When you have been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, you doctor will arrange for you to undergo an examination of the large bowel to determine the extent of the inflammation. This examination called a colonoscopy. If this sounds painful to you, then just realise that the pain that you are suffering with colitis has the potential to be greater and much more prolonged than what you have to endure from a colonoscopy.

Not that long ago, the entire large bowel would be inflated with some gas them pumped full of a liquid before a camera was inserted. This camera was extendable and not too flexible. It took photos on its ascent up the large bowel. Just imagine how uncomfortable that would have been even to someone who had a healthy bowel? There may have been the opportunity of a sedative offered yet the experience was still very uncomfortable.

With the advance to technology in medical equipment, there is no need to worry about being subject to such an experience. With the wonders that modern technology now offers, a colonoscopy now involves inserting a tiny video camera up the large bowel which is attached to a very pliable cord. Thankfully, there is normally no requirement to inflate your bowel with air or fill it with liquid. In fact, you way even be offered a sedative to take away any mild discomfort that you may experience. You may even have the opportunity to watch the examination as it happens live on a television screen in the examination room! For some, the most unpleasant aspect is actually having to take the medication which will have the effect of emptying your bowel.

The results of the colonoscopy will be discussed with you by the consultant and they will advise your doctor of the best course of action to take with regard to any additional medication that maybe required. With regard to the timing of a colonoscopy, ensure your doctor gets you an appointment at your local hospital as soon as possible after your diagnosis because your health will take a serious downturn as described previously. You don't want to have to go through this process when you are suffering the worst of the symptoms and having to endure unnecessary movement. That, if anything, could make your suffering even worse.

It is natural to have all these anxieties about how your colitis attack will affect your daily life and how to cope with living with colitis. It is here that the experience of fellow sufferers is invaluable especially in the early days when the pain and discomfort builds and major adjustments to lifestyle have to be made.