Colonoscopy: Tips to Make Your Prep More Bearable
Hey there!
So, you’ve got a colonoscopy coming up. I know, I know, not the most thrilling appointment on your calendar, right?
But it’s crucial for keeping tabs on your health, especially as we navigate those fabulous over-50 years.
Let’s talk about how to make the prep part—a.k.a. the colonoscopy preparation—a little less daunting and a lot more bearable.
Trust me, I’ve been there, and while it’s not the highlight of anyone’s week, there are definitely ways to ease through it.
Why a Colonoscopy?
First off, why are we even doing this?
A colonoscopy allows your healthcare provider to examine the inner lining of your colon with a flexible tube to check for things like small growths, polyps, ulcers, or early signs of colorectal cancer—which, by the way, is the third most common cancer in the United States.
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It’s a key tool in catching issues like colon and rectal cancers early, which can literally be a lifesaver. If you have a family history of colon cancer, they may want you to be tested early like I did.
The recommended age to start these exams is generally around 50, and then every 10 years after if everything looks good, according to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.
When I went in for my first colonoscopy, it turned out to be a life-saving decision.
My doctor discovered and removed a cancerous polyp during the procedure. I was just in my early forties at the time.
Tip 1: Understand Your Prep Kit
Your doctor will give you specific instructions involving a prep solution—like Miralax -that helps clear out your system for a successful colonoscopy.
This is all about achieving a good bowel prep so they can get a clear view of your colon. It’s crucial, so make sure you understand your kit.
Don’t hesitate to call your doctor’s office or speak with a staff member if you have any questions. They’ve seen it all before and are there to ensure you have a good experience.
Different Preps
Since I’ve had different doctors over the years, I’ve experienced various prep methods for my colonoscopies. One prep required me to take laxatives and then later on mix a solution with water into a gallon jug. I had to get this from the pharmacy.
My most recent prep, however, was pretty straightforward. At noon, I drank a 10 oz bottle of Magnesium Citrate, a laxative oral solution.
It actually tastes pretty good and comes in both lemon and orange flavors.
Within about 20 minutes, I started to clear out, and my stomach settled by late afternoon.
By 6 PM, I needed to mix a bottle of Miralax with 48 oz of Gatorade. This wasn’t unpleasant either, since I regularly drink Gatorade. I did a video showing my timeline as I prep.
Tip 2: Diet Modifications Before the Procedure
A few days before your procedure, you’ll likely need to follow a low-fiber diet—think white bread instead of whole grains, no raw vegetables or high-fiber foods. It’s easy to Google a list of low fiber foods to be safe.
The day before, you’ll switch to a clear liquid diet. This means no solid food, just things like clear broth, apple juice (avoid anything with red or purple dye), and maybe some ice pops or gelatin (again, watch out for colors).
Black coffee and clear tea are okay, too. But no cream in your tea or coffee.
I recommend getting all your supplies before starting the prep. I stocked up on white grape juice, plenty of Gatorade, jello, and broth. Being on a liquid diet isn’t too tough.
Plus, once you begin to clear out, you might not feel very hungry. I found the broth to be particularly soothing.
I avoided tea and coffee, as I was really focusing on staying hydrated.
Tip 3: The Prep Solution and Timing
Depending on your medical history and specific health needs, your doctor might recommend a “split prep,” where you drink half of your prep solution the night before and the other half the next morning, a few hours before your procedure.
This method is often considered the most effective way to ensure a clean colon. Drink large amounts of water throughout your prep day to stay hydrated.
Effective Split Prep
I recommend getting all your supplies before starting the prep. I stocked up on white grape juice, plenty of Gatorade, jello, and broth.
Being on a liquid diet isn’t too tough. Plus, once you begin to clear out, you might not feel very hungry.
I found the broth to be particularly soothing. I avoided tea and coffee, as I was really focusing on staying hydrated.
I think the split prep is the best approach! On the day before my procedure, while on a liquid diet, I took a laxative at noon.
Within 15-20 minutes, I was already making trips to the bathroom.
Between trips, I made sure to keep hydrating.
By 4 PM, my stomach had started to settle, which made it a good time to sip on broth or enjoy other liquid-type foods like popsicles or jello.
At 6 PM, I began my Miralax and Gatorade mix, pouring it into a 48 oz container—I had mixed both together earlier in the day to chill.
The plan was to drink half that evening and the rest the following morning. Check out my video here of my prep.
I managed to finish the first half in about 40 minutes. My trips to the bathroom continued consistently for the next three hours.
By the end, the output was mostly liquid. Using Gatorade was a plus for me because I actually like its taste.
