A guide to Colonoscopy Easy Read Version
This leaflet will tell you about the test
and what will happen.
If you have more questions please ask
your doctor.
What is a colonoscopy?
The doctor thinks there might
be something wrong with your
tummy.
The hospital will send you the
time and date you need to
come.
The test is to look at the
inside of your tummy to check
if there is anything wrong.
What do I need to do before the test?
The test involves passing a thin
tube with a small camera on the
end into your bottom.
It usually takes around one hour
Bring a list of your medicines with
you. Bring any you need to take on
the day.
You can bring someone to be with
you.
Do not eat anything after you have
taken the medicine.
You can still have drinks.
You should be told which ones you
are allowed.
Talk to your doctor about the
medicines you take.
You might need to stop taking
some for the test.
You will take some
medicine that will make you
need to go to the toilet.
What will happen on the day of the test?
You will be asked to sign a form
that says you agree to have the test
done
A doctor will ask if you have any
questions about the test
You may want to ask about possible
complications or further treatment
You will be called through to a quiet room
A nurse will ask you some questions
about your health
They will measure your blood pressure by
putting a band round your arm
In hospital you will have to tell
reception you have arrived then
wait in the waiting room
A soft tube will be put in your nose to give
you oxygen help you to breathe.
This will stay in while the test is done
A clip like this will be put on your finger
A needle may be put into the back of your
hand in case the doctor needs to give you
some medicine
You will need to get changed into a
gown.
A nurse can help you if you need help
dressing.
You will then be taken through to
another room with a bed in it
The camera will blow some air into
your bottom to help the doctor see
You may need to fart because of this
air. Don’t be embarrassed as this is
normal.
The thin tube with the small camera will
be passed inside your bottom. It may
feel a little cold and be uncomfortable.
You may feel like you need to go to the
toilet. This is normal, but tell the nurse if
you feel like this and they can help you
You will need to lie down on the bed
on your left hand side
The doctor may give you some
medication to make you relaxed and
sleepy
The nurses will discuss what your
test means with you, then you can
go home!
The doctor will look at your bowel
on a screen.
The camera may be used to take a
small piece of bowel (a biopsy).
If you feel too sore or uncomfortable
you can ask the doctor to stop
You will need to rest in bed for a
short time, then you will be able to
get dressed and eat again.
If you had medicine to make you feel
sleepy it will stop working in about 24
hours. You must have somebody with
you for 24 hours after the test.
Before that do not drive, cook, operate
machinery or drink alcohol.
What do I need to do before the test?
Your doctor will be told the results of
your test.
You might have to go and see your
doctor to talk about what was found.
What happens after the test?
For any of these hospitals
Diana Princess of Wales Hospital,
Scunthorpe General Hospital,
Goole & District Hospital
Please call 03033 306999
and ask for The Endoscopy Unit
(8am – 6pm, Monday – Friday)
If after 6pm, then either contact the on-call
GP or look your discharge letter for a number
to ring
Contact Details