How To Prepare For Your Colonoscopy

Getting a colonoscopy is never particularly fun, but it is a vital way for you to make sure that you are completely okay and don't have to worry about certain types of illnesses and cancers. Here are some tips for preparing for your colonoscopy in order to make sure that it goes as smoothly as possible.

1. Avoid Red Dyes

You are going to have to follow a special diet the day before your colonoscopy that is specified by your doctor. This diet will usually consist of only liquids, including water, broth, black coffee, and tea. However, you also need to make sure that you avoid any liquids that have red dyes in them. These red dyes might still be in your system by the time that your colonoscopy happens and they might be confused for blood, making your colonoscopy take longer in order to verify that the red liquid that is seen is just dye and not a liquid indicative of any serious problems.

2. Have Laxatives on Hand

Your doctor might have a last-minute request for you to empty out your bowels more thoroughly. One easy way to do this is to use a laxative. If you have a laxative with you, you can empty out your bowels within a short period of time and ensure that you don't have to worry about your colonoscopy being unreadable or inconclusive. Don't take laxatives without your doctor's specific orders, however.

3. Get a Designated Driver

You also want to make sure that you have a designated driver lined up to take you home after your colonoscopy. You might be put in a twilight state while the colonoscopy is being performed in order to make sure that you are relaxed, and you will not be fit to transport yourself home after the procedure. Having someone who can drive you home will allow the doctor to do everything he or she needs to do in order to keep you comfortable without risking your safety on the way home.

4. Have Snacks in the Car for Afterwards

Because you weren't able to eat too much the day before, you're probably going to be very hungry after your colonoscopy. Have snacks in the car that you can munch on after the procedure so that you don't go home and eat too much food too quickly because you're famished. This could cause you pain.

For more information, talk to your doctor.

To get a colonoscopy, contact a local facility such as Northwest Gastroenterology Associates. 


Share