Colonoscopy Preparation
Read the following for the smoothest possible colonoscopy experience.
Step 1: Plan ahead
Your Orlando gastroenterologist will always be the best source of information in preparing for your procedure. When the procedure is scheduled, you’ll receive instructions so make sure you follow them thoroughly. Additionally, clear your schedule for the evening before and the day off your colonoscopy, and make plans to have someone accompany you—someone that can be your designated driver.
At Endo-Surgical Center of Kissimmee, we recommend having the following items at hand:
- A prescription or over-the-counter laxative (per your doctor)
- Low-fiber food
- Sports drinks (whether Gatorade or Powerade), juices, broths
- Moist wipes
- Diaper cream
Step 2: Adjust your diet
Help the cleansing process by adjusting your diet a couple of days before your procedure, or however many days your doctor recommends.
Avoid eating:
- Seeds, nuts, popcorn
- Fatty foods
- Tough meat
- Whole grain
- Raw vegetables
- Fruits with seeds or peel
- Corn, broccoli, cabbage, beans, or peas
You can have:
- White bread, white pasta, white rice
- Well-cooked vegetables without skin
- Lean meat, chicken, or fish
- Eggs
- Fruit without skin or seeds
Step 3: Fasting
This may be the most difficult part of the process. The day before your procedure, absolutely NO consuming solid foods. Only clear, see-through liquids. It’s important to stay hydrated, so drink a lot of sports drinks, broths, apple juice, and anything else that is see through. You can consume gelatin and ice pops, BUT, stay away from anything colored red, blue, or purple.
Keep in mind that a couple of hours before your procedure, make sure you don’t drink or eat anything. Consult with your doctor to make sure the exact cutoff time.
Step 4: The Purge
The night before your colonoscopy, you’ll have to take strong laxative to clear your digestive tract. Most recommend doing a split dosing (drinking half-gallon of liquid laxative in the evening before, and half-gallon 6 hours before your appointment). Nevertheless, follow the instructions from your doctor.
You might not enjoy the taste of the liquid laxative, so here are a couple of tips to help get it down.
- Mix it with something flavored –like Gatorade or Powerade, or a powdered drink mix
- Keep it chilled well
- Follow it with a sip of something you enjoy drinking (as long as it’s clear)
- Suck on a piece of hard candy or lemon after drinking it
Once the laxative starts to kick in, you will have frequent and forceful diarrhea, so always make sure you’re near a bathroom. This is where the moist wipes and diaper cream comes in. It’ll help you wipe more sensitively and treat diaper rash from the excess diarrhea. When prepped correctly, your stool should look like urine or clear water. If you have any more questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor.