Ulcerative colitis (US) is an inflammatory bowel disease that thousands of people suffer from in the US alone. Many who have this disease will have to have a colonoscopy, regardless of what age they are. Though it may seem like a scary procedure, a colonoscopy for UC patients is not very different than it would be from anyone else.
Colonoscopy
Reasons
Before you get a colonoscopy, you should meet with your GI doctor. The doctor who is familiar with your UC disease should be the one who both recommends and performs the procedure on you. This is because they are the most familiar with your disease and know best treat what they find. It is vital for all UC sufferers to get a colonoscopy early in their diagnosis not only to catch any potential problems but also to help with the providing relief through medical treatments.
Preparation
The prep for a colonoscopy will be provided to you from your GI doctor before you head in for the procedure. Sine a scope involves looking at your intestinal digestive tract, you will want to make sure you are not doing anything and taking any drugs that can skew the results of your test. Your prep will require you to take a laxative and a cleansing solution 24 hours before the procedure to 'clean you out'.
For UC patients, this might seem scary due to the nature of the disease, but do not worry. Make sure that you have all of your affairs in order and that you can be at home, and comfortable while you take the cleansing solution. This way, a bathroom is just a few steps away at all time. The solution should wear off by bedtime and you will be all set for the procedure the next day.
Diet
Before a colonoscopy, your diet will have to change. Days before your scope, start to eat foods that are less caustic on your system so the cleansing process will run smoother. Avoid meats, greasy foods, and red colored products (this alters the natural color of your intestines). You will get details from your GI doctor, but you should be aware that 2 days before the scope that you will have a specific set of foods to avoid (such as seeds and vegetables). Once you are in the 24 hour time frame, you will have to stop eating completely and will be limited to liquids. Your last liquid will be at bedtime and you will not be permitted anything until after the procedure.
Procedure
The procedure itself is relatively painless. The worst part is getting the IV. For almost every colonoscopy, you will be put under anesthesia and won't know anything happened until it is over. Ulcerative colitis patients are more likely to experience heavier cramping than others who are scoped. It would be beneficial to inform the nursing and staff of your condition in case you need help getting to a bathroom quickly after the procedure as you may be drowsy from the drugs. Note that you will definitely need a person to drive you to and from the procedure, as you cannot operate a car.
Recovery
The recovery from a colonoscopy for UC patients is relatively simple. The anesthetics should wear off within an hour (sometimes even quicker). Immediately after the procedure, you will stay in the hospital bed for a period of time until the nurse deems you are good to be released to the person who is taking you home. Once home, you can begin to eat and drink as normal. Your ability to eat will vary by individual, but you will have a pretty strong appetite after not eating for 24 hours or more. For a UC patient, ease back into what foods you eat in order to not over-stress your digestive tract.
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