Colon Exam: Should You Get One?

Colon cancer is a major issue. It is a major killer. The reason that it is so dangerous is that it, as many cancers, can grow a long time before it is discovered.

For the most part, especially when you are under 40-years-old, in order to see if you have colon cancer, you will simply be asked to complete a home test called an occult blood test.

This test consists of taking a sampling at three different times of your stools and forwarding them through the mail system to a lab on a specially designed card.

Ultimately, however, as you age or, if you show any specific symptoms, your doctor will ask you to get a colon exam.

What is a colon exam?

A colon exam consists of getting a barium enema and then having an X-Ray taken.

A colon exam can become somewhat uncomfortable. Barium and air are “contrasted” to give he doctor a good look at the bowel. This is accomplished by alternating the injection of barium and air into the rectum. Sometimes it is necessary to give the patient an injection of Glucagen to relax the bowel.

As a result you may begin to cramp. You will be asked to hold your breath while the film is being taken. Once the film has been taken, you will be taken to the restroom to get rid of as much of the barium as possible.

The colon exam typically takes from 1 to 1 ½ hours.

How do I prepare for the colon exam?

The day before your exam drink only clear liquids. Drink 96 ounces of fruit juice throughout the day. Do not eat any solid foods or milk including milk products.

At noon the day before the colon exam, add 1 ½ fluid ounces (3 tablespoons) of Fleet Phospho-soda to 4 fluid ounces of water and then follow this by drinking eight ounces of water or fruit juice.

Repeat this procedure at 8:00 p.m.

Additionally drink 24 fluid ounces of water at bedtime and then do not drink anything after midnight.

The morning of the exam do not eat or drink anything.

Take all necessary medications with water.

Give yourself a fleet enema two hours before coming to the medical center.

For the net few days after the exam you may experience constipation. Make sure and drink plenty of water to offset this problem.

I found the colon exam to be somewhat annoying but certainly not extremely painful.

Often the doctor will administer a mild sedative to help you get through the exam.

Everyone should get a colon exam. Odds are that your exam will be normal. However, that still provides a baseline for future exams.

A colon exam can save your life.

References:

“Colon Exam,” Brochure, WH 80156, Methodist Medical Center

Personal Experience

Reference:

• “Colon Exam,” Brochure, WH 80156, Methodist Medical Center
• Personal Experience