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