When the doctor tells you to have a colonoscopy, some people get a little scared, don't they? But most people are more scared of the preparation for it than the test itself. That is, the bowel prep process. True, it is a bit uncomfortable and annoying. But it is temporary. And, this test could help save your life. So let's see how to make this process as easy as possible.
Step 1: Plan everything in advance
Your doctor will give you the best information on how to prepare for this test. When the test date is set, you will receive a related instruction sheet. Read it carefully a few days before the test. If you have any questions, never be afraid to call your doctor and ask .
Next, plan your work schedule. Avoid doing other work the evening before the test and on the day of the test. Also, it is essential to arrange someone in advance to go with you on the day of the test.
Go to the store a few days in advance and buy these things:
- A laxative (prescription or over-the-counter laxative) recommended by the doctor.
- Low-fiber foods.
- Sports drinks, clear fruit drinks, and clear broths.
- Moist wipes.
- A diaper cream.
Simply put, bowel preparation before a colonoscopy is necessary so that the doctor can see the inside of your large intestine (colon). If you don't prepare properly for this, the test may need to be postponed or repeated. So it's very important to do this properly.
Step 2: Change your diet
You should be careful about your diet for three to four days before the test, as your bowels need to be completely empty. Eating a low-fiber, easily digestible diet will help you cleanse your bowels.
| ✅ Things to eat | ❌ Things that are not good to eat |
|---|---|
| Bread, pasta, rice (white) | Seeds, nuts, popcorn |
| Peeled and well-cooked vegetables | Fatty foods |
| Fruit without skin or seeds | Tough meat |
| Lean meat, chicken, fish | Whole grains |
| Eggs | Vegetables eaten raw, fruits with seeds or peel |
| Corn, broccoli, cabbage, beans |
Stop taking any vitamins or other supplements you are taking during this time. Be sure to ask your doctor if and when you should stop taking any medications you take daily (especially blood thinners).
Step 3: Fasting (The Fast)
You cannot eat any solid food the day before the test. You can only drink clear liquids.
It is very important to drink plenty of water. This means staying hydrated. You can drink sports drinks, clear fruit juices like apple or grape (white), and clear broth. It is okay to drink coffee and tea, but do not add milk/cream. You can eat jelly and ice packs, but do not eat or drink anything red, blue, or purple. Because those pigments can stain the inside of the intestine and make it difficult for the doctor to see inside. Also, avoid anything that is not clear, like alcohol, milk, or orange juice.
You should usually stop eating or drinking anything two to four hours before the test. However, be sure to ask your doctor about this exact time.
Step 4: The Purge
This is the part that most people don't like. The night before the test, you will have to take a laxative to clear your stomach. This is usually given in two divided doses.
Imagine, you drink half of the liquid in the evening, then get up about 6 hours before the test (early in the morning) and drink the other half.
You may not like the taste of this liquid, but try these things to make it easier to drink:
- Add a sweetener to it, like a sports drink.
- Drink it very cold.
- Use a straw and drink it until it hits the back of your tongue.
- After drinking, have something tasty (e.g. some fruit juice) in your mouth.
- After taking the medicine, suck on something like a piece of lime or a piece of ginger.
As the medicine starts to work, you will start to have frequent, slightly heavier bowel movements. You may feel stomach cramps and fullness. If you have hemorrhoids, they may get worse. You may feel nauseous and vomit. If that happens, your doctor will tell you to wait a while before taking it again.
Try these things to stay as comfortable as possible during this time:
- Stay near the bathroom. Take something like a book or a tab and pass the time.
- Apply some diaper cream before starting to poop.
- Use moist wipes to clean.
How do I know if I did this correctly?
If your bowel movement is properly cleansed, the final stool should be watery or clear, like urine.
What happens after the test?
You may feel full for a few hours after the test. It is normal to feel gassy. It is also normal to have a little blood in your first bowel movement after the test.
However, if the bleeding continues, you have stomach pain, or you develop a fever, inform your doctor immediately.
Does a colonoscopy hurt?
No. This test is usually done after you are sedated or completely asleep, so you won't feel anything.
How long does it take to do this test?
It usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes.
At what age should you have a colonoscopy?
Experts generally recommend starting colon cancer screening at age 45. However, if you have inflammatory bowel disease or a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, you may need to be screened at an earlier age.
Take-Home Message
- Colonoscopy is the best way to prevent and detect colon cancer early.
- Even though preparing for the test can be a little difficult, it's temporary. And it's very important for your health.
- Eat a low-fiber diet for a few days before the test. Drink only clear liquids the day before the test.
- Avoid red, blue, and purple foods and drinks.
- Follow the laxative and other instructions given by your doctor exactly.
- If you have any questions or concerns, never hesitate to ask your doctor.
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