Colon and rectal cancers are common and contribute to a significant number of deaths associated with cancer. But early detection can lower the chances of death and improve the effectiveness of several treatment options. That is why Dr. Bharat Pothuri offers a colonoscopy, one of the most powerful screening tools available to help you detect colon and rectal cancers. Colonoscopy will help your provider evaluate complications, assess the cause of your symptoms, and reveal many issues such as cancer, polyps, ulcers, tumors, inflammation, and precancerous growths. Preparation for the procedure is critical to improving the results. Here is what you should do.
Pick up Instructions from Your Doctor
During your consultation appointment with your doctor, it is critical to ask your doctor relevant questions about preparing for your procedure. It is also good to consult your provider timely as you might need to adjust your medications which may need early preparations. Ensure you follow your doctor’s instructions precisely to avoid a delayed or repeat exam. Ensure you understand every instruction and ask questions where necessary. In most cases, you can take the instructions about a week before, but you can always confirm the dates and time of your appointment.
Stock Helpful Supplies
Your preparation plan will probably involve getting some supplies you might need. Therefore, get needed supplies before your colonoscopy, such as stocking your pantry and bathroom with relevant items. You will need special liquid diets before and after your colonoscopy, and you can get them in advance. Other stuff you might need to purchase includes wet wipes, jello, broth, popsicles, or Italian ice.
Arrange for a Ride Home
Your colonoscopy will involve an intravenous (IV) anesthetic containing a sedative and pain killers to improve your comfort during the procedure. However, this might cause some effects which make you unfit to drive yourself home, and you might need to make prior arrangements. Talk to an intimate friend or family member to pick you up after the procedure, and if you are having problems getting a ride, you can also make arrangements for a ride-sharing service.
Take a Day Off
Although colonoscopy is not a major procedure, you might still need to take a day off to rest and recover. You will likely still experience the effect of the anesthesia, and you will not be able to get back to work immediately. You might also feel tired, and it would be best to give yourself some time to rest and effectively recover. However, you should be in a position to return to work the next day, although it is necessary to check with your doctor.
Empty Your Colon
Your colon will need to be empty during colonoscopy, and it is vital to consult your doctor on how to achieve this successfully. Switch to a low fiber diet about three days before your exam to help you have easy bowel movements. Also, stop eating solid food 24 hours before your appointment to ensure your colon is clean during your procedure. Other measures you can take include:
- Drink only clear beverages
- Take a laxative
- Wear loose clothes
- Use wet wipes to clean yourself post-surgery
If you suspect you are at elevated risks for colon cancer or you have intestinal symptoms, reach out to GastroDoxs PLLC to learn more about colonoscopy. Your provider will help you understand how to prepare for the procedure if it is appropriate for you.
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