Please help me prepare for my colonoscopy.

[ChrisFL]

Not really. 45 is the new benchmark to start screenings.

I just had mine at 45 and they found several things, so I'm very glad I got it done (luckily all cleared with no issues).

 

[Lewisc]

Not really. 45 is the new benchmark to start screenings.

44 is less then 45, the benchmark to start screening.

OP already said the procedure is being performes due to bleeding.

He should follow protocol as listed by his medical team.

 

[kanerf]

What clear liquids did you drink? I've read it can be water, sparkly water, sodas, etc...Should coke be ok?

No, they specify clear liquids in most cases, they don't want you to drink things with coloring agents like Coke.

 

[jalapeno_pretzel]

They just told me no red/orange colors. Plain coffee, coke, etc. was fine. Same for DH.

I had mostly ginger ale, gatorade (lemon/lime), lime jello, and some veg. broth.

Definitely stay hydrated and take in a lot of fluids, drinking up until the point you're required to stop ... the prep will dehydrate you, and if you haven't consumed a lot of fluids to counter that, it will make it harder for them to start the IV (especially if you already have veins difficult to tap).

 

[slo]

I’m 53 and have had many colonoscopies due to having ulcerative colitis - my first one was in my young 40s.

My biggest piece of advice…..don’t over complicate it.

Buy some chicken broth, make some lemon jello, buy some Propel, pick out some good things to watch on TV, buy some wet wipes (like Cottonelle) since you’ll be using the bathroom a lot and have a relaxing night at home.

I never mind colonoscopy prep night, because it forces me to stay home and catch up on TV shows all night.

Good luck with your prep and procedure - I’m sure it will go well

 

[jo-jo]

I had mirlax prep. I drank and drank and drank. Soon it felt like I was drinking motor oil......just thick gunk..how can I get this down, I kept trying.....I'm never going to finish.....then I drank some plain water, it was like a reset. I was able to finish the mirlax with no problem.

 

[Rogue1677x]

I don't have any advice other than what people have mentioned above....except: vodka doesn't count as a clear liquid, ha, ha.

A GI doctor was telling me once when I joked why couldn't champagne be one of the clear liquids we could use, that they had a guy show up and when asked about how he took his prep, he indicated drinking vodka. They had to cancel the procedure and reschedule for another time with strict instructions, no alcohol.

 

[goofyernmost]

Most important... Don't over think it! It's no big deal. The day before you do not have anything to eat except what is listed on your instructions. Clear liquids, clear broths, certain types of popsicles or jello. Sometime during that day you will start to consume the dynamite juice and before long you will spend more time in the bathroom than ever imagined possible. That is the worst of it. You follow directions and you will be fine.

I tell them that I prefer to stay awake for two reasons. The first being that I don't want to be noodle brained for any longer than necessary and second, I like to watch what they are doing on the same screen that they are looking at. I'm not squeamish at all, but those that are will actually drift off to sleep and before you know it, it's all done. There is no pain and a certain amount of satisfaction knowing that you are having something done that is a whole lot worse to think about then to actually have done and it might just save your life.

 

[BlueStarryHat]

I have had a colonoscopy every three years since I turned forty because my Mom died of colorectal cancer and I have a history of polyps. The best advice I got was the mix the prep with white grape juice.

 

[tvguy]

Everybody kind of hit the main points. CLEAR liquids, so no coke, but 7UP or Sprite would be fine.
First time I had the gallon jug to drink, and they suggested refrigerating it to make it taste better. That was a mistake because I was shivering by the time I finished the gallon.
Second time I had the pint bottle, no biggie there.
My system apparently cooperates with the prep better than other folks here. It kicked in 20 minutes after starting the prep, and I was completely done within 90 minutes with either prep solution.

 

[design_mom]

I have had Crohn's/Colitis for the last 25 years and have had MULTIPLE colonoscopies. I think seeds are the only thing they told me to avoid earlier than one day before.

