How do I get over my fear of a colonoscopy?

How to Overcome Colonoscopy Fears
  1. Make cancer screenings part of your to-do list. March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month – a good reminder to make one doctor's appointment you may be avoiding. ...
  2. Correct colorectal health misconceptions. ...
  3. Schedule your screenings. ...
  4. Take action to stay healthy.


Is it normal to be scared of a colonoscopy?

Fear of colonoscopy is a very common phobia. However, there's no need to fear a colonoscopy procedure. Anxiety over the unknown is often the scariest part of a colon screening.

How can I stop being scared of a colonoscopy?

Use hygiene wipes or ointments to help with irritation. So now you are ready for the procedure – but remember you have sedation options to make you as comfortable as possible. Talk to your doctor about all the various options, and remember colonoscopies are hardly ever scary or painful!


Why am I so nervous about getting a colonoscopy?

Embarrassment and not having enough knowledge about the procedure are two factors that cause anxiety around colonoscopies, says Dr. Deepak Agrawal, a gastroenterologist and an associate professor with the UT Southwestern Medical Center Department of Internal Medicine. "Embarrassment is probably more cultural," he says.

How do you mentally prepare for a colonoscopy?

How To Get (Mentally And Physically) Colonoscopy Ready
  1. Follow instructions. Your doctor will provide you with detailed instructions prior to your exam. ...
  2. Stock your bathroom. ...
  3. Watch your diet. ...
  4. Drink clear fluids. ...
  5. Doctor your prep drink. ...
  6. Stay on schedule.


Why you shouldn’t be afraid to get a colonoscopy



What is the easiest colonoscopy prep to tolerate?

What is the easiest prep to take for a colonoscopy?
  • A sulfate-free and flavored formula, such as NuLYTELY or TriLyte (PEG), for better taste.
  • A lower-volume formula, such as MiraLAX or Halflytely (PEG), so there's less to drink.


Is it better to have a colonoscopy in the morning or afternoon?

Colonoscopies performed in the afternoon (PM) have been shown to have lower adenoma detection rates (ADR) compared to those in the morning (AM). Endoscopist fatigue has been suggested as a possible reason. Colonoscopies tend to be technically more challenging in female patients.

Can a colonoscopy be done without sedation?

Millions of people each year have a colonoscopy and do well, even without sedation. A colonoscopy is the gold standard for colon cancer screening. During the procedure, a doctor can view your entire colon and rectum, and remove potentially premalignant growths called polyps.


Can you take anxiety meds before colonoscopy?

Yes, if you take medication for anxiety (worrying more than normal) or depression, you can take your medications before coming in for your colonoscopy. I have diabetes and my blood sugar is low. We know how important a healthy blood sugar levels is for our patients, especially those with diabetes.

Is a colonoscopy a high risk procedure?

The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy estimates that only three in 1,000 colonoscopies leads to serious complications. But even when serious complications arise, it is exceedingly rare that they are life-threatening, and doctors are well-trained to treat any complications with proven methods.

What can be done to make a colonoscopy easier on a person?

What are some tips to make my colonoscopy prep easier?
  1. Prep for your prep. Read your prep instructions thoroughly one week before your colonoscopy. ...
  2. Cut back on fiber. ...
  3. Find the right prep for you. ...
  4. Chill it, flavor it and drink it through a straw. ...
  5. Stay close to the bathroom. ...
  6. Share your concerns with your doctor.


How strong is sedation for colonoscopy?

Moderate sedation.

This is one of the most common forms of sedation used. The medications are usually midazolam and fentanyl – a mild sedative and a pain killer. This is a nice, safe combination, and usually causes amnesia for the procedure.

How do you go lightly for a colonoscopy?

Drink one 8 ounce glass every ten minutes until the entire bottle is consumed. You should complete drinking the laxative preparation by 8:00 P.M. Drink the preparation with a straw; this may make it easier to consume.

How long does a colonoscopy take?

The camera sends images to an external monitor so that the doctor can study the inside of your colon. The doctor can also insert instruments through the channel to take tissue samples (biopsies) or remove polyps or other areas of abnormal tissue. A colonoscopy typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes.


What does colonoscopy sedation feel like?

Colonoscopies aren't usually painful because most patients receive a sedative before the procedure starts. The sedative makes you so sleepy that you usually don't feel or remember anything of the procedure.

How long does it take to recover from a colonoscopy?

The First Week after a Colonoscopy

After polyps are removed it can take up to a week for the patient to fully recover. During this time, patients should avoid all strenuous activities, which includes lifting anything over five pounds.

What happens if I can't drink all the colonoscopy prep?

If you are struggling to drink your colonoscopy prep without throwing up, survivors recommend drinking the laxative cold – and through a straw – for the most pleasant experience.


How do you get through the day before a colonoscopy?

The day before the colonoscopy procedure — Don't eat solid foods. Instead, consume only clear liquids like clear broth or bouillon, black coffee or tea, clear juice (apple, white grape), clear soft drinks or sports drinks, Jell-O, popsicles, etc.

Will I be up all night with colonoscopy prep?

The good news is that there is usually very little discomfort. You will likely be able to sleep through the night once the first round of evening prep is over. Finding colon polyps early before they can become cancerous can save your life and doing the prep is worth it.

How painful is unsedated colonoscopy?

Previous studies have reported that 74% of patients felt no pain or only mild discomfort during unsedated colonoscopy. Thus, routine administration of sedative or analgesic agents to all patients was considered unnecessary. However, unsedated colonoscopy is considered an option for some but not for all patients.


What is the best sedation for colonoscopy?

The medication commonly used for deep sedation is propofol, which is not an opioid. It acts fast, wears off quickly, and is safe for most patients.

How much does a colonoscopy hurt without sedation?

And overall, the discomfort was minimal, hitting maybe 3-max out of 10 on the pain-meter for seconds at a time here and there, and otherwise never going beyond 2 out of 10, comparable, perhaps, to a very mild cramp.

When should I start prep for a 7am colonoscopy?

Typically, bowel prep medication is a solution that you will need to drink starting one day before your procedure. You will be asked to take the colon prep in two doses: the first dose, 3-6 pm the night before your procedure; the second dose, 6-8 hours before your procedure.


What is the newest colonoscopy prep?

SUTAB includes 24 tablets that must be taken before the colonoscopy. You must split it up into two doses of 12 tablets each. You start by taking 12 tablets the evening before the colonoscopy. The morning of the colonoscopy, you must complete the second dose of 12 tablets.

Will I feel normal day after colonoscopy?

The vast majority of people feel back to normal quickly and don't suffer any pain or serious discomfort during or after a colonoscopy – and the test could save your life. If you're older than 45 or have a family history of colorectal cancer, talk to your doctor today about when you should schedule yours.