Most men, and many women, don’t even want to think about getting a routine Colonoscopy, but it’s something that could save your life. Sure, it’s not a totally pleasant experience, but trust in the fact that it’s a better alternative than chemotherapy or even death from colon cancer. So, let’s think about the main reason why mean don’t want to go in for a colon exam: an extreme invasion of privacy. But let’s clear up the murky water here by explaining the procedure in layman’s terms and debunking those common colon myths.
Yes, it’s true. For most men, the thought of another person- doctor or not- sticking anything into their rectum isn’t just an unpleasant thought, it is downright nauseating. But let’s boil down the facts here, guys. We’re dealing with a doctor- someone who has seen hundreds, if not thousands, of other patients in the same position (no pun intended). The doctor isn’t going to be weird about it, so if you are, it will only make the situation more uncomfortable. Doctors who perform colonoscopies (as well as other gastrointestinal procedures) are called “gastroenterologists”, or GI physicians. The gastrointestinal tract and digestive system are their areas of expertise, so colonoscopies are a routine procedure for these professionals. Trusting the doctor who will be performing your procedure is very important, as it will put both of you at ease.
Now, I’m sure you’ve heard about the day before the actual test, and the discomfort that it brings. Well, what you’ve heard on the street is true. Twenty-four hours before your procedure, you will have excessive diarrhea and you will have to fast. Here’s why- the doc will prescribe to you an electrolyte solution that you will pick up from your local pharmacy. It will most likely come in a plastic jug that will contain a powdery substance in the bottom. The powder is a drink mix that will be clear or white in color. It normally comes in a fruit flavor, but sometimes it is flavor free. It’s not particularly tasty, but it isn’t so bad that you won’t be able to stomach it. That’s good, because you will be drinking it for the next eighteen to twenty-four hours! You will most likely have a bowel movement within three hours of consumption of the first glass. It shouldn’t cause any cramping, but if it does, it won’t last. It is very important that you drink all of the solution, because if your colon isn’t free of fecal matter, the doctor will have to reschedule your appointment and you will have to do it all over again. So, do it correctly the first time, and you won’t have to do it again for a long time.
As you continue to drink the electrolyte solution, you will have numerous bowel movements. You may have heard someone say “I was literally on the toilet for an entire day!”, and to be honest, they are probably not exaggerating. As you drink the liquid, the feces and impurities will be cleaned out of your intestines and colon via elimination. Towards the end of the jug of liquid, you should notice that your bowel movements will have turned clear and no longer have a brown or yellow color. When this stage occurs, your colon is officially clean. The doctor needs a clear, unobstructed view of your colon walls to see if there are any abnormal growths, or polyps, on them. Polyps are precancerous growths that reside in the colon. Catching them early with a Colonoscopy prevents cancer, as they are removed from the colon wall during the procedure. This is where the life saving magic happens.
During the procedure, you will disrobe and put on an open-back gown. You will lay on your side with one leg resting comfortably over the other. The doctor may administer a light sedative to you, putting you in a semi-conscious, or twilight state. He will then gently insert a tiny (and yes guys, we mean tiny) camera that is hooked to a thin wire into your rectum. That camera will then be carefully moved into the colon, which is the lowest part of your bowel. The doctor will view a live video feed from the camera on a monitor in the room and monitor the findings of the colon walls. If there are polyps found, they will probably be removed at a later date in an outpatient surgery center or hospital, although some offices are now removing them at the time of Colonoscopy.
After that, you will gain full consciousness if you were given a sedative, and put your street clothes back on. The whole procedure takes only ten to thirty minutes, on average. While those minutes may seem to drag on forever, remember that cancerous polyps and tumors are relatively common. If they are not caught and removed in time, cancer will develop.
There is one immediate bonus to your Colonoscopy. Over time, toxins build up in the intestines, causing us to feel sluggish, even sick at times. The electrolytic fluid that caused the severe diarrhea you had the day before will clean out the toxins, and you will notice that you feel extremely healthy and vibrant. It’s not really a side effect that one can explain in words, but most people say that they feel an overall sense of well being following the procedure. Some patients feel “better than they have in years”. Add to that the peace of mind that your colon is healthy or will soon be healthy, and you will feel ready to take on the world.
Current guidelines recommend that men get a Colonoscopy every five years after turning forty. Age increases your chances of developing cancerous colon growths, so it is very important to remain vigilant in this regimen. When you break down the pros and cons of the procedure, the result is simple- colonoscopies save lives. They can add years to your life- years that will be filled with invaluable memories- your daughter’s wedding, the birth of grandchildren, vacations, retirement and perhaps your own wedding anniversary. Boil it all down, and you will see that buckling down and getting a Colonoscopy is a small price to pay for these precious gifts.
