Tips to Make Your Colonoscopy More Comfortable

 

 

When it comes to screening for colon cancer, only a colonoscopy can prevent cancer.

These steps can help lessen the anxiety and make your colonoscopy and prep more comfortable.

Pre-Prep (Before Your Colonoscopy)

  • Know what questions to ask your doctor.
    • Research prep options ahead of time and discuss which one is right for you.
    • Your doctor can prescribe you medication to help with the nausea that can sometimes happen with prep.
    • Ask what to expect during the procedure to put your mind at ease. 
  • Schedule a loved one to come with you, so they can be there to take you home. They can help you stay relaxed and then join you for a bite to eat after the colonoscopy. You will be hungry!
  • Stock up your kitchen! You will need to eat a low fiber diet consisting of foods such as:
    • white rice, pasta, and bread
    • mashed potatoes
    • canned fruits and veggies
    • clear fruit juices (apple is best)
    • Jell-o (but avoid red, blue, or purple coloring)
    • clear soft drinks (like Sierra Mist or 7-up, many clinics even allow root beer!)
    • broth

The Prep

The prep your doctor prescribes you will vary depending on your clinic, prep option, and health history. Follow their instructions as best as you can for the most effective prep possible.

Prep Tips

  • Limit your meat consumption for a few days before to ensure the prep your doctor prescribes is effective and works quickly. 
  • If the instructions are to mix with another drink (like Gatorade), don’t mix the drink with your favorite flavor – it will no longer be your favorite!
  • If able, try and schedule your colonoscopy in the morning.
  • You will have to ingest a volume of liquid or pills. If your doctor prescribes a liquid laxative such as magnesium citrate, here are some tips to help it go town easier:
    • Keep it cold
    • Use a straw placed at the back of your mouth
    • Suck on tart hard candies or lemon to mute the taste

Bathroom Tips

  • Stay close to the bathroom on prep day.
  • Use moistened wipes instead of toilet paper for comfort (dispose of wipes in the trash, not the toilet) OR buy a bidet if you can.
  • Have a few adult diapers if you’re worried you won’t make it to the bathroom on time.
  • Keep things in the bathroom to keep your mind occupied (Ex- Book, device to watch shows, magazines, etc). You’ll spend a lot of time here!
  • Before starting the prep, apply hemorrhoid cream (or even diaper rash ointment) to protect your skin and ease some discomfort. Then, reapply as often as needed.

While all prep requires eating a low-fiber, liquid diet, different clinics will provide different instructions.

Post Colonoscopy

  • Ask questions about the results. Your physician will let you know if there were any polyps or signs of cancer.
  • Ask if you can bring a friend/family member in with you to listen to your results and take notes if needed (you will most likely be groggy immediately after waking up, and might not remember details of the conversation).
  • Find out when you should have your next colonoscopy and if there are any further steps you need to take.

Read Cadence’s blog articles about how she took charge of her health and scheduled a colonoscopy at only 23. Read about the nitty-gritty reality of self-advocacy, colonoscopy prep, and more!

“Why is it so easy to ignore ourselves, to dismiss how WE feel, but to expect everyone else to be different? To expect our parents or our children to be different?”

 

Part 1: My Colonoscopy: Making The Appointment & The Pre-Prep

Read Article

Part 2: My Colonoscopy: The Prep & Procedure

Read Article

Tips from you!

 

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