The most important thing to be well prepped is to be well prepared!
The following are helpful tips in making your colonoscopy experience even better
One week before the colonoscopy
Make sure to read in detail the preparation instructions you were given so that you understand what you have to do. You can always call your doctor if you are not sure about something.
If you do not have the preparation instructions, contact your doctor immediately or print a copy here.
There are often medications such as anticoagulants or diabetic drugs that need to be held in advance. Ask your doctor if you are not sure.
Make sure to read in detail the preparation instructions you were given so that you understand what you have to do. You can always call your doctor if you are not sure about something.
If you do not have the preparation instructions, contact your doctor immediately or print a copy here.
There are often medications such as anticoagulants or diabetic drugs that need to be held in advance. Ask your doctor if you are not sure.
Three days before the colonoscopy
Stop eating any fruits or vegetables that have seeds or peels as these often lead to poor preparations.
Stop eating any fruits or vegetables that have seeds or peels as these often lead to poor preparations.
Two days before the colonoscopy
Make sure you have purchased a variety of clear liquids as water is not enough to replenish the salts and sugars you lose. Sport drinks (Gatorade or PowerAde) and broth soups (bouillon) are excellent. Avoid anything red or purple as it can color the fluid in your colon |
Buy petroleum jelly (Vaseline).
This will help soothe the irritation from multiple wiping. 
Using moist baby wipes instead of dry toilet paper will help as well.
Make sure you have plenty of toilet paper available. |
One day before the colonoscopy
It is very important to drink plenty of clear fluids all day. This makes the cleansing work better and keeps you well hydrated
Taking the laxatives earlier in the afternoon may be better since you are more likely to get a better night sleep
If you are prone to nausea, you may consider taking an anti-nausea medication (Gravol) prior to the laxatives
It is very important to drink plenty of clear fluids all day. This makes the cleansing work better and keeps you well hydrated
Taking the laxatives earlier in the afternoon may be better since you are more likely to get a better night sleep
If you are prone to nausea, you may consider taking an anti-nausea medication (Gravol) prior to the laxatives
The day of the colonoscopy
Finish drinking your preparation at least 4 hours before your appointment to give yourself enough time to clear your colon.
Stop drinking any fluids at least 2 hours before the colonoscopy. You need your stomach to be empty.
Finish drinking your preparation at least 4 hours before your appointment to give yourself enough time to clear your colon.
Stop drinking any fluids at least 2 hours before the colonoscopy. You need your stomach to be empty.
A clean colon makes for a great exam
The quality of your cleansing will impact on your doctor’s ability to see the lining of your colon well. Ideally, what is coming out at the end should look like the fluids you have been drinking. If you feel you are not well prepared, contact your doctor or come earlier to the endoscopy unit for further instructions |
|
After the exam
Make sure you have planned to have someone accompany you after the exam
Most patients receive a sedative. You are not allowed to drive yourself afterwards
Make sure you eat something after the exam before you leave the hospital. The prolonged fast can leave you dizzy and lightheaded.
It is normal to have some bloating and cramps. Walking around will help you clear the gas.
If you develop a fever, severe abdominal pain or if you pass blood or black stools, this could be a sign of a complication and you should go to the closest emergency room immediately.
It is always better to be safe than sorry.
Make sure you have planned to have someone accompany you after the exam
Most patients receive a sedative. You are not allowed to drive yourself afterwards
Make sure you eat something after the exam before you leave the hospital. The prolonged fast can leave you dizzy and lightheaded.
It is normal to have some bloating and cramps. Walking around will help you clear the gas.
If you develop a fever, severe abdominal pain or if you pass blood or black stools, this could be a sign of a complication and you should go to the closest emergency room immediately.
It is always better to be safe than sorry.