COLONOSCOPY

You have to clean out your system and most doctors sedate you these days. Did they not tell you anything before now?? You need to ask questions when at the doctor...

Yes, the preparation will be the worst as you will probably have to follow a liquid diet for 24 to 72 hours before hand. You will also have to take laxatives or have an enema. Yes, you will be sedated. Most people, due to the sedation, will sleep. However, if you don't sleep, you won't be aware of what is going on...you will feel very relaxed and not really have a care. You will lie on your left side during the procedure which will take from 30 to 60 minutes. You will go home the same day but not until some of the sedation has worn off. You may feel some cramping or "gas" afterwards and if the doctor found and removed polyps or you have hemorrhoids, you may have some bleeding. I only gave you a simple and brief explanation. If you would like a simple but more detailed explanation, I found a site for you: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/colonoscopy/index.htm (I'm an R.N.)