Preparing for a Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is a procedure in which the large intestine is closely monitored to detect the colonic polyps, which are pre-cancerous in nature by inserting into the rectum, a tube which is lighted along with a small camera. Generally, people have a tendency of postponing colonoscopy, but it is advisable to consult your doctor and undergo it as and when suggested for your own benefit. While preparing for a colonoscopy, apart from the age factor, your doctor will inquire about whether you have a family history of colon cancer or not, or if you have suffered from stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation, anemia due to the deficiency of iron, rectal bleeding or pus in stool in the past few years. You can read more on virtual colonoscopy procedure.

Preparing for a Colonoscopy

The basic need for a colonoscopy, is to empty the contents which are present in the colon. The preparation of the bowel needs to be correct and up to the mark for the success of colonoscopy, as failure to do so may result in repeating the procedure because of improper results due to missing of lesions and polyps. Taking substances which are prescribed by the doctors for triggering bowel clearing diarrhea and not eating any kinds of solid foods on the day before preparing for a colonoscopy, which you are expected to follow. To know more on the basic colonoscopy preparation instructions read more on bowel preparation before colonoscopy.

The preparation for a colonoscopy would involve guidelines from the doctor such as presenting a cleansed colon, avoiding alcoholic drinks, drinking water in sufficient quantities and giving up the intake of certain minerals and vitamins, which can affect the procedure of colonoscopy. Liquid preparations which can help to stimulate your bowel movements along with special fluid diets are given for colon cleanse. Bowel cleansing substances such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) may be recommended to you, as it is basically a solution of electrolyte which can evacuate your colon. The PEG product can work the best only if a full volume of the product is consumed.

Reducing the intake of fiber in your diet by avoiding lentils, beans, raw vegetables, etc. and the iron preparations, is very essential before the test. Strictly avoid fruits and foods which contain seeds. You may be asked to take Dulcolax and a solution necessary for bowel preparation, one day prior to the test.

Giving complete and true information about your medications, natural supplements and allergy to any drugs is essential, in the preparation for colonoscopy procedures. Consumption of medicines for diabetes and other health problems like heart and lung problems should be discussed with the physician. Reading the set of instructions given by the doctors and getting your queries answered by them is very essential to avoid problems later on. The colonoscopy procedure will be done either in a hospital or at your physician's office and you will have to submit a consent form before the actual procedure.

It is important to prepare yourself mentally for the colonoscopy procedure and your relatives and doctors will assist you in this. At the time of the procedure, your doctor will prepare you for it by making you feel comfortable by placing an intravenous line for giving the medications. This drug is vital in the preparation for colonoscopy procedure, as it keeps you awake and you will not remember much of the experience of the procedure. You will not face any sort of discomfort due to sedative medications and pain management medicines. You should be prepared to handle or deal with certain complications which may result during the procedure. The colonoscopy preparation options include PEG lavage, sodium phosphate solution and sodium phosphate tablets.

Colonoscopy Preparation Tips

Following are the colonoscopy preparation tips, which will be very useful to you:

• Be prepared to stay at the test venue for two hours
• Use water spray or wet pipes for dealing with anal discomfort
• Keep clear liquids for self-consumption
• Set aside time for preparing yourself a few days before the colonoscopy procedure
• Wear clothes which are loose and comfortable for you
• Try to stay near the bathroom
• You can carry magazines, books or your laptop with you for some entertainment

Colonoscopy Preparation Diet

Here are some colonoscopy preparation diets which you can have for better success ratio of the test:

• Apple juice or grape juice
• Lemon soda
• Jell-O
• Popsicles
• Ginger
• Coffee

As said before, avoiding any type of solid food and milk along with purple and red food items is important, while preparing for a colonoscopy. Informing your doctor about your blood thinner medicines, aspirin intake and arthritis medicines is a must.

You should try to implement all the suggestions for preparing for a colonoscopy given in this article. Proper care and presence of mind will help you get back to your normal life fast.