What is a Colonoscopy?

A procedure most often used to look for early signs of cancer in the colon and rectum is called the "colonoscopy." It is used to look for causes of unexplained changes in bowel habits and/or to evaluate symptoms such as abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, and weight loss.

What is the preparation for a colonoscopy?

You will need to follow a liquid diet for 1 to 3 days before the procedure
You will most likely be asked to take a laxative the night before the procedure and in some cases you might be asked to give yourself an enema

The liquid diet should be clear and not contain food colorings. It may include:

Fat-free bouillon or broth
Strained fruit juice
Water
Plain coffee
Plain tea
Diet soda
Gelatin

You will need to inform your doctor of any medical conditions you have or medications you take routinely such as:

Aspirin
Arthritis medications
Blood thinners
Diabetes medication
Vitamins that contain iron

Also inform the medical staff of any medical condition that may need special attention such as:

Heart disease
Lung disease
Or any medical condition that needs special attention

You won't be allowed to drive yourself home after being sedated.

What happens during the procedure?

You will lie on your left side on the examining table
You will be given pain medication and a moderate sedative to keep you comfortable and help you relax during the exam
The doctor and a nurse will monitor vital signs, look for signs of discomfort and make adjustments as needed
The doctor will insert a long, flexible, lighted tube into your rectum and slowly guide it into your colon
You may be asked to change positions at times
Most patients do not remember the procedure afterwards
The doctor can remove most abnormal growths in the colon such as a polyp, which are most usually not cancerous, but could turn to cancer
Removed polyps are sent to a lab for testing
By identifying and removing polyps, a colonoscopy likely prevents most cancers from forming
The doctor can also remove tissue samples to test in the lab for diseases of the colon (biopsy)
You may feel mild cramping during the procedure. Take several slow, deep breaths to alleviate this.

Are there any complications that can occur during a colonoscopy?

Bleeding and puncture of the colon are possible, but uncommon How long does the procedure take?
30 to 60 minutes Side effects after a colonoscopy you should report to your doctor immediately include:
Bloody bowel movements
Dizziness
Weakness

Additional instructions include:

Read your discharge instructions carefully
Medications like blood-thinners may need to be stopped for a short time, especially if a biopsy was performed or polyps removed

When can you expect to recover from a colonoscopy?

Full recovery is expected by the next day

When can you return to normal activities?

The day after a colonoscopy

Source: National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information in this article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All health concerns should be addressed by a qualified health care professional.

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Author: Connie Limon. Visit http://smalldogs2.com/NutritionHealthHub and sign up for a weekly nutrition and health tip. The article collection is available as FREE reprints for your newsletters, websites or blog. For a variety of FREE reprint articles on various topics rarely seen elsewhere visit http://www.camelotarticles.com

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The Neti Pot - Oprah Winfrey Gets It Right

As a thirty-something male, I tend to disregard anything Oprah related as pure rubbish. Remember the whole debacle involving the book "A Million Little Pieces"? It seems that the instant Oprah Winfrey gives her approval to something, millions of her loyal Oprahfiles run out and clear the store shelfs of said product. Well, for once I have benefited from the Oprah effect and I am willing to give her credit for helping to improve my quality of life.

Let me state up front that I was not actually watching Oprah. My mother is a loyal Oprahfile and after seeing Dr. Oz demonstrate the Neti Pot and expound on the benefits of regular sinus irrigation, she bought one the next day. In case you are not familiar with the concept of nasal irrigation, it is simply the act of pouring salt water in one nostril and letting it drain out the other. This clears the sinuses and prevents bacteria from collecting in the mucus that is usually stuck in your sinus cavities. Used in India for a thousand years, the Neti Pot is just a tiny tea pot with a long spout. They can be found at just about any major drug store and usually come with a month supply of saline packets.

After using the Neti Pot for less than a week, I was breathing easier and sleeping much better. I also stopped snoring since I was no longer "clogged" up. Currently, I use mine every other night before going to bed. Used properly, there are really no bad side effects since the solution just contains salt and water.

I find it strange that I have been to multiple doctors over the years for sinus related problems and none have ever suggested the neti pot. Instead, they would prescribe Claritin, Flonase, or if I already had an infection they would send me off with Amoxicillin. This is a prime example of how western medicine is focused on new magic pill cures and completely ignore preventative techniques that have worked for thousands of years. Imagine how many other techniques have been lost and forgotten.

To learn more about the neti pot and how it can relieve sinus headaches visit http://www.relieve-headaches.com.

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