I had my first coloscopy this year and being honest, I found out that the drugs don't work on me. I had a panic attack. The procedure is anxiety-inducing and uncomfortable BUT it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be and YES I would willingly do it again completely conscious, just like the first time.

My great grandmother had colon cancer (and beat it). My mom has inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Colonoscopies and gastroenterologists played a huge role in them still being alive today.

I'm dropping into the responses because I know a few people with IBD. These people weren't taken seriously in the beginning when they reported to the ER or their GPs with abdominal pain, and other symptoms that were covered in this article. They were dismissed. Sent home. Some were given medications to manage pain.

If you have abdominal pain or any of the other symptoms in this article, please, please, please be the biggest advocate for your own health. Ask to see a gastroenterologist and if they think you should have a colonoscopy then have one. Life-long illness and death should make you a lot more afraid and uncomfortable than any medical test ever will.

Thank you Erik Parker for covering such an important topic in your article and breaking down the walls that surround the ever-ominous colonoscopy.

People have to stop fearing medical procedures and start preventing the "we caught it too late" diagnoses by advocating for their health and the healthcare of others.