A colonoscopy procedure involves inspecting your intestines with the use of a medical tool that is made up of a thin tube with a light and a camera called a colonoscope. Since the test will need to probe the health of your large intestines’ linings, it is important that the organ is clean and free from any obstructions that might get in the way of the colonoscope. You can read up more on colonoscopy here.

Thinking about your colonoscopy procedure can be stressful, but the stress that you feel can be relieved by following your doctor’s orders accurately, especially when it comes to preparations before your scheduled exam. Instructions are given by your doctor on how to best prepare your body for this procedure. If you have uncertainties and questions, do not hesitate to inform or ask your doctor about them. 

Aside from preparing your body, putting in order a plan on how to go about the days or persona schedules that may be affected by your colonoscopy procedure should also be set in place. Remember that you will need to make adjustments to your diet, so any big plans of eating out or going on trips days before your visit clinic should be avoided. Tips on how to further prepare are listed below.

It is best to stock up on items that you would need for your diet at least a week before your scheduled procedure. Head on to the grocery and buy the foods and beverages that you are only allowed to eat while waiting for the day of your colonoscopy. Your grocery list should include foods that are low in fibre, clear or light-coloured sports drinks and juices, broths, and gelatine. Choices for foods that are low in fibre include eggs, chicken, fish, pasta, rice, seedless and skinless fruits, peeled vegetables that are cooked well, and white bread. Two (2) days prior to your colonoscopy procedure, switch your diet to soft foods. You can eat vegetable soups or purees, soft fruits, scrambled eggs, and smoothies. One (1) day before your colonoscopy, the things you are allowed to consume are clear liquids. Keeping your body hydrated is a must during this time.

Medications that should be avoided prior to your colonoscopy procedure include over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins, and supplements. Blood thinning medications, vitamins that are infused with iron and drugs for diabetes should be stopped while preparing for your colonoscopy screening. To ensure that your colon is clean during the procedure, your doctor may prescribe a laxative for you to take the night before and an enema on the day of the colonoscopy.

Taking laxatives is probably an unpopular step in preparing for a colonoscopy procedure, but it is important as it will help clean the body’s gut and make it easier for the doctor to see the inner parts clearly when the colonoscope is navigated through during the exam. You can make ingesting laxative easier by adding flavours to it, like lime or ginger. You can also mix it with a chilled sports drink or chase it with lemon juice after downing it. 

Your bathroom will be your most favourite room in the house during the period of preparation for your colonoscopy exam. Be sure that you keep this area clean and ready with items that you need to use to keep yourself comfortable, especially when “sitting on the throne.” Because you will be doing more frequent trips to move stool as your guts gets cleaned out, you may want to switch to wet wipes infused with aloe and vitamin E to prevent your skin from getting irritated with repeated wiping. A diaper cream can also help in avoiding skin irritation, especially when you have persistent diarrhoea. You can also bring in some reading materials or gadgets to help you get distracted whenever you need to use the loo.

Expect that your week of preparation will be uncomfortable and your regular routine will definitely get affected because there will be so much going on in your gut. Before you go and embark on the changes mentioned above, be sure that you do not overlook your personal preparations as well. This means that you should take into consideration your work and family schedule during this time. Avoid setting up events or appointments within the days of your colonoscopy preparation. Be sure to have someone take care of your responsibilities in your family when you are not available. Do not forget to get some time off work, so you can fully concentrate on your preparations. Aside from this, also have in mind the clothes that you are going to wear. You will never know when you will need to hit the john when the laxative kicks in, so it is better to wear clothes that are loose fitting and comfortable.