Colonoscopy is a procedure that involves inserting a tube-shaped instrument into the large intestine to determine the presence or absence of polyps or growths that lead to cancer. This is a very important cancer prevention procedure. This test has an unfavorable reputation, but if you prepare in the right way, you can take the test without much trouble and besides that there is a guarantee that you won't have to take it again. See Step 1 and beyond to learn how to prepare for a colonoscopy.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Predicting What Will Happen
Step 1. Understand the purpose of a colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is the best technology available to confirm if cancerous or precancerous growths called polyps are present in the colon. Early detection will allow patients to get the treatment they need to prevent growth from advancing to the next stage. The American Cancer Society recommends that people over the age of 50 undergo colonoscopy every 10 years. Those who are at risk for colon cancer should have this test more often. People who fall into the above categories are:
- Those with a history of colon cancer or polyps.
- Those with a family history of colon cancer.
- Those with a history of inflammatory bowel disease (IBS) or Crohn's disease.
- Those with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary non-polypotic bowel cancer (HNPCC).
Step 2. Understand how a colonoscopy works
The procedure begins with a rectal examination, in which the doctor will examine the area around the anus and rectum. A long, thin tube called a colonoscope is inserted into the intestine through the anus. This tool is equipped with a small camera at the end that serves to display the condition of the colon, polyps or other growths.
- To ensure the camera can clearly display images of the colon, it must be emptied throughout the procedure. This means that the patient is not allowed to eat solid food the day before and on the day of the procedure.
- Patients will usually be given medication to relax them during the procedure. Most people are unable to recall a procedure that has taken place after the effects of the drug wear off. This procedure usually lasts 30 minutes.
Step 3. Prepare the body the right way
When meeting with the doctor for the first time to discuss a colonoscopy, instructions to prepare the body for the test will be given. Your doctor will forbid you from eating solid foods and instruct you on how much fluid to drink, and when. These instructions must be followed to ensure that the colon is clean on the day of the procedure. Otherwise, the camera will not be able to clearly display the condition of your intestines - which will result in you needing to repeat the procedure on another day.
- Even eating a snack can invalidate the test. Fasting the day before the test will be hard, but it will definitely give satisfactory results after the test is completed and can be done quickly.
- It may be easier if you prepare a week in advance by reducing the portion you eat before the day before the test.
Step 4. Report any medications you are currently taking
There are certain medications that must be stopped a day or so before the test. You are required to tell your doctor about any medications you are currently taking before preparing for the test. In some cases, you can continue to take these medications, but in other cases your doctor may ask you not to take them for a few days. Supplements may also interfere with the test. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines or supplements:
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
- Blood thinners
- Aspirin
- Diabetes medicine
- Blood pressure medication
- Fish oil supplements
Step 5. Prepare a plan for the test day
Colonoscopy is usually performed in the morning. Clear the schedule to prepare for the day of the test. Since your doctor may give you medication to rest, you may be too sleepy to drive yourself home from the test, so ask someone else to take you home. You may need to take a day off from work or at least take an hour or two to rest.
Method 2 of 3: Preparation the Day Before the Test
Step 1. Consume only clear liquids and foods
This is the only type of liquid or food you can consume the day before the colonoscopy. A liquid is considered "clear" if you can read a newspaper through it. The types of clear liquids are as follows:
- Water
- Apple juice without pulp
- Tea or coffee without milk
- Clear chicken or vegetable broth
- Soda
- Clear sports drink
- Agar-agar with taste
- Popsicle
- Hard candy
- Honey
Step 2. Do not consume solid food or opaque liquids
Any liquid containing pulp or milk and almost all solid foods should be avoided. Do not consume food or drink as follows:
- Orange juice, pineapple juice or other non-translucent juice
- Dairy products like milk or milk shakes, cheese, etc.
- Smoothies
- Soup with chunks of food
- Grains
- Meat
- Vegetable
- Fruit
Step 3. Drink at least 4 glasses of clear liquid with each meal
Breakfast, lunch and dinner the day before each procedure should consist of a minimum of 236-298 ml of clear liquid.
- You can drink a glass of coffee without milk, a glass of apple juice and two glasses of water for breakfast.
- You can have a glass of sports drink, a glass of clear broth and two glasses of water for lunch.
- You can snack on hard clear candy, popsicles or jelly.
- You can drink a glass of tea, a glass of vegetable broth and two glasses of water for dinner.
Step 4. Take medication for test preparation
The doctor will give you a prescription drug that is mandatory to take at 6:00 pm, the day before the test day. Preparatory medicine serves to cleanse the intestines the next day. Sometimes doctors also prescribe a separate drug preparation, which means that half must be taken in the evening and half on the day of the test. Follow the doctor's instructions and the directions on the packaging of the drug preparation. After taking the drug, the stool that comes out will look like the clear liquid that you have consumed – this is a sign that the preparatory medication is working.
- If the stool that comes out still looks brown and cloudy, this is a sign that the preparation medicine has not worked.
- If it is brown or orange and clear, this indicates the drug is starting to work.
- The bowel is ready and you can go to the hospital if the stool looks clear and yellowish, like urine.
Method 3 of 3: Preparing for Test Day
Step 1. Consume clear liquids for breakfast
Do not eat solid food in the morning when the test will be run. You simply consume water, apple juice, tea, or black coffee in the morning.
Step 2. Perform a second stage of bowel preparation if necessary
If your doctor has ordered 2 stages of preparation, you will have the second stage in the morning when the test will take place. Be sure to follow the following instructions carefully.
Step 3. Drink 2 glasses of sports drink before the test
Drink 236-298 ml of sports drink right before going for the test, then report for the scheduled test.
Step 4. Eat your normal food after the test is over
You can eat anything throughout the day after the test is complete.
Tips
- After taking laxatives, the stool will become solid, but over time, the stool will become watery gradually until it becomes completely liquid.
- Follow the advice of a medical professional. Your doctor may suggest:
- Drink lots of water with a mixture of apple cider vinegar before the test to keep your body hydrated
- Medications to avoid before the test are blood-thinning medications and iron supplements (including iron-containing multivitamins).
