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I Had a Colonoscopy and Didn’t Know I Was Pregnant
I was 25 years old and had been experiencing some abdominal pain for a few weeks. I went to the doctor and was told that I had a colon polyp and needed to have a colonoscopy. I was nervous about the procedure, but I knew it was necessary. The day of the colonoscopy, I went to the hospital and was given a sedative. I fell asleep and woke up a few hours later. The doctor told me that the colonoscopy went well and that he had removed the polyp. I was so relieved. I went home and went to bed. The next morning, I woke up and felt like I had been hit by a truck. I had a terrible headache, my body ached, and I was nauseous. I called the doctor and was told that I was probably just experiencing the effects of the sedative. I decided to stay home from work and rest. Later that day, I started to feel worse. I had a fever, chills, and my stomach was cramping. I called the doctor again and was told to go to the emergency room. When I got to the emergency room, I was examined by a doctor who told me that I had a urinary tract infection (UTI). I was given antibiotics and sent home. The next day, I felt even worse. I had a fever, chills, and my stomach was cramping even worse. I called the doctor again and was told to go back to the emergency room. When I got to the emergency room, I was examined by a doctor who told me that I had a perforated colon. I was rushed into surgery and had my colon repaired. I spent the next week in the hospital recovering from surgery. I was so grateful to the doctors and nurses who saved my life. I learned a valuable lesson that day: always listen to your body and don’t ignore any symptoms, even if you think they’re minor.
The Importance of Screening
Colonoscopies are an important screening tool for colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in the United States. It is estimated that over 140,000 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer this year, and over 50,000 people will die from the disease. Screening is the best way to find colorectal cancer early, when it is most treatable. Colonoscopies are recommended for everyone over the age of 50. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, you may need to start screening sooner. Talk to your doctor about your risk of colorectal cancer and when you should start screening.
What to Expect During a Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is a procedure in which a doctor inserts a long, thin tube with a camera on the end into your rectum and colon. The camera allows the doctor to see the inside of your colon and look for any abnormalities. Colonoscopies are usually performed in a hospital or outpatient clinic. You will be given a sedative to help you relax during the procedure. The colonoscopy will take about 30 minutes to an hour. After the colonoscopy, you will be taken to a recovery room where you will be monitored until you are fully awake. You may experience some cramping and bloating after the colonoscopy, but these symptoms should go away within a few days.
Risks of Colonoscopy
Colonoscopies are generally safe procedures, but there are some risks involved. These risks include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Perforation (a tear in the colon)
- Reaction to the sedative
The risks of colonoscopy are rare, but they are important to be aware of before you have the procedure.
Tips for Preparing for a Colonoscopy
There are a few things you can do to prepare for a colonoscopy:
- Follow the instructions your doctor gives you. This will include information on what to eat and drink before the procedure.
- Cleanse your bowels. This will involve taking a laxative to empty your bowels before the procedure.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure. You will not be able to drive yourself home after the colonoscopy because you will be under the effects of the sedative.
Following these tips will help you prepare for your colonoscopy and make the procedure as smooth as possible.
FAQs About Colonoscopies
Here are some of the most common questions about colonoscopies:
- How often should I get a colonoscopy?
Most people should get a colonoscopy once every 10 years. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, you may need to get a colonoscopy more often. - What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer?
Symptoms of colorectal cancer can include:- Rectal bleeding
- Blood in your stool
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Narrow stools
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- What are the treatment options for colorectal cancer?
Treatment options for colorectal cancer depend on the stage of the cancer. Treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy.
If you have any questions about colonoscopies, talk to your doctor.
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