Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is a medical procedure that involves examining the inside of the colon (large intestine) and rectum using a long, flexible tube with a camera on the end called a colonoscope. This procedure is usually performed by a gastroenterologist, a doctor who specializes in digestive health.

WOAH! That sounds scary!! The reality is, it is NOT, in fact it was nothing that I was expecting. I’ve heard that the day before is horrible and it had me worried about getting the process done. The reality is, it is NOT, in fact the whole “cleansing” process was not bad at all. I was a little surprised that I had to buy my own ingredients, but hey it saved me some money, so no complaints there! Actually I couldn’t even taste the Miralax because it was blended in the Gatorade, hey win win! The only real complaint I have is around the 27th hour of no food, man I was hungry. I think I was salivating over the thought of a Doritos dissolving on my taste buds.

I would like to thank Dr Matthews and the staff at the Kingsport Endoscopy Corporation. They were very professional, compassionate, kind, and made you feel comfortable in an uncomfortable situation. Also thank you to my designated driver Angela, I truly appreciate you! I write this post in hopes that it will ease the thought of getting this process done. It seems scary, trust me I know, but what’s scarier, a procedure that you don’t remember or losing your life because you waited too long? Just a thought. I’ll leave you with some more information, and thank you for taking the time to read my blog!

Early detection of colon cancer: Colon cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, and it can be deadly if not detected and treated early. A colonoscopy can detect colon cancer in its early stages, when it is easier to treat and has a higher chance of cure.

Detection and removal of polyps: Polyps are small growths that can develop in the lining of the colon. While most polyps are harmless, some can develop into cancer over time. A colonoscopy can detect and remove polyps before they become cancerous.

Diagnosis of digestive problems: A colonoscopy can also be used to diagnose a variety of digestive problems, such as inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis, and bleeding in the digestive tract.

Prevention of future health problems: By detecting and removing polyps and other abnormalities during a colonoscopy, you can prevent future health problems and potentially avoid the need for more invasive procedures later on.

The American Cancer Society recommends that people at average risk of colon cancer start getting regular colonoscopies at age 45. If you have a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors, your doctor may recommend starting earlier or getting more frequent colonoscopies.