Could you provide some information on dealing with colonoscopies?

Valid procedure: The purpose of colonoscopy is preventative, that is to define the presence of an early colon lesion, if present, before clinically symptomatic. Should be performed every 5 yrs starting at 40 y..o. and at a time when the bowel is properly cleansed with an a-gent such as Go-Lytley to assure the bowel can easily be examined. Should be carried out with light anesthesia so that procedure is painless.

Gladly!: Importantly, you should start your bowel prep early in the day before so you are not up all night. Take only clear liquids and lots of them. Most of the prep solutions (commonly GoLytely) do not taste great so I personally chase each glass of prep with chicken broth! You can drink clear liquids until 3-4 hours before the exam. You will be heavily sedated for the exam and will need a ride home.

A simple test: After appropriate colon preparation at home, arrive at the endoscopy center, change into a gown & IV is inserted. Once in the procedure room, final consent is obtained, IV sedation is given (there are options here--some patients choose no sedation, others want to be "out cold"), & a thin flexible tube with video camera is inserted per rectum & advanced, taking pictures, biopsies, & therapeutics.