Terrified of Pain? Know the Truth about Colonoscopy and Whether They're as Painful as You Fear!

There’s no doubt Colonoscopy sounds scary. The uncomfortable images cloud your mind, especially when one learns about the procedure. But before letting judgment and anxiety take up the space, it is important to understand the truth behind the procedure. This blog will debunk the myth about the procedure of colonoscopy.   

What is a Colonoscopy? 

A colonoscopy is like a virtual tour of your large intestine, which includes your colon, rectum, and anus. During this procedure, a special tool called a colonoscope is used for the examination. Think of it as a super-skinny camera on a flexible tube. The doctor gently inserts it through your rectum and into your colon, capturing images of the entire area along the way. These real-time pictures are then displayed on a screen, allowing the doctor to examine the lining of your large intestine for any abnormalities. 

Colonoscopy can be used for preventive screening, especially for those at higher risk of colorectal cancer. During this screening, precancerous polyps can be identified and removed, potentially preventing cancer altogether. It is also used when unexplainable abdominal pain, or rectal bleeding, occurs. The doctor uses a colonoscopy to find the cause of the pain. Sometimes, during a screening or diagnostic procedure, suspicious tissue can be removed right then and there, offering a potential one-step solution. 

What is the Procedure of Colonoscopy?

The following steps are involved in the procedure: 

1. The colonoscope is a long, thin flexible tube with a small lighted camera attached at the end. 
2. Your healthcare provider inserts the colonoscope through your anus and slowly moves it forward through your colon to the end, where it meets your small intestine. 
3. While moving the tube forward in the colon, the catheter pumps air inside to inflate it. The camera transmits video of the inside of your colon to a monitor examined by the doctor. 
4. The health provider will watch the monitor for anything abnormal there. When they reach the end of your colon, they’ll bring the colonoscope back out the same way, watching a second time. 
5. It takes about 15 minutes to move the colonoscope to the end of your large intestine and another 15 minutes to bring it back out the way it entered. In this way, the doctor is able to examine your entire large intestine lining twice. However, if they do find something to remove, the removal may take a bit of extra time. 
6. After the procedure is done, you will be required to stay at the healthcare facility for the first hour. You need time to wake up from the anesthesia.  
7. Once you wake up, your gastroenterologist will go over what they found during the exam and any procedures they performed.  
8. You may feel gassy and bloated for 2-3 hours. You can return to your normal diet once you feel comfortable. 

Is Colonoscopy Painful?

After reading the procedure in detail mentioned above, you must be thinking that the procedure is extremely painful as there’s something that has been inserted in your body. However, this is not true because of the following reasons: 

Sedation

The patient is given anesthesia for the whole procedure, and they usually wake up after the procedure is complete. Therefore, this does not even allow them to go through the procedure to experience pain. In fact, most of the patients don’t even remember what happened. 

However, one may become suspicious of what will happen to their body once they are asleep, but for that, patients are usually given options if they want mild to strong anesthesia. The professionals then take care of your body. 

Prep is Not That Bad

Let's be honest, colonoscopy prep isn't exactly a spa day. But here's the good news: a clean colon is essential for a successful colonoscopy, which can be a lifesaver in terms of early cancer detection. 

The preparation usually involves a clear liquid diet and a special solution to clear your bowels. You can make your process easier by planning and wearing comfortable clothes. As you are going to spend most of the time in the bathroom, you may add some kind of entertainment like books or music. It will also distract your mind from this. 

Don’t Fear the Result

There’s a common myth around colonoscopy that you WILL find something during the procedure for sure. This is not true. It is basically a test to get assured whether everything is okay. Most of the time, as mentioned earlier, the problematic tissues are removed during the procedure itself.  

Conclusion

It is normal to fear a test this penetrative but one must understand that it is necessary. It may cause initial discomfort but better to detect the cancer at an early stage to prevent the worse. This way you are prioritizing your health.