When you hear the word “colonoscopy,” chances are the first thing you think of is the preparation — and you’re not exactly looking forward to it. Whether you’ve had the procedure done in the past or you’ve heard stories about it, you’re probably dreading the prep more than the procedure itself. Luckily, the process isn’t as bad as you may think, and there are steps you can take to make your colonoscopy prep drink easier to handle.
“While no one enjoys the preparation involved with a colonoscopy, it’s important to keep in mind that bowel prep is an extremely important part of the process,” says Dr. Michael Sciarra, board-certified and fellowship-trained gastroenterologist at Beaufort Memorial Lowcountry Medical Group Specialty Care. “Properly following the steps helps ensure that your doctor can get a good look at the inside of your colon.”
Why Colonoscopies Are Important
Although other tests are available to screen for colorectal cancer, colonoscopies are considered the gold standard. Unlike other screening methods, colonoscopies allow doctors to find and remove potentially precancerous polyps during the same procedure. What’s more, colonoscopies detect approximately 95% of colorectal cancers. Early detection means cancer treatment can start sooner and is often more effective than when the disease is detected at later stages.
“While stool tests and other screening tools are helpful and much better than doing nothing, colonoscopies are the most accurate screening method for colorectal cancers,” Dr. Sciarra says. “People at average risk should start getting a colonoscopy at age 45 and have one at least once every 10 years.”
Prepping for Your Colonoscopy Prep
The goal of colonoscopy prep is to completely empty your bowel in the days prior to the procedure. This ensures your doctor will be able to spot any polyps or lesions without any fecal matter blocking the view.
Your doctor may recommend getting a head start about a week in advance by cutting back on the fiber in your diet. Fiber, found in foods such as whole wheat and brown rice, can be difficult to digest and make prep more challenging. Avoid nuts, seeds and vegetables that don’t digest well, like corn. You might also take a laxative for a few days before beginning the prep solution.
Additionally, it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions for taking medications in the days leading up to the colonoscopy.
“If you take blood thinners or medications for blood pressure, diabetes or other conditions, talk to your healthcare provider about whether you need to stop taking them prior to your procedure,” Dr. Sciarra says. “It’s also a good idea to wait at least six months after a hip replacement or having a heart stent inserted to have a routine colonoscopy.”
If there is a planned surgery, you may want to have the colonoscopy prior to the surgery as well. If you have mobility issues, plan to have someone with you during the prep.
Read More: How to Prep for a Colonoscopy
The Day Before Your Procedure
For 24 hours before your colonoscopy, you will need to drink clear liquids only and not eat any solid foods. You will need to avoid any drinks that are red, purple or orange.
The day before your colonoscopy, you may have:
- Black coffee and iced tea (these are considered clear as long as you don’t add milk or cream)
- Clear broth or soup
- Clear sodas and flavored carbonated waters (but be careful, as these can cause bloating)
- Fruit juices, such as white grape juice, and popsicles that are not red, purple or orange
- Gelatin desserts with no red or purple food dye
- Water
The evening before your colonoscopy, you will begin drinking a colonoscopy prep solution at the time specified by your doctor. This mixture will cause you to have frequent bowel movements.
“Because you must drink a large volume of the solution, some people feel nauseous or have trouble keeping it down,” Dr. Sciarra says. “To avoid this, try adding the solution to a clear drink you enjoy. It’s also a good idea to drink it cold. You also don’t have to drink it all in one sitting. Splitting it up into smaller glasses can help make finishing it easier.”
You can mix your colonoscopy prep drink with any of the following:
- Flavored water (without carbonation)
- Sports drinks (except drinks that contain red, purple or orange dyes)
- White grape juice
Some bowel prep regimens are taken in a split dose, meaning you drink half the night before your colonoscopy and half a few hours before. If you’ve had a colonoscopy before and struggled to finish the entire drink, ask your gastroenterologist if a split-dose drink would work for you.
You will have diarrhea while drinking the prep solution, so it’s important to stay hydrated. Sports drinks can help replace electrolytes and keep you hydrated. Diarrhea can also cause discomfort in the anal area. If needed, apply petroleum jelly or balm to the affected areas after every bowel movement.
For some people, the colonoscopy prep drink will begin to take effect right away, while for others, it can take several hours. Plan accordingly and if possible, bump up the time you begin to prevent having to stay up all night.
Read More: Your Colonoscopy Prep Diet
On the Day of the Colonoscopy
Follow your doctor’s instructions for what to do on the day of your procedure. By this time, your stool should be a clear or yellow liquid. This means the bowel prep has been effective, and you are ready for the colonoscopy. You will need to stop drinking all liquids a few hours before your scheduled arrival time and follow your doctor’s instructions for when to take or stop medications.
Dedicate time at home to prepare for your procedure and scheduled arrival time to minimize the need to use a bathroom frequently during your drive to the appointment.
“Remember, the prep is usually the hardest part of having a colonoscopy,” Dr. Sciarra says. “Once you have finished, be proud of yourself that you are doing something important for your health. You do your job so I can do mine!”
Concerned about your colorectal cancer risk? Find a Beaufort Memorial primary care provider who can discuss colonoscopies.
