Colonoscopy Prep: 8 Expert Tips for the Night Before

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Colonoscopy prep is one of the most dreaded steps when it comes to colorectal cancer screening, but information technology's non optional. You must clean out your colon and so the medico tin can become a good look at the inside!

We've asked colorectal cancer survivors and caregivers who undergo colonoscopy prep oftentimes for their "expert" tips on surviving prep night. Here's what they said:

one. Adjust Your Diet a Few Days Earlier Prep Begins

Eating smaller portions and low-fiber foods a few days before you programme to do colonoscopy prep can help the evening go smoothly.

What to Consume Before Bowel Prep

What you cull to eat and beverage a few days prior to a colonoscopy can impact how "make clean out" nighttime goes. Here'south what our advocates recommend:

  • Digestive tea
  • Soups
  • Smoothies
  • Eggs
  • Rice
  • Salmon
  • Chicken
  • Steamed vegetables
  • Pasta
  • Lighter-colored foods

What Non to Eat Before Colonoscopy Prep

  • Nuts and seeds (including wraps and breads containing them)
  • Popcorn
  • Red meat
  • Fried, heavy foods
  • Raw vegetables
  • Corn, peas, apple tree skins, and other fiber-filled foods that are difficult to digest
  • Anything bright red in colour

Decrease meal size

Several survivors say decreasing the size of their meals a few days earlier starting colonoscopy prep likewise makes information technology get easier and smoother.

2. Drink the Colonoscopy Prep Laxative Cold

Survivors recommend drinking the laxative cold - and through a straw - for the most pleasant experience.

I put the prep drink in my large Tervis Tumbler with a straw. For some reason, drinking it with a straw helps me."

Trish Lannon, stage III survivor

3. Cull Yummy Treats for the Liquid Diet

The mean solar day prior to a colonoscopy, patients must stick to a liquid diet - i.e., no solid foods. What y'all cull to eat and drink tin can brand or break your colonoscopy prep feel.

apple juice colonoscopy prep

Favorite Drinks for Colonoscopy Prep

  • Organic low-sodium goop
  • Actually good JELL-O (non carmine, orangish or purple)
  • Martinelli's Gilded Medal apple tree juice
  • White grape juice
  • Flavored sparkling water
  • seven-UP or Sprite
  • Good coffee (without creamer)
  • Viscous bears - pull out the red and majestic ones, and suck the light ones for a footling treat

Electrolytes

Some survivors take also institute electrolyte drinks, such as Pedialyte, can provide important hydration prior to the procedure.

"Pedialyte hydrates me better than water. I become dehydrated very easily and it makes for difficulty when putting in my IV earlier the test. It as well at present comes in packets so you can mix information technology yourself."

Kristen Keesen, stage Three survivor

iv. Bathroom Prep for Bowel Prep

toilet paper colonoscopy prep

Once the colonoscopy prep laxative begins working, you'll spend A LOT of time in the bathroom! Here's what yous'll need to brand information technology a good experience.

Wet Wipes

Dude wipes and Preparation H are 2 advocate favorites, but several brands produce medicated and non-medicated wet wipes.

Practiced Toilet Paper

Double-ply, soft toilet paper will be of import every bit you prep for your colonoscopy. (And a disquisitional must-have if you lot don't use moist wipes.) Several brands make "gentle" toilet paper with aloe that tin alleviate itching and burning - something that is common when you lot're making frequent tips to the toilet.

Creams and Oils

Some survivors say creams and oils tin assist either prevent or soothe irritation. Favorites include

  • Vaseline
  • Coconut oil
  • Butt paste

Some detect that a cool, wet washcloth or drawing a bathroom also helps with irritation.

Chargers and Low-cal Reading

"Charge your phone and get a good book to read - y'all will be in the bathroom a lot!"

Amanda Houston, stage Ii survivor

Whether you plan to be on your phone, laptop or tablet, find your chargers before your laxative kicks in. Magazines like Beyond Blue and videos with patient stories tin remind you lot of the reason yous're going through colonoscopy prep night and its importance!

Stretchy Pants

Rubberband-waisted pants will be a lifesaver one time the laxative begins working - you won't take time to mess with buttons!

5. Double Check What Time to Commencement Your Prep

doctor instructions colonoscopy prep

Double check your doctor's instructions regarding when to begin your colonoscopy prep and bump information technology upwardly a few hours before, if possible, and so yous're not up all night rushing to the bathroom.

Depending on the prep recommended for y'all, your doctor'southward office should signal what time to begin taking either pills or the laxative beverage. Some colonoscopy preps are taken in one evening, others may be a "split-dose" and taken between an evening and the following morning.

If y'all begin drinking the colonoscopy prep in the evening, crash-land up the start fourth dimension a few hours before to prevent running to the toilet all night. Each person's body is different - for some it works right away, and for others it takes several hours. Give yourself enough of fourth dimension for the laxative to outset working.

Closely Follow Colonoscopy Prep Instructions

Despite what the packaging or instructions on your colonoscopy prep product may say, ever cheque with your doctor'due south office and know what time they advise yous to stop drinking liquids. This tin can touch on your anesthesia during the colonoscopy.

half-dozen. Cease the Prep - All of It!

It may be tempting to stop drinking all of the colonoscopy prep if your stools are running clear, but information technology'due south of import to complete all of the steps.

Information technology's non uncommon for the laxative to piece of work right abroad and within the first few trips! But, fifty-fifty if you start to "run clear," significant your stools have turned liquid and are lighter in colour, it'southward important to finish the entire colonoscopy prep procedure.

Many bowel prep products include several drinks or pills to take - make certain to take them all for a total cleanout and effective scope. If you're wanting to quit early, but remind yourself the prep is the hardest office!

seven. Ease Back Into Eating Solid Foods

Later your colonoscopy, go like shooting fish in a barrel on what you consume.

You may be starving afterward your procedure (yous likely oasis't eaten in over a day), but your gut may take a few days to feel normal again. Don't rush into a heavy, greasy meal - or you may regret information technology!

Some survivors say probiotics help the gut bounciness back, and they avoid spicy foods for a few days if a polyp was removed.

8. Gloat… and Tell Your Family

Practice self-care and be proud of yourself - you got screened! Don't forget to tell your family unit about your results!

Many patients get out a colonoscopy and go for a good repast and a long nap. You won't exist able to drive or work following the procedure, so programme to take it easy for the rest of the day!

Because colorectal cancer risk is increased if you have a family history of polyps AND/OR colorectal cancer, share your results with your family - especially your children, parents and siblings.

If the doctor removed colon polyps, or whatever signs of cancer, it may accept a few days, up to a few weeks, earlier biopsy results come in.

Your doctor's office volition follow upward with next steps and when your adjacent colonoscopy should be scheduled.

Get More Colonoscopy Prep Tips

For more than colonoscopy prep tips, or to learn about other ways to screen for colorectal cancer, download our Screening Mini Magazine!