DEAR DR. GOTT: I just turned 50, and my doctor keeps talking about ordering a colonoscopy for me. I’m not sure I want to undergo one and haven’t even asked what one entails. Can you enlighten me?

DEAR READER: This is a simple same-day procedure, meaning that you will enter the hospital in the morning, have the procedure performed, and be discharged a short time after the sedative wears off.

Colonoscopy is preceded by a preparation that will be explained by someone from your doctor’s office. You will be given a solution to drink that will remove all solids from your digestive tract. Following that, you will be restricted to drinking liquids such as clear soup broth, fruit juice, ginger ale or tea the day before. You can work or function as you would ordinarily but will find yourself spending a fair amount of time in the bathroom.
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