Our Best Tips for Preparing for a Colonoscopy
Did you know that, at its earliest stage, many people with colon cancer may not show any symptoms?
With the exception of skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer among American men and women. A colonoscopy remains the best tool for screening and detecting colon cancer at its earliest, and most treatable stage.
We’ve compiled some of our best colonoscopy preparation tips from our experienced, professional colonoscopy doctors in Raleigh.
The Best Tips on Preparing for Your Colonoscopy
Be Sure to Have Your Ride and Support Person Lined Up
Because you’ll be sedated during the procedure, you must have someone drive you to our office, wait for you while you’re undergoing the procedure, and take you home.
You can NOT take a taxi or Uber. We do this for your own safety. Therefore, it’s important to be sure you have a ride and support person. We’ll talk to you more about this when you first schedule your colonoscopy.
Start Preparing a Few Days in Advance
Your prep will be much easier if you adjust your diet and watch what you eat a few days before you start the prep. You should avoid red meat, “heavy” foods, fried foods, fiber-filled foods and anything that is red.
We do suggest foods such as soups, chicken and salmon. If you need any more ideas, just ask us! We’ll be happy to provide more information.
Avoid Large Meals
You may find that by decreasing the size of your meals, your prep will be smoother.
Plan Ahead for Your Liquid Diet
The day before your colonoscopy you have to have a liquid diet—no solid foods. By planning ahead, you can have foods that are tasteful and safe. You may want to consider:
- Organic, low-sodium broth
- JELL-O (However, you should NOT have red, orange or purple JELL-O)
- Apple juice
- White grape juice
- 7-Up/ Sprite
- Drinks such as Pedialyte—just be sure to avoid the “red” flavors
Drink the Super Bowel Prep Cold
You may find it easier to drink the super bowel prep if it’s cold and you drink it using a straw. Ask us about flavored prep or what type of flavoring is safe to add to it.
Is the second dose of suprep necessary?
Yes. We recommend taking the second dose of super bowel prep because it helps us clean the part of the colon where we can easily see flat polyps.
Be sure to finish the prep!
Some patients may wonder why they have to continue the prep if their stools are running clear. You still have to finish the prep. It’s vital that your colon is perfectly clear so we can get the best view of any abnormalities that exist.
Get Your Bathroom Ready
You’ll be spending a lot of time in the bathroom during your prep, so be sure you have soothing, two-ply toilet paper and plenty of books or magazines to keep you entertained. You may want to also have creams to help soothe any irritation you experience. A cool, wet washcloth can also help.
Follow Instructions From Your Colonoscopy Doctors in Raleigh to the Letter
This means double-checking your instructions. We’ll tell you what time to take the bowel prep or pills. The important thing is to allow enough time for the laxative to begin its work.
Remember: Always check with us to be sure you know the time you can stop drinking liquids.
Relax! There’s No Reason to Be Anxious
We know many of you have heard “horror stories” about colonoscopies. While a colonoscopy—and its preparation—are not pleasant, this inconvenience is a small price to pay for the assurance that comes with early cancer detection.
It may even surprise you to know that most of our patients aren’t even aware that the procedure has been done!
Instead of basing your beliefs on something you heard on social media or even “advice” from a well-meaning friend, we encourage you to speak to us directly if you’re nervous or have any concerns about your colonoscopy.
RMG Gastroenterology: Paving the Way For Colon Cancer Prevention
Our experienced colonoscopy doctors in Raleigh and Wilson work with digital, state-of-the-art equipment that is specifically designed for digestive health care. We have performed thousands of colonoscopies, and we are always happy to answer any questions you may have.
We also offer convenience: We have five primary office locations throughout Wake and Johnston counties. In addition, we have a location in Wilson — The Wilson Digestive Disease Center.
Don’t put off this valuable screening that can save lives. Speak to your doctor about a referral today.
