Tips in Preparing For a Colonoscopy

You finally made the decision to get a colonoscopy. Good job! Whether it is due to the abdominal pains, rectal bleeding, your age, or having a family history of colon disease, this procedure is an excellent way to find out if your colon is in good working order. The following are useful things you can do whilst preparing for a colonoscopy:

1. Since you will not be able to drive after the exam, make preparations for a close friend or relative to take you to and from the clinic. it would make no sense for you to drive there since you can't drive after the screening. Since you will be sedated during the procedure, you want someone who will be able to help you afterward.

2. Provide the doctor with a detailed report of your medical history, explicitly stating all the medicines you have taken in the past as this will determine the amount of sedatives you will need during the operation as well as painkillers. This is especially important if you have been taking blood thinners or insulin, as the process usually starts with an injection in a blood vein. Additionally, it is advisable that a week before this screening, all dosages of aspirin products must be stopped. Other supplements including iron must also be paused.

3. There should be lots of intake of fluids about a week before the exam. Refrain from milk, acidic or citrus juices such as orange juice. Other liquids such as coffee, tea, fruit juices and water are okay. If you are taking this screening test in the summer and feel the need for a popsicle a few days before the exam, you can have one but be sure to check that it has no cream or frozen fruit.

4. As your doctor will also prescribe a special drink for you, be sure to get your daily intake of this so as to aid in the process of elimination of fecal matter, making the colonoscopy much easier for both you and the doctor. Try drinking it cold after being refrigerated as it tastes a lot better this way.

This goes hand in hand with staying away from solid foods on the day of your test as well as the day before. Stick to foods like soup, porridge and mash potatoes for example. It is also advisable that you stop drinking water on the day of your exam as your colon needs to be empty for a perfect examination.

5. Pack a bag with an extra change of clothes on the day of your exam in case of any unpreventable accidents that might occur.

These steps provide a sure way for you to be ready for your colonoscopy screening. All in all, don't be nervous as this test only lasts for approximately 20 minutes and is not painful. By following all these suggestions for the examination, you will undoubtedly make the procedure a lot faster and much easier.