Some do not attend their colon cancer screening due to fear of colonoscopy. However colonoscopy is not as frightening as it may sound. At Gastrodoxs, we would like to eliminate these misunderstandings and demonstrate why this life-saving test is fast, easy and usually painless. Here's a list of seven reasons a colonoscopy is not as bad as you think and how to prepare psychologically to have a colonoscopy. We also will listen to Houston based gastroenterologist Dr Bharat Pothuri who states, Early diagnosis with a colonoscopy can save your life. Today, the process is not as difficult as some people presume.
colonoscopy is a diagnostic device used to identify polyps, or even colon cancer at an early stage. You will go to a GI clinic there are several GI clinics in Houston with same day appointments. Your physician will provide you with specific information on dietary modifications and bowel preparation. On the procedure day, you are given a mild form of sedation, lie on your side and relax. The whole test normally lasts 20-30 minutes.
Dr Bharat Pothuri of Houston points out that most patients are astounded at how fast it is, start to finish. In and out before you know it. A fast process implies a reduction in anxiety and increased time on the job or at home.
The Mayo Clinic says that the latest bowel-prep solutions are comforting and effective. Senior leadership in healthcare facilities is responsible for formulating and implementing policies designed to promote and direct the application of the newest and most effective technology in the hospital's daily operations. It is the duty of senior leadership in the healthcare facilities to develop and establish policies aimed at encouraging and guiding the use of the latest and most effective technology in the daily activities of the hospital.
Majority of colonoscopies involve moderate or deep sedation. You remain pain free and will not normally remember the procedure. Ordinary tranquilizers are propofol and midazolam. Here's what happens:
Dr Bharat Pothuri tells us, You will not feel anything. You might even nap through it.'
The gold standard of screening colon cancer is a colonoscopy. It is able to recognize polyps of a few millimeters. Eliminating them immediately will lower your cancer risk by 90 percent. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend colonoscopy at age 45 years and above. The following statistics are provided by CDC regarding Colon Cancer Screening: (Source: CDC on Colon Cancer Screening)
Meet Houston teacher Maria, who told her true story.
I had been apprehensive before the procedure. I was taken to the office of Dr Pothuri by my husband. The preparation was simpler than I imagined only two little beverages and plenty of water. They sedated me on that day and I actually recall I told the nurse a funny story and fell asleep. I awoke in a recovery room with no pain. All right, said Dr Pothuri there is nothing to worry about. I went home, had a lunch and felt better. I was not stressing out as much as I feared.
True patient experiences such as that of Maria indicate that colon cancer screening is not as unpleasant as you may imagine.
Dr Pothuri recommends, Visualize success. Imagine being healthy after the test. Positive attitude is a long way to go.
The most common fears are pain, embarrassment and complications. Let's debunk them:
Clinics such as Gastrodoxs in Houston, have high safety standards to reduce the risk to a minimum.
| Marx | Traditional Prep | Modern Prep |
| Volume of Liquid | 4 liters (1 gallon) | 1-2 lits or capsules |
| Taste | Unflavored, bitter | Flavored, capsules |
| Timing | All night before | Split dose: night before + day of |
| Patient Comfort | Low | High |
| Clear Result Rate | >90% | >95% |
When you are putting off your first (or subsequent) colonoscopy, keep in mind these seven reasons why a colonoscopy is not as bad as you think. This simple test has enormous benefits, not to mention the ease of preparation and high detection speed. We think this education and relying on professionals such as Dr Bharat Pothuri, would help you defeat any fear at Gastrodoxs. Those few simple steps are worth your health Schedule your colonoscopy in Houston and relax.
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
It examines your colon, checking it against polyps and preliminary cancer. By hasting the procedure, you decrease your chances of developing colon cancer by removing polyps.
The middle-adolescent risk is suggested to begin at 45 years of age. A family history or other risk-related factors may encourage your doctor to screen you earlier.
Prep starts approximately 24 hours prior to your procedure and usually requires several hours in total, including drinking the solution and making frequent restroom visits.
No. You can sleep through it with sedation, and then you will feel no pain during the colonoscopy.
No. Due to the residual effects of the sedation, you require someone to come with you back home and stay overnight with you until the next day.
Yes. You must refrain 24 hours before solid food and only take clear liquids like water, broth, clear juice and tea.
On a normal first exam, you can wait 10 years before having your next screening. In the case of finding and removing polyps, a follow-up is more often than not recommended within 3-5 years of the results.
The colonoscopy is preventive care that is covered by most insurance plans. It is always important to review coverage information with your provider prior to the procedure.
You might have to undergo more regular colonoscopies. Talk to your gastroenterologist about a customized screening regimen.
Check out detailed, evidence-based colonoscopy and bowel prep guidelines on the websites of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Mayo Clinic.