Entertainment Distraction
Tip 4: During Prep Day
Yes, the prep solution will trigger plenty of bowel movements—expect it, and don’t be alarmed. Keep comfortable with soft toilet paper or baby wipes. Stay near the bathroom.
Soothing Soreness Solutions
A challenge I faced during my prep was a sore and burning sensation in my anus, which wasn’t surprising given the frequent bathroom trips over several hours.
To alleviate this, I applied Vaseline around the area, which significantly reduced the burning sensation.
When wiping, I used a water bottle to moisten the toilet paper, making it cool and cloth-like.
Instead of rubbing, I gently patted the area with the damp tissue.
Additionally, I used a cool pack from the freezer, wrapped it in a towel, and sat on it for extra relief.
Early Morning Prep
If you’re doing a split prep, you’ll need to wake up several hours before your procedure to complete the cleaning out process.
My appointment was scheduled for 10 AM, which meant I needed to be at the outpatient center by 9 AM. Consequently, I was advised to wake up at 4 AM to finish the prep.
This prospect was a bit daunting as I was worried about not waking up on time.
To ensure I did, I set three alarms, left my lights on, and kept a TV show playing in the background. Although I slept lightly, I managed to wake up on time and completed the second half of my prep in about 40 minutes.
At this stage, I was mostly passing a yellowish liquid, which was a good sign that the prep was effective—thanks to the yellow Gatorade I used.
By 7 AM, my stomach had settled, allowing me to shower and get ready. I was relieved that it was all over!
The second day of prep went smoothly with no rectal discomfort, likely because I was mostly passing liquids.
Surprisingly, I wasn’t hungry. Still on a liquid diet, I was to stop anything from going into my system by 6 a.m.
I just had a sip of water to take the medication I was allowed.
Tip 5: Day of the Procedure
Wear comfortable, easy-to-remove clothing. You will slip into a hospital gown upon arrival at the procedure room. You’ll meet with a member of your care team.
Efficient Outpatient Experience
I arrived at the outpatient surgery center about 30 minutes early, preferring to be early rather than late, especially during the busy commute time.
Facilities like these often offer a cost advantage compared to hospitals and specialize exclusively in these types of procedures.
After completing some initial paperwork, I was quickly called to the back where I changed into a gown with an open back and placed all of my clothes in a plastic bag.
A nurse took my vitals and inquired about my prep and medications, confirming that I only took the necessary ones that morning.
I also met the nurse who would be in the room, the anesthesiologist, and the doctor who would perform the procedure.
They set up my IV, and I made one last bathroom trip before being wheeled into the procedure room on the same bed.
The room was quite cold, and the entire team, including the doctor, was already there.
After they adjusted a tight blood pressure cuff, they asked me to turn on my side. I saw the nurse inject a white substance into my IV, and that’s the last thing I remember before waking up back in my room, still feeling a bit groggy.
I struggled with balance momentarily as I got up. My husband was there with me, as it’s required to have someone drive you home after such procedures.
Tip 6: Post-Procedure
Once it’s all done, you’ll need a responsible care partner to take you home, as the sedatives used can make driving dangerous.
You can usually return to your usual diet and activities unless your doctor advises otherwise.
Post-Procedure Recovery
Before I left the facility, they offered me something to drink, so I opted for ginger ale, which I was really craving.
On the way home, I also had a sudden urge for Won Ton soup, so we stopped at a Chinese restaurant. I ordered Won Ton soup, a veggie platter, and sesame chicken.
Once home, I enjoyed the Won Ton soup but found I didn’t have much appetite for anything else.
The next day, I managed to eat a little bit of the remaining dishes. My bowel movements remained quite loose for a few days following the procedure.
Other than that, I felt fantastic! It’s pretty amazing how good I felt after the procedure.
Before getting it done, I was always lethargic, tired, and dealing with constant back pain, which had been a thorn in my side for years.
My diet wasn’t the best, either; I was trying to improve it but kept yo-yoing back and forth.
I couldn’t figure out why I was feeling so much better, so I did a bit of Googling and found out that colon cleansing can really help by removing accumulated waste and toxins from the colon.
It was a bit of an “aha” moment for me, realizing how much that could impact my overall well-being! Check out my You Tube video on my prep.
Final Words
Look, no one jumps for joy at the thought of a colonoscopy, but it’s one of those necessary steps that come with the territory as we age.
The good news? You can do a lot to make the experience less stressful. It’s all about preparation, comfort, and having support.
Once it’s done, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re taking important steps to look after your health.
Plus, there’s always that sense of accomplishment (and relief!) when it’s over, and you can treat yourself to a nice, hearty meal.
You’ve earned it!
My results were great. Nothing was found that was abnormal. My doctor also said that I had a good prep! Yes!
