It’s normal to feel nervous about getting a colonoscopy. You may worry about the prep, the procedure, or what the results might show.
Some people delay their screening because they feel unsure or uncomfortable. Others go through the prep only to find out something went wrong. The appointment may be delayed. The doctor may not see everything clearly. In some cases, the colonoscopy must be repeated.
Whether it’s your first colonoscopy or your 5th, here are 5 colonoscopy mistakes you don’t want to make when it comes to colonoscopy screenings:
The biggest mistake you can make with a colonoscopy is not getting one when you’re supposed to.
Everyone aged 45 and above should have a colonoscopy. People with risk factors may need to be screened earlier. This includes a family history of colon cancer, being African American, or if you’re experiencing bowel symptoms.
After your first colonoscopy, your doctor will recommend an appropriate colonoscopy schedule based on your results and risk factors. For many people, that’s once every 10 years. If you’ve had polyps removed or have other risk factors, it may be more frequent.
Read more about screening guidelines or schedule an appointment.
Colonoscopy prep is better than it used to be. Many prep options use less liquid and are easier to drink.
Even so, prep instructions can change. Do not assume your prep is the same as a previous colonoscopy.
If your bowel is not fully cleaned, your doctor may not be able to see important areas. Polyps could be missed, or your procedure may need to be rescheduled.
Not following prep instructions is one of the most common colonoscopy mistakes.
Patients should not drink anything, including water, within three hours of their arrival time.
If you take medications, take them three hours or more before arriving, unless your doctor gives different instructions.
Anesthesia is used during a colonoscopy. An empty stomach helps lower the risk of problems and keeps you safe during the procedure.
Do not chew gum or use tobacco within three hours of your arrival time.
Chewing gum increases stomach contents, which can raise the risk of anesthesia problems. Tobacco and nicotine can also affect how your body responds to anesthesia and how quickly you recover.
For best results, stop all nicotine products at least 24 hours before your colonoscopy.
After anesthesia, you may feel sleepy or less alert. You will not be allowed to drive yourself home.
You must bring a responsible adult to drive you. Taxis, rideshare services, and public transportation are not allowed after anesthesia.
This rule is in place to protect your safety.
Avoiding common colonoscopy mistakes can help your screening go smoothly and give your doctor the clearest results.
If you live in San Antonio and are due for a colonoscopy, scheduling your screening is an important step toward protecting your health.
Stop delaying your colonoscopy – schedule an appointment today!
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