A colonoscopy is known to be one of the most effective ways to diagnose or prevent colon cancer. However, many individuals who need to get it done get scared of the process. Apart from the process itself, preparing for a colonoscopy sounds like a complicated thing to them.
Surely, by preparing in the right way, this process would be done with no hassle.
Here are a few tips you have to follow to make the process go steady and smooth.
Step 01: Plan Everything
The best source to get all the information regarding this procedure is the colonoscopy doctor. Whenever you get the procedure scheduled, make sure to get detailed instructions from your doctor.
When you get the instructions, read them thoroughly. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to give your doctor a call.
Also, don’t forget to shop for some important supplies prior to the scheduled day, including:
- An over-the-counter laxative or prescription that is given by your doctor
- Low-fiber food
- Juices, sports drinks, and broths
- Diaper cream
- Moist wipes
Step 02: Change Your Diet
The b=next step of colonoscopy prep is to change your diet. You can make the cleaning process of your colon by eating light three to four days before the procedure.
Doctors usually suggest eating low-fiber food that is digested easily and leaves the digestive system quickly.
Here are a few of the low-fiber foods you can consider having before the procedure:
- White bread
- Pasta
- Rice
- Well-cooked vegetables with their skin removed
- Fruits without seeds or skin
- Lean meat, fish, or chicken
- Eggs
Here are the types of food you should avoid eating:
- Raw vegetables
- Nuts or seeds
- Hard meat
- Whole grains
- Fruits with peel or seeds
- Corn
- Broccoli, peas, or cabbage
Furthermore, you must also stop taking vitamins or any other supplements. You should also inquire with your doctor about whether and when you are supposed to stop taking prescribed medicines that you use regularly. Also, the doctor would suggest that you should start taking any blood thinning or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications.
Step 03: Do Fasting
Remember, one day before your colonoscopy, you cannot have anything solid. You can consume clear or see-through liquids only. It is very crucial to stay hydrated days before the procedure, which can be done by drinking a lot of clear liquids including sports drinks, apple and white grape juice, clear broth, and tea and coffee with creamer.
Moreover, you can also have a limited amount of soda, gelatin, and ice pops. However, make sure to not consume anything colored blue, purple, or red. These dyes can affect the color of the colon lining and make it harder for the doctor to observe anything properly.
On the day of the coloscopy procedure, make certain to not eat or drink anything. You can consult the doctor about the exact time you should stop consuming liquids.
Step 04: Take Laxatives
The final step of colonoscopy prep is taking strong laxatives for clearing up the digestive tract. The method many doctors recommend is known as split dosing. For this, you’ll need to consume half a gallon of liquid laxative. Then, you’ll have to drink another half-gallon six hours before the colonoscopy