Check with your provider about Coke -- because mine says it *does* count as a clear liquid. Actually, two have said it's OK. (My gastroenterologist retired and I had to get a new one.) My prep has been rated as "excellent" each time.

IMHO drinking something carbonated on my clear-liquid day helps me feel more full. Also, I like to make jello with extra unflavored gelatin in it so that it's more firm and feels like you're actually eating something.

 

[sarahann77]

To make the prep easier, it was highly suggested to me for a soft diet the few days before prep day. Soup, ice cream, pudding, applesauce, etc. Prep day as already stated - clear liquids, no red dye colors - red, orange, purple. Coffee but black no creamer/milk. I ended up buying more Gatorade than needed as I wasn't sure which I wanted to use for the prep

 

[Christine]

I just had my third colonoscopy about 2 weeks ago. This was the first time I tried a low residue diet 5 days prior to my procedure. I didn't have to do it; just did so voluntary. It was on my list of procedures and indicated for people who trend toward constipation. It is not a "must do" but it supposedly makes it easier for the prep to work/clean you out.

I will say that for this prep, even using the same solution, I was definitely more cleaned out at the end then previous preps. That said, my previous preps were fine also.

Basically I ate the way no one is supposed to. I had pancakes for breakfast, lots of white rice, white breads, lean turkey and chicken cuts, mac and cheese, ramen, etc.

The day before the prep I made a batch of Island Pineapple Jello (not a fan of lemon), sipped on bone broth, which as protein in it and help. I am not a soda or juice drinker so I didn't rely on all that stuff, although during the actual drinking of the prep, I used ginger ale as a bit of a chaser.

I was told that you could actually eat gummy bears. Most top brands are just a thicker geletin and they turn to liquid in your body. It was nice to have something to "chew" but even then I didn't do too much of that. Lidl Brand Sour Gummies have a majority of white and yellow gummy bears in their packages.

 

[Mouse Tracker]

I have one set for tomorrow. Started adjusting foods on Sunday (not required). Soups with noodles or rice yesterday. Clear liquids today and 1/2 of the "go" juice tonight. Other half tomorrow morning. I'm fortunate to have mine scheduled for 2:30 pm so the morning of won't be pressed for time to complete.

Chicken broth and Propel will be go to for the next 24 hours.

 

[mickeyboat]

It was easier for me to drink the prep using a straw. My colonoscopy was easy peasy - the anticipation was worse than the procedure. Good luck!

 

[kymom99]

My husband is back getting ready for a colonoscopy as we speak. He just eliminated weeds for a week and yesterday took clear liquids. Boost was on the list of things he could have. His prep was called clenpiq. It was 2 small bottles. Drink one the night before followed by 5 cups of clear liquids. He drank that much water along with some chicken broth. Then another small bottle this morning along with 5 more cups of water. Everything went as expected.

 

[lilmc]

Make sure you have some butt paste stuff on hand, even vaseline. you'll be so glad for it!

This! I used A&D ointment and was glad I did. Got sore pretty quickly. Cottonelle wipes are not actually flushable, as we’ve been preemptively advised by a plumber, so I had a lidded trashcan lined with a plastic bag nearby.

Trader Joe’s miso broth was my friend for my “food”.

As someone else had mentioned the white grape juice tip with the prep, I heard that one too late. Next time!

 

[Allison]

I'm surprised they didn't give you all of this information in your prep materials. It should tell you what to do in regard to your diet.

 

[pezgirlroy]

I am sure this has already been said but the office your visit is through should provide you with all of the details. If they haven't call them. Different providers do the prep differently so you want to make sure you are in line with what they do. My other advice. Clear popsicles. I thought the lack of food would be the hardest for me. No it was the drinking of the solution. Best advice on that drink it through a straw.

 

[mrsstats79]

I was told you could drink coke. If you can drink black coffee I don't see why you can't drink coke.