
- Try drinking your colonoscopy prep drink cold so it goes down more easily.
- Prepare for frequent trips to the bathroom by stocking up on wet wipes and double-ply, soft toilet paper.
“Remember why you’re doing this,” Muller says. “Fasting for a day is so much easier than not knowing something’s going on in your colon.”
Why Colonoscopy Is Important
A colonoscopy helps your doctor find gastrointestinal problems like inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer. It also helps prevent and treat cancer.
If your doctor finds a problem, they may be able to treat it during your colonoscopy. For example, they can remove polyps, which are abnormal growths that may lead to cancer, and send them to a lab for testing. If needed, they can also inject medication, place a stent, remove a blockage, or do laser therapy at this time.
Screening Guidelines
Current guidelines recommend a first colonoscopy at age 45, as more adults have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer at younger ages. Your doctor may recommend that you have one earlier if you have a family history of colorectal cancer.
Your Family History
If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, your doctor may recommend starting 10 years before the age at which your family member was diagnosed. This makes it more likely that a routine colonoscopy can find possible problems and lead to a better outcome.
“Colon cancer is a disease that is incredibly treatable if caught early,” Muller says. “My mother was only 34 when she was diagnosed and 37 when she passed away from colon cancer. That shouldn’t have been the case, and it surely doesn’t need to be the case now.”
Talking to Friends and Family
Don’t be shy about your colonoscopy. Talking about it with family and friends can encourage them to get one, too.
“My family was the main catalyst for me even being aware that I needed to start getting colonoscopies when I was young,” Muller says. “I continue to get them every 5 years.”
Share your results with your family, especially if you have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps. This includes your parents, siblings, and kids.
It’s also a great way to encourage them to have a colonoscopy. Share the facts on why screening for colorectal cancer is important. Ease their worries if they’re nervous about the idea of a colonoscopy.
“The best thing I’ve been able to do is be 100% blunt with friends and family about the process,” Muller says.
First, she shares that it’s not so bad. She also reminds them of the benefits of a colonoscopy. “It’s the absolute best way to get ahead of any potential GI issues, including trouble digesting food, food sensitivities, or a very treatable cancer,” she says.
Show Sources
Photo Credit: E+/Getty Images
SOURCES:
Channing Muller, Chicago.
American College of Gastroenterology: “Colonoscopy.”
Cleveland Clinic: “Colonoscopy.”
CDC: “Family Health History of Colorectal (Colon) Cancer.”
Fight Colorectal Cancer: “Colonoscopy Prep: 9 Expert Tips for the Night Before.”
Mayo Clinic: “Colonoscopy.”
MD Anderson Center: “Colonoscopy Anesthesia: 7 Things to Know.”
UCLA Health: “Colorectal cancer screening guidelines have changed to address rise in cases among younger adults.”