Stay healthy and take care!
34 thoughts on “Colonoscopy: Tips to Make Your Prep More Bearable”
Nice piece
Thank you.
Hey there!
Thanks for this informative and reassuring post! Preparing for a colonoscopy isn’t exactly the highlight of anyone’s to-do list, but you’ve managed to approach it with a blend of humor and straightforward advice that really helps take the edge off. Understanding the purpose behind the procedure makes it easier to appreciate why enduring the prep is so important. Your personal insights are sure to make the preparation more bearable for many.
Looking forward to your tips on how to ease the process. It’s great to have someone who’s been through it share their experiences and advice!
Thanks so much for your wonderful comment! When I was going through it, I looked to read what other people experienced. This is what motivated me to share my own experience.
Thank you so much for sharing these tips. I’m a huge supporter of convincing people to get a colonoscopy if their doctor reccomends it because like you said it’s the third common cancer in the US. Now I have some tips for the people in my life and myself to help with colonoscopy prep. I really appreciate you sharing your experience and your advice. Thank you so much!
You are welcome! So glad it helped!
Thank you for your honest post. It’s not a fun procedure, but necessary. I found it interesting that the cleanse helped you feel better overall!
Me too. I didn’t realize that a cleanse can remove toxins. This is causing me to really search more about gut health.
Thank you for sharing these great tips! As someone who’s had a colonscopy quite young to diagnose my IBS, the worst part for me was the laxative I had to drink the day before, it was like drinking glue haha.
Yeah, I agree. The hardest is having to go to the bathroom after the laxative. I had to keep telling myself that I have to be clean so the doctor can see. These days the laxatives are pretty tasty as I had a liquid.
Easiest way to drop a few pounds LOL. Great tips to make your colonoscopy bearable – LOL pun intended?
Yep! I was so glad to see a few pounds go away! LOL
My husband is overdue for a colonoscopy. He tried to do this procedure a couple of years ago, but it didn’t work because he felt very sick during the fasting day. I`ll show this article to him.
I hope he is able to get through it. The fasting day is a challenge but there are so many things to eat that can help. Plus it’s a good time to just chill and rest, watch TV to help the time go by.
Thank you for this great and comprehensive article. I have just booked myself in voluntarily because I sit all the time and drink alcohol and loads of coffee. That increases risks of any cancer. I am hoping I can make lifestyle changes on the top of this exam.
Monika that would be a good time to start. Once I completed the colon cleanse, I felt like a new person and not having a lot of the health issues I had before. Now I am trying to just put good things in my body and continue to research on gut health. I wish the best for you!
Great post on colonoscopy. This was a procedure not many new about a few years ago. Doctors are urging early testing which is good. Glad you had a great result.
Thanks! I wanted people to see that it’s not that bad and so worth having.
The tips are practical and easy to follow, making the whole colonoscopy prep process much less daunting. It’s great to have such straightforward advice to help make an uncomfortable experience more manageable. Thanks for sharing these valuable insights!
You are welcome!
This is great information for anyone undergoing a colonoscopy for the first time. I appreciate how you outlined your experiences. While it’s not a very fun prep to go through, the procedure can be a life-saver. Thanks for sharing!
You are welcome! Thanks for reading!
These tips are so helpful. Thank you for sharing these great ways to make the prep easier.
Thank you!
Hoping I never have to have one, but a great post to have in case I do, my cousin had one last week, would have been a good post to share with her
Hopefully you won’t have to. I have a family history of colon cancer but if your doctor recommends please do. It saved me from cancer!
Great advice! I’m glad your prep and colonoscopy went well! My prep was fine but unlike yours, the medicine I took for my prep was difficult to keep down. The first half, I threw up! The second half, I managed to keep it down by alternating sips of the medicine with water to wash it down. Next time, I hope I’m provided with a pill version of the medicine. And I’ll remember your tips when that comes!
So sorry to hear that it was hard for you. My very first one was hard because the stuff tasted so bad. I also hope you can take a pill or maybe your doctor will allow you to try this one. Thanks for reading!
I have never had this done before, but I’m grateful for the tips! You just never know, it may be my turn next. Life gets crazy sometimes.
You are welcome!
It is a great post, it brings more awareness on the topic. Colonoscopy is a really important health screening that can see lives.. Thanks for sharing!
Excellent post for anyone preparing for a colonoscopy! It will help lessen the anxiety for those that are nervous. Thanx for sharing.
This is a great guide about Colonoscopy, we need to focus on our health and maintain it. This will help people looking to know about Colonoscopy. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for sharing this detailed information with us. I didn’t know much about Colonoscopy is a before.