What is the best prep for a colonoscopy?

Let’s face it, having a colonoscopy can be an unpleasant experience. You have to fast for hours on end and then spend some quality time on the toilet. But with the right prep, you can make your colonoscopy as painless as possible. So buckle up, grab some wet wipes (!), and get ready for our ultimate guide to prepping for your colonoscopy.

What Exactly is a Colonoscopy?

For those of you who might not know much about this delightful procedure, a colonoscopy involves inserting a long tube with a camera into your rectum and all the way through to your large intestine (also known as the colon). It allows doctors to check out any abnormalities such as polyps or signs of cancer.

Why Do I Need One Anyway?

We know what you’re thinking – “Why do I need one? My stomach feels fine!” But here’s the thing: cancers in the digestive system are often asymptomatic early on – meaning they don’t produce any noticeable symptoms until later stages. By that point, treatment options become more limited (and less effective). A regular colon screening is generally recommended starting at age 50 or sooner if there are other risk factors involved.

Ok so now we’ve established why getting screened is important let’s move onto…

The Prep Process

Unfortunately, this isn’t something you can wing last minute like cramming for an exam (cough definitely never done that cough). At minimum,sedation will be given during your examination resulting in mandatory preparation before hand involving:

Change Up Your Dinner Plans

The day before your exam eat low-fiber meals consisting of only clear liquids such as soda water & chicken broth from 10 am till after dinner with none past midnight where eating or drinking must stop entirely. This helps clean out anything left inside your bowels before your procedure.

Prep Kit

Prior to the day of your test, your doctor may direct you towards a prep kit that contains laxatives (such as Dulcolax®), and powder mixes (such as Miralax®) readily available at most drug stores.

During the colonoscopy prep process, expect a few visits to the bathroom! (You’ve been warned) And even though it’s inconvenient right now think about what taking care of this today means for tomorrow- no surprises during or after surgery!

Get Comfortable

In preparation for your big moment in front of the camera (…well inside actually!) get comfortable with some content that helps pass time while waiting. The night before you can get cozy with some soft blankets and breeze through an engrossing novel…or if reading ain’t ya vibe queue up some binge worthy TV shows instead.

Hydrate, hydrate ,hydra-e-e-ate

The day leading into staring into King Cobsack’s nostril tends to revolve around empty fluids but don’t forget about replenishing water intake so dehydration doesn’t nip at annoyingly late-hours in bed. Keep clear fluids coming as much possible right up until midnight.

Dos & Do NOTS

Oh dear readers these are just guidelines -in reality there’ll always be moments uniqueness makes each person different -but here are things we advise avoiding within approximately 24hours prior:

DO LIST:

  • Drink only clear liquids.
  • Love yourself by inhaling slow deep breaths every hour
  • Quell worries by planing what’ll eat following exam without forgetting low fiber foods!

DON’T LIST:

  • Ignore directions specific instructions provided from doctors
  • Snacking on heavy fruit like apples, blackberries or strawberries.
  • Add fatty toppings salt to meals.

It’s important to stick closely to the DO-LIST which ensures you properly flush out stool with ease. Unlike the DON’T LIST,which will not result in a smooth procedure.

Conclusion

Congratulations on making it through the prep process! While we can’t guarantee your colonoscopy will be entirely pleasant (it is still shoving a tube up your butt after all…) but at least you’re now armed with excellent tips to make things run as smoothly as possible. Remember: getting screened regularly is important for catching potential issues early, so don’t let fear hold you back from taking care of yourself!

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