Let's Talk Colonoscopy!

[lizzywednesday]

I learned over the summer that my brother Ger had cancerous polyps removed from his colon; he only *just* turned 40 in October 2021.

They would never have caught those if he hadn't been to the ER for what he thought was a different issue, as current colon cancer screenings don't start for people without a 1st-degree relative with cancer/abnormal colonoscopy until 45.

I'll turn 44 in March, but with his colonoscopy & polyps being cancer, this accelerates my timeline to get screened. I'm not interested in a fecal sample test.

I will check my insurance to see what kind of paperwork I'll need (i.e. - will I need a prescription/referral before I make an appointment? I'm used to not having referrals because we have an open-access plan.)

What should I know about the prep?
What should I have on hand to be sure I'm comfortable?
What kind of sedation do they offer?
How long will it be before I'll be allowed to drive?

Thanks in advance!