Colonoscopy-Procedure

I'm happy to report that I underwent my colonoscopy this morning and have lived to tell the tale!  As you may recall from yesterday's post, I was struggling with the preparation and feeling quite anxious.

Lynn's (Great) Aunt, Sr. Pat picked me up at 9 a.m. and drove me to the location: http://www.fcendocenter.com/  After I filled out more paperwork, they took my blood pressure, pulse, and temperature.  Then I had to take everything off and put on one of the hospital gowns (and footies). The nurse came back and put in the IV.  Finally, they walked me to the procedure room and got me "comfy." 

A colonoscopy is a procedure which is used to examine the entire colon (large intestine). It may help explain symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, blood in the stools or change in bowel habits. It is primarily used to screen for colon cancer by looking for polyps which are often the precursors to cancer.


A colonoscope is a long flexible tube with a light at the end. It is inserted into the rectum and steered through the entire colon. The scope transmits an image so the physician can carefully examine the lining of the colon. The scope bends, so the physician can move it around the curves of your colon. The scope also blows air into your colon, which inflates the colon and helps the physician to visualize better.

My doctor, Ed Levine (see picture below), came in and briefed me on the findings: 3 polyps were found. Dr. Levin has performed all of my colonoscopies. Polyps are precancerous growths which have the potential to grow and become cancer. If these are seen, they are removed by polypectomy. This is performed by wrapping a wire snare around them and cauterizing (burning) them. Once removed they can no longer grow or become cancerous.  That tissue is then sent to the lab for evaluation. It will take 10 days for Pathology to determine if the polyps were cancerous.  They gave me a sheet of paper with pictures of the polyps and the location.  (Lynn didn't think anyone would want to see the inside of my intestine).

Dr. Ed Levine

Similar to all medical tests, colonoscopy is not a perfect test. Colon polyps and colon cancers can be missed less than 5% of the time. Colonoscopy and polypectomy are generally safe when performed by physicians who have been specifically trained and are experienced in these procedures. All medical procedures have risks attached. The overall complication rate for colonoscopy is 1 in 2000 patients.

Sr. Pat was waiting for me and returned me back home. Thank You!  On the way back, stopped and got a turkey & swiss sandwich.  Boy, did that taste good after not eating for over 24 hours.

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Updated Saturday 26 December 2015 for pictures that disappeared.