When You Should Have a Colonoscopy

When you are in need of a colonoscopy in New Lenox, IL, or Bourbonnais, IL, you can count on the experienced team of gastroenterologists at Digestive Diseases Consultants. We have two offices for your convenience. A colonoscopy is a diagnostic tool that gastroenterologists use to check out the colon. It is a procedure but is done as an outpatient. Most people agree that the prep is worse than the procedure, but it is a small price to pay for the benefit of getting an early diagnosis of some potentially serious illnesses.

When To Have a Colonoscopy

As part of your overall healthcare plan, you will likely be recommended to a gastroenterologist when you are 45 years old. If you have a family history that makes you more likely to develop colon cancer, your primary care doctor may suggest that you visit a gastroenterologist earlier than that. If your parents, grandparents, or siblings have had colon cancer or polyps, it is a good idea to begin screening sooner rather than later. 

When you have an inflammatory bowel condition such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, you may also need to begin testing earlier and get more frequent tests. 

After an initial colonoscopy, if nothing abnormal is discovered, you will be scheduled for another colonoscopy in 10 years. If something abnormal is discovered, you will be asked to come back sooner. It might be one year, and it might be as long as 5 years. It depends on what was discovered. 

A colonoscopy is a great tool when it comes to colon cancer, but it is also helpful in diagnosing other conditions. It can help to detect diverticulitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerated colitis, internal hemorrhoids, and IBS. Having a definitive diagnosis can help you to make whatever lifestyle and dietary changes are necessary.

Reasons To Get a Colonoscopy

There are many reasons to have a colonoscopy include:

  • Your 45 years old
  • You have a family history of colon cancer
  • You have unexplained rectal bleeding
  • Your bowel habits have changed
  • Your stools are very narrow
  • You have black stools
  • You have unexplained weight loss
  • Pain in your bowels

If you have one or more of these symptoms, talk to your primary care physician about seeing a gastroenterologist.   

Contact Digestive Diseases Consultants for a colonoscopy in New Lenox, and Bourbonnais, IL. Our team of gastroenterologists can be reached at either office by calling (815) 937-5200 or via our website.

Our Locations

Bourbonnais Location | New Lenox Location



BOURBONNAIS LOCATION

1615 N Convent St #1
1615 N Convent St, Bourbonnais, IL 60914
(815) 937-5200
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NEW LENOX LOCATION

1890 Silver Cross Blvd., Suite #225
New Lenox, IL 60451
(815) 937-5200
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Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Bourbonnais Office

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-3:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

New Lenox Office

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-3:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed