Knowing your body inside and out

It’s very important that you take care of yourself and maintain good health. With today’s modern medicine and technology, many Americans have access to good health care services and resources and are living longer now than in previous years.
However, the question is “Do you know your body as well as you think?” Well, there is a medical procedure, called a colonoscopy, that is designed to give patients “insight” as to what is actually happening inside their bodies.
Colonoscopy is performed by a gastroenterologist and is a procedure that allows physicians to insert a tool into the patient’s rectum and move it through the bowel.
There are several reasons why the procedure is performed. One reason is to look for early signs of cancer in the colon and rectum, especially when there is a strong family history of the disease. The procedure is also used to diagnose reasons for unexplained bowel habit changes. The examination enables the physician to see inflamed tissue, abnormal growth, ulcers, and bleeding.
When preparing for the exam, the patient’s colon must be completely empty for the colonoscopy to be safe. It is strongly suggested that the patient follow a liquid diet for 1 to 3 days before the procedure. The liquid diet can consist of broth, water, stained fruit juice, plain coffee, plain tea, or diet soda.
As for the actual procedure, the physician will insert a long, flexible, lighted tube, called a colonoscope, into the patient’s rectum and slowly guide it into the colon. The scope transmits an image of the inside of the colon in order for the physician to examine the colon’s lining. The flexibility of the scope makes it possible for the physician to move it around the curves of the colon.
In addition, air is blown form the scope into the colon, inflating it so the physician can get a better image. If anything abnormal is found in the colon, like an inflamed tissue, the physician can remove all or part of it using small instruments passed through the scope. If bleeding occurs in the colon, the physician can pass a laser, probe, or inject medicines through the scope to stop the bleeding.
The cost of the procedure may vary. When asked if the procedure is covered by insurance at the Southern University Infirmary, a nurse at the facility said, “it depends on whether or not the patient had a pre-existing disease.” The student should call to find out if any out-of-pocket expenses will be incurred.
When asked if she would ever consider the procedure, Shea Briley, an Education major, from Geismar said, “I would not be interested in it because it seems very painful.” The procedure can be done inpatient or outpatient and usually takes 30-60 minutes.
Colonoscopy is just one of the many technological advances that is available in many medical facilities. The procedure is another way to detect early sign of disease or abnormal bodily behavior. As with any other procedure, you should first consult a doctor and know exactly what to expect. It’s extremely important to know your body, and this procedure will literally bring you a step closer to knowing your body inside and out.