A colonoscopy in Plano, TX is a diagnostic tool that your gastroenterologist has to diagnose a variety of conditions that can develop in the colon. If you are a person at normal risk of colon cancer, you should get a baseline colonoscopy at age 45. If you have increased risk, Dr. Sindhu Abraham, a board-certified gastroenterologist, may recommend you start earlier.

While most people think of a colonoscopy only about colon cancer, it can also diagnose other conditions including Crohn's disease, ulcerated colitis, diverticulitis, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), and hemorrhoids. All of these can be serious conditions that need to be treated.

What keeps some people from getting a colonoscopy is fear of the procedure and also of the preparation for the procedure. This fear is misplaced. A colonoscopy is an outpatient procedure that only takes about 30 minutes to perform and recovery is only a couple of hours. You will be up and out before you even know it.

Preparing for a Colonoscopy in Plano, TX

Your gastroenterologist has choices when it comes to which preparation they choose for you. Bring up any difficulties you anticipate as well as any fears you may have. To perform a colonoscopy, your gastroenterologist will insert a flexible tube with a video camera on the end into the anus so that the interior of the colon can be observed. You will be sedated, so there is no discomfort. To be able to see the inside of the colon, it must be empty. 

The preparation for the colonoscopy begins several days before the actual procedure. Your doctor's office will call in the prescription for your laxative, and you will need to pick that up. The laxative will usually include liquids that you need to drink. How much there is to drink is the difference. There may also be the option of pills or enemas.

The day before your procedure you will be on clear liquids. This includes broth, juice, soda, and jello. Steer clear of any drinks of jello that are red or purple. The juices should be clear with no pulp. Black tea and coffee and popsicles are all acceptable. You must also stop taking any fiber supplements and any other supplement that has iron in it.

By the time you are ready to go to have your procedure, you should be, passing clear liquid stools and, hopefully, your bowel is empty, allowing the doctor to see any problems, or polyps that may exist in your colon.

Contact the office of Dr. Abraham, when you are ready to schedule your colonoscopy in Plano, TX. Give the office a call at (972) 867-0019 today.