Instead of beginning a new thread on the general subject of colonoscopies , just a few points that seem to fit:
Upper Endoscopy vs. Colonoscopy... simple explanation:
Understanding upper endoscopy and colonoscopy - Dana-Farber Cancer Institute | Boston, MA
And then... a word about the "why" of colonoscopy.
Obviously looking for digestive system problems, such as diverticulitis, but mostly to check for cancer or potential cancer causing polyps. Having some experience with this, with a sigmoid resection that prompted my retirement 25 years ago, some thoughts.
First.. knowing the what, where, when and why of the physiology by going to the websites that discuss the subject... before having the procedure. Knowing what the doctor is looking for, and where he is looking.
Sigmoid colon - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Most "first' colonoscopies are prompted by digestive problems or the appearance of blood. Should the colonoscopy show evidence of cancer or precancerous polyps or lesions, the next step is to determine the course of corrective action. Suspicious abnormalities are usually biopsied to determine the type of treatment. With the advent of laproscopy... not common at the time of my treatment some cancers can be resolved with minimum surgery and limited discomfort/recovery time.
In my own case, a sigmoid resection was prescribed. A six inch section of the sigmoid colon cut out and the ends stitched together... A six day hospital stay, and a three month recovery period.
Much confusion about the process. While it took me 3 months to recover, a neighbor had a less involved resection and was back to work in three days.
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Re: the colonoscopy itself. For me, not a big deal. I ask for minimum anaesthesia, as others have mentioned, the pain is mild, and I watch the video along with the doctor, and can ask questions about the occasional polyp or other things that show up on the screen. It looks like the white room scenes from 2001 Space Odyssey.
YMMV
After cancer diagnosis, one year colonoscopies for a few years, then five years apart, and now... not at all, unless I have physical concerns. so far, so good.
What Is a Sigmoid Resection? (with picture)
(one more thing... that happened before the last tie DW had a colonoscopy. the doctor prescribed a "special" pre-op prescription, not covered by our Medicare D plan... It was an out-of-pocket $70. Since we're pretty sophisticated about this stuff by now, it was a waste of money, and no easier to take than Colyte.)
What is the Best Colonoscopy Prep? | Colon and Rectal Disease Information, Treatments, Top Doctors