Depending on who you ask, preparing for your colonoscopy can be harder than undergoing the procedure itself! Your gastroenterologist will give you specific instructions for cleaning out your colon in advance. If your colon is not clear enough, your doctor won’t get an accurate look inside, and you’ll have to go through everything again.
Clearing things out means a liquid diet for as many as three days before your test. Most doctors will only ask you to take clear liquids for a day or so. Your diet may include bouillon or broth, water, coffee or tea without milk, diet soda, and gelatin. Your doctor will also give you laxatives to take to help clear out your system. You may be asked to give yourself an enema, or use a suppository.
Talk to your doctor in advance about any concerns you may have, especially if you are a diabetic. A clear liquid diet can leave you with very low blood sugar! Your gastroenterologist will usually schedule you for your colonoscopy earlier in the day if you are diabetic. Also tell your doctor about medications you are taking like blood thinners, arthritis medications, and iron supplements. Your doctor will tell you whether or not you should take your medicines as you prepare for your colonoscopy.
Some helpful hints in preparing for your colonoscopy:
- If you tend to be constipated, you may want to take a little Milk of Magnesia (or other laxative) the day before your actual fasting and preparation day to help loosen things up.
- Don’t plan any activities that will take you too far from the bathroom during your prep day!
- Follow the instructions from your gastroenterologist as closely as possible.
- If you develop severe abdominal cramps or nausea and vomiting during the preparation, call your doctor immediately.
- If your rear end becomes irritated during preparation, apply hydrocortisone cream to the rectal area between each bowel movement.
- Don’t skimp on the toilet paper — pick something that is nice and soft because you’ll be using it a lot. Something with lotion, like Charmin Plus can help reduce irritation.
- Don’t eat red gelatin during your preparation — the dye can mask the lining of your colon.