Are you gearing up for a colonoscopy but feeling anxious about the preparation process? Fret not! Let’s embark on a journey together to make your colonoscopy experience as effective and comfortable as possible. Stick around for expert tips and tricks to ace your colonoscopy prep with ease. Let’s dive in! 🌟
Discussing Your Preparation Options
One of the first steps in preparing for a colonoscopy is to have a discussion with your healthcare provider about the different prep methods available. While the traditional prep involves drinking a significant amount of an oral laxative formula, there are alternatives like low-volume preps and tablets. Additionally, you have the option to spread out your prep drink over two days instead of consuming it all at once. Sharing your past experiences, especially if they weren’t pleasant, can help your care team tailor a better solution for you.
Understanding What to Expect
It’s crucial to be informed about what your preparation entails. About a week or two before your appointment, carefully read through all the provided instructions and clarify any uncertainties with your care team. Clear your schedule for the day before your colonoscopy, as you’ll need uninterrupted access to a comfortable bathroom. It’s also wise to have some entertainment options like a book or movie ready to keep you occupied.
“I recommend going over your instructions about a week before your procedure. Stock up on clear liquids which you will need the day before your colonoscopy such as broth, coffee, tea and Jell-O,” advises Dr. Aditi Stanton.
Minding Your Diet
Following the dietary recommendations is critical for a successful preparation. A few days prior to your procedure, switch to a diet consisting of low-fiber foods like pasta, white rice, potatoes, turkey, and eggs. Avoid foods that can be hard to digest such as beans, prunes, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. On the day before your colonoscopy, consume only clear liquids like broths, teas, and clear juices.
“Following the dietary recommendations is very important in making sure that you don’t have undigested food in your colon that can make visualization difficult,” says Dr. Rabia de Latour.
Staying Hydrated
On the day before your colonoscopy, you will mostly be drinking liquids. Staying well-hydrated is essential both for the preparation process and your overall well-being. Drink plenty of water, clear sodas, clear juices, broths, and allowed jellies. Avoid beverages that are red, blue, or purple, as these colors can interfere with the procedure.
“Really focus on hydration,” advises Dr. Rachel Schiesser. “Being well-hydrated before you start the bowel cleanse will help you feel better, lower dehydration risk, make IV placement easier, and help you have a better cleanse.”
Making the Prep Drink Easier
If you’re using the traditional liquid prep, there are a few tricks to make it more palatable:
- Chill the liquid in the refrigerator and use a straw.
- Mix it with a flavor like lemon-lime Gatorade or clear Crystal Light.
- Drink another permitted beverage like tea or juice after each gulp to mask the taste.
- Chew ginger or gum between drinks to alleviate any lingering flavors.
“If you’re mixing the prep with a liquid, then use a flavor you like but don’t love because you will be drinking so much of it, you may not want to have it again for a long while,” suggests Dr. Heather Sharkey.
Ensuring Comfort During the Process
After consuming the prep, anticipate several trips to the bathroom. Using wet wipes instead of regular toilet paper can help minimize irritation. Dress in loose, comfortable clothing and stay close to the bathroom for convenience.
“Get a good book or download something to binge-watch on your phone because you’ll be camping in the toilet ‘doing your homework,’” says Sharkey. “And have a sense of humor. This will be behind you soon.”