A colonoscopy procedure is relatively straightforward and involves checkup of the linings of the colon and the rectum. This is usually requested by medical practitioners to investigate symptoms that include bowel problems, abdomen discomfort and bleeding around the rectal area. Read on to learn more about what to do before, during and after a colonoscopy Conway process.

You should tell your doctor about any significant medical conditions you are having before a colonoscopy. These include respiratory, cardiac, and hormonal issues. These conditions could change how the procedure is handled especially about the prescriptions you receive. The doctor will suggest some changes to your food and drink intake a day before the procedure is carried out.

The most common prescription is a laxative. You will be asked to take this to help clean your colon for easier observation. In addition to a laxative, you may be asked to take an enema on the morning of the procedure. This helps push out anything within the colon that is left out by the laxative. This will only be effective if it remains in the body for at least five minutes. You need to ensure that you hold it in for that long.

An often forgotten consideration is that of transport. You must make arrangements for getting back home from the hospital. You are advised to avoid driving after the colonoscopy since the effects of the sedative used in the procedure are still quite strong. Plan to have a cab pick you from the hospital or have a colleague drive you home. The sedation goes away after a few hours.

Colonoscopies take less than an hour when carried out by a qualified physician. The procedure starts with the administration of a sedative. This will start making you feel relaxed and dozy when it takes effect. The doctor will then prepare the main medical device for the procedure which is a colonoscope. This is an elastic and cylindrical medical appliance that be easily moved through the colon allowing for easy examination.

While the procedure is ongoing, the expert will transmit an image of your colon so that the doctor can scrutinize it for any abnormalities. This is often done while the patient lies on their left side. The device blows air so that the walls of the colon are more visible after expansion. While this happens, you may experience some minor cramps. The tube is quite flexible and will easily move past along the curves of the intestines with ease.

You should breathe deeply and slowly to reduce the effects of any cramping that may occur. When the process is complete, the colonoscope will be gradually removed as the doctor inspects the lining of the bowel area. You will then be kept in a room for a while as you are observed for any problems although these rarely occur. You might experience some discomfort, mild cramping and bloating. However, these symptoms will go away after a short while.

You will be able to resume normal day to day activities including diet almost immediately. However, you should be very keen to follow all the instructions given at discharge. Let your doctor know if any problems occur after the procedure.