Understanding Anxiety

Anxiety is a natural human condition. It is a complex phenomenon that can be determined in part by evolution, learned behavior, chemical imbalances in the brain, and genetics, influencing how one feels about colorectal cancer screenings. All people feel anxiety from time to time, especially when it comes to cancer screening procedures like a colonoscopy.

When it comes to a medical procedure like a colonoscopy, anxiety often stems from the following sources of fear:

• Fear of pain: The patient is concerned about pain or discomfort caused by the procedure, including the use of a laxative.
• Fear of the unknown: The patient does not know what to expect or understand the procedure and what is involved.
• Fear of complications: Even though routine procedures such as colonoscopies are done 15 million times a year (with the great majority of them done without issue), a patient may fear that they would be in the minority of patients to suffer from some sort of medical complication that would cause some permanent harm.
• Fear of losing control: Given that colonoscopies are usually done under anesthesia, some patients are fearful of the bowel prep process and the effects of the laxative.

By understanding anxiety and recognizing that it is a natural response to fear, helps you as a patient understand how to combat it and overcome it, especially during colonoscopy prep.

Preparing Yourself Mentally

Education is one way to overcome the fears associated with colonoscopy and the bowel prep involved. By knowing what to expect and eliminating myths. By following the instructions, you will have a clear understanding of what a colonoscopy involves and how to prepare for a colonoscopy. Asking questions of your doctor or their medical staff and reading helpful patient literature they provide you with is an ideal solution.

Through education, not only will you learn what to expect from the procedure, but testimonials from past patients can help set your mind at ease about the colonoscopy prep and procedure. Hearing from people who successfully went through the same process, and why they were glad they had the procedure done, can help remove your doubts about getting a colonoscopy.

There are a variety of relaxation techniques that you can practice, including:

• Meditation: This is the practice of focusing your attention on the present moment. Properly done meditation can reduce stress and anxiety, especially on prep day before getting a colonoscopy.
• Deep breathing: This can slow your heart rate and provide calm, especially on prep day.
• Visualization: This is the creation of mental images of relaxing scenes/experiences that can reduce stress.
• Progressive muscle relaxation: This technique involves tensing and relaxing different muscles to release tension.
• Yoga: There are many types of yoga, incorporating breathing exercises, physical postures, and meditation. It reduces stress, as well as improving flexibility, strength and balance.

Practical Tips for Stress-Free Colonoscopy Preparation

When you are scheduled for a colonoscopy, you will receive instructions from your medical provider on how to prepare for a colonoscopy and the day before your procedure. Knowing the required schedule of “prep” and having the materials you need to engage in proper preparation can be one way to relieve the stress of this procedure. “Prep” is important; having a clean colon allows the medical provider to be able to visibly see the colon lining so that the colonoscopy can be as effective as possible.

Being comfortable during the prep is key. Steps such as wearing comfortable clothing, being near a bathroom, taking time off from work/other responsibilities while going through prep, soft toilet paper, and soothing ointments (such as diaper cream or Vaseline) are all ways to make the prep process as comfortable and discomfort-free as possible.

Staying hydrated during the process is important. Drinking plenty of clear liquids will help you from becoming dehydrated and the inherent discomfort that comes with dehydration.

Finding positives in the process such as focusing on the outcome and the peace of mind that can come from having a colon that doesn’t have cancerous or precancerous polyps is a reward for a clean bill of health and a peaceful mind.

Professional Support

If you have a fear of losing control, talk with your medical provider about sedation options. Understand what sort of sedation choices exist and recognize that sedation is often done to relieve the discomfort that is likely to exist during the colonoscopy itself.

Your medical provider and their team are your greatest ally in making sure you are comfortable with the entire process.

If your anxiety leading up to your colonoscopy is severe, you may want to seek out a counselor or therapist that can help reduce your anxiety levels and manage your stress.

ColonoscopyAssist: Your Partner in Colon Health and Cancer Screening

ColonoscopyAssist is dedicated to making colonoscopies and other gastrointestinal procedures accessible and affordable for those without insurance or who are self-paying. Our program supports those committed to digestive wellness and colon health by offering affordable cancer screening options, including colonoscopy.

Final Thoughts (Talk with Your Doctor!)

It’s natural to feel anxiety about a colonoscopy or some other medical procedure. Many people do, so you are not alone in your feelings.

By understanding the process, the preparation involved to make the process successful, and the recognition that nearly 15 million people each year undergo colonoscopies in the successful fight to stop colon cancer in its tracks can help you as a patient to fight those pre-procedure jitters.

The temporary discomfort of a colonoscopy and maintaining a routine of regular screenings are important for your long-term health and can help prevent colon cancer.