Colonoscopy: what can i expect?

Not bad: The most annoying part is the bowel cleanout the day before. You have to drink a fluid that makes you have enough bowel movements until your stool becomes clear. The colonoscopy procedure itself is usually easy. When you go home you will have some abdominal discomfort and bloating. Sometimes you can have a little rectal bleeding as well.

Prep worst part: You will have a modified diet and bowel prep day before. At time of colonoscopy you will be sedated with an intravenous sedative. The procedure usually only lasts 20 minutes. You'll wake up in recovery and the endoscopist will tell you the findings. Rest the remainder of the day. If all is ok, you won't need another one in 5-10 years depending on your situation.

Nothing particular: It is a painless procedure...So most people feel fine. If a polyp was found, it will likely be removed. That too is painless. But there can be some minor bleeding if there was a biopsy done but that too is rare.Hopefully you get good news that you do not have cancer in the colon.

Tired: Most people who have a colonoscopy who had sedation, will state that they were tired, possibly hungry, or even their normal selves.