The Dirty Truth about Colonoscopies

Most people put their routine colonoscopy off for as long as possible, dreading what they may find or how bad it may hurt. The truth is, a colonoscopy isn't anything to be afraid of. While it's much easier to simply ignore the need for a colonoscopy, you could be unintentionally shortening your life!

There are some things in this world that are just a part of life…paying our bills, brushing our teeth, having a health insurance, etc. Well, it's time to add colonoscopy to the list! There are certain instances where you need to have a colonoscopy. Most doctors advise anyone over 50 years of age to receive a colonoscopy. If you happen to have a family history of colorectal cancer, the age may be a lot earlier. After receiving that initial colonoscopy, your doctor will let you know how often you should come back. Mark this date on your calendar and don't consider canceling an option!

Most people who have gone through a colonoscopy say the clear liquid diet before hand is the worst part. Before surgery your gastrointestinal tract needs to be cleaned out so the doctor's can get a "clear" view. The liquid diet will help in making sure your tract is spotless! Depending on your doctor's instructions, this diet can last anywhere from 1-3 days but 24 hours is about the norm.

So what actually goes on during the surgery? Well, most people are given a light sedative and asked to lie on their side. From here, the doctor inserts a scope up the rectum and towards the colon. Doing this, the doctor can see any polyps that have formed and get rid of them. Although polyps are pretty typical for the average person, it's good to have them removed. A small polyp can turn into colorectal cancer over the years. The doctor than will usually take a sample of the tissue to check for disease. The whole procedure typically is under an hour long. Make sure to bring a friend to drive you home as your sedative will take awhile to wear off.

So what actually goes on during the surgery? Well, most people are given a light sedative and asked to lie on their side. From here, the doctor inserts a scope up the rectum and towards the colon. Doing this, the doctor can see any polyps that have formed and get rid of them. Although polyps are pretty typical for the average person, it's good to have them removed. A small polyp can turn into colorectal cancer over the years. The doctor than will usually take a sample of the tissue to check for disease. The whole procedure typically is under an hour long. Make sure to bring a friend to drive you home as your sedative will take awhile to wear off.

The dirty truth about colonoscopies is that they aren't as dirty and horrible as we make them out to be in our minds. If you are without health insurance, try finding an affordable plan on healthplanone. You are able to view several different health plans available and very affordable. Our body is our only means of living life. Make sure we are proactive in protecting it!

This type of cancer is not just something the elderly can get! Cancer is spreading far and wide. With this type of prevention available to us, we can't afford to wait and see.