

“Pedialyte hydrates me better than water. Some survivors have also found electrolyte drinks, such as Pedialyte Ⓡ, can provide important hydration prior to the procedure.

What you choose to eat and drink can make or break your colonoscopy prep experience.

The day before a colonoscopy, patients must stick to a liquid diet – i.e., no solid foods. For some reason, drinking it with a straw helps me.” –Trish Lannon, stage III survivor 3. “I put the prep drink in my large Tervis Ⓡ Tumbler with a straw. If you are struggling to drink your colonoscopy prep without throwing up, survivors recommend drinking the laxative cold – and through a straw – for the most pleasant experience. Unfortunately, this can cause nausea and vomiting. There are several types of colonoscopy prep drinks available over the counter or by prescription, but all of them require you to consume a relatively large volume. Several survivors say decreasing the size of their meals a few days before starting colonoscopy prep also makes it go easier and smoother. Corn, peas, apple skins, and other fiber-filled foods that are hard to digest.Nuts and seeds (including wraps and breads containing them).What you choose to eat and drink a few days prior to a colonoscopy can impact how “clean out” night goes. Adjust Your Diet a Few Days Before Prep BeginsĮating smaller portions and low-fiber foods a few days before you plan to do colonoscopy prep can help the evening go smoothly. We’ve asked colorectal cancer survivors and caregivers who undergo colonoscopy prep often for their “expert” tips on surviving prep night. You must clean out your colon so the doctor can get a good look at the inside! “Prep” is essentially a laxative, which means you'll spend a lot of time on the toilet.Ĭolonoscopy prep is one of the most dreaded steps when it comes to colorectal cancer screening, but it’s not optional. Prior to the procedure, you will do a bowel preparation to clear out the colon. This procedure may sound scary - but it isn’t. This is why a colonoscopy is often referred to as a direct visualization test. The colonoscope has a digital camera and light attached to the end that allows doctors to see any abnormalities. To get to the colon, the colonoscope is inserted through the rectum. Double Check What Time to Start Your PrepĪ colonoscopy is a procedure where a colonoscope (a thin, flexible tube) is inserted into the colon and guided all the way through to the cecum (where the colon begins and the small bowel ends).Choose Yummy Treats for the Liquid Diet.Drink the Colonoscopy Prep Laxative Cold.Adjust Your Diet a Few Days Before Prep Begins.
