A scarecrow that is not to be feared and can save your life. We tried the colonoscopy firsthand.
Rectal cancer is one of the most widespread diseases in the world - in the Czech Republic alone, about seven thousand patients are diagnosed each year, of whom about half die due to the detection of the tumour at an advanced stage. Moreover, the incidence of the disease and the associated mortality rate are higher in men. The first signs that something is wrong in the intestines are prolonged diarrhoea, constipation or abdominal or rectal pain. However, you should also look out for increased flatulence, prolonged unexplained lower back pain and the presence of blood in the stool. None of these symptoms should be underestimated, but fear and panic are not out of place. These symptoms may have other causes.
What does the preventive screening include and who is it for?
In the Czech Republic, a national screening programme has been running for 25 years, which is why the trend here is the opposite of global statistics. Colorectal cancer-related mortality has been reduced by up to half since 2000! Despite this, only 30% of the target population over the age of 50 is being screened. Health insurance covers a test for hidden bleeding in the stool once a year and a colonoscopy every 10 years for people over 50, and a bleeding test every two years and a colonoscopy every 10 years for people over 55. However, you can also have a colonoscopy before the age of 50, after consulting your GP, but at an additional cost. You can easily find screening centres near your home.
Colonoscopy on your own
In order not to just talk about the examination, we decided in the editorial office that one of us would undergo the examination and the choice fell on me. And I won't hide the fact that I had the same fears as most of the population - fears of preparing for the examination consisting of dieting and complete defecation, and also fear of pain during the examination itself. There was also a hint of social taboo. After all, a colonoscopy is something that is not talked about! Nevertheless, I did talk to a few loved ones about the planned examination and very often got the response that they should go too, but that they kept putting it off. This finally confirmed to me that it was a really good idea not only to have the test, but also to write about it.
I made an appointment at the Sanatorium Sv. Anna in Prague, Žižkov, where they gave me information over the phone about the preparation for the examination. Especially important is the consultation about your medication! This did not apply to me, so my preparation started three days beforehand, when you should cut out fruit and vegetables, especially those containing grains and pellets, and wholemeal bread, for example, is also inappropriate. Suitable foods include white bread, soft lean meats, poultry, fish, yoghurt, snacks, mashed potatoes or biscuits.
The day before the examination, I had only biscuits for breakfast and only plain broth without vegetables and noodles for lunch. Depending on whether you undergo the examination in the morning, around noon, or in the afternoon, your doctor will recommend the appropriate dosage of lavage solution. In total, you are expected to have four litres and after drinking them, it is advisable to be near a toilet for obvious reasons. But don't expect any apocalyptic scenarios. The preparation really isn't too difficult.
No pain, no shame
My biggest concern was, of course, the examination itself. But it was completely unnecessary! Already at the reception and in the waiting room everyone was completely professional. I was given a short questionnaire, paid the extra fee and within a few minutes I was led by a nurse to a small cubicle where I changed into a pair of disposable short pants with the back missing. After I knocked to indicate that I was ready, the nurse led me to a friendly doctor who outlined the course of the examination and then I was led to a recliner with footrests. A cannula with a numbing agent was inserted into my vein and then the actual examination began.
The doctor asked me if I wanted to follow the progress and I agreed professionally. At the same time, I realized that I couldn't even feel the probe being inserted! So it seemed that the dreaded pain and discomfort would not come. The doctor described what I could see on the screen and which part of the bowel we were in. The whole scan took a few minutes and before I knew it it was over. So any fears were really completely misplaced and unnecessary. It was also important to know that everything was absolutely fine with my bowels.
I then got dressed and the nurse took me to the waiting room where they had already prepared coffee and a small snack. It was only at that point that I realized I was hungry. I then waited in the waiting room for my escort. This is not only recommended, but rather required due to the buffering agents. During the wait, I reflected back on how unnecessary my fears and shame of undergoing a colonoscopy had been. What was more, there was a stupid and actually dangerous social stigma behind everything, which tells us not to talk about this examination. Yet it is a short and painless process that can save your life or the life of someone close to you. That's why I say, "Don't be afraid of a colonoscopy and don't be afraid to talk about it! You can help someone!"
You can find your nearest screening centre here and read more patient experiences.
