Your Orlando GI doctor at the Digestive and Liver Center will usually request for you to get a colonoscopy to investigate intestinal symptoms. Whether you’re experiencing chronic constipation, rectal bleeding, or abdominal pain, a colonoscopy will help your doctor study the issue. Anyhow, here’s a brief lesson on colonoscopy preparation. Check it out!
Colonoscopy Preparation Tips from our Orlando GI Experts
7 Days Before: Stock Up
This first step in your colonoscopy preparation should begin exactly one week from your appointment. Stock up on items you’ll be needing. Run to the store and buy laxatives (prescribed by your doctor), moist wipes with aloe vera and vitamin E (they’re less harsh than toilet paper—you’ll need this especially if you’re taking laxatives), diaper cream (start applying around your rectum to prevent irritation), AND finally approved foods and sports drinks (you’ll need food that’s easier to pass and not cause constipation). Examples of foods you’d want to buy include:
- Low-fiber foods
- Sports drinks
- Clear fruit juices
- Broths
- Gelatin
- Frozen pops
5 Days Before: Adjust Your Diet
If you’re usually adventurous with your diet, this is when the colonoscopy preparation gets tough. Start eating foods that are easier to pass through your digestive system. Switch to low-fiber foods like white bread, eggs, lean meats, white rice, pasta, etc. Once you hit 48 hours before your procedure, your Orlando GI doctor will then recommend you switch to soft foods like scrambled eggs, vegetable purees and soups, smoothies, etc.
Here’s a list of foods to avoid when you’re at the 5 days before mark:
- Corn
- Seeds and nuts
- Whole grains
- Tough meats
- Fatty and fried foods
- Raw vegetables
- Beans and peas
- Broccoli, cabbage, or lettuce
1 Day Before: Switch to Liquid Diet
At this point in the colonoscopy preparation stage, you need to do an all-liquid diet. This helps you get rid of the waste your body needs to eliminate from your colon so that your Orlando GI doctor can see clearly, thus having a successful colonoscopy. Remember, if your colon isn’t clear, your doctor may have to reschedule your appointment—which means you’ll have to prep again! Another thing to keep in mind is to stay hydrated. As long as your drinking clear liquids, you’ll be fine.
The Night Before
Your Orlando GI doctor will prescribe a strong laxative to eliminate waste. It’s usually hard to consume because of its bitter taste. Try mixing it with a sports drink or chasing it with lemon or lime juice to kill the taste. After taking this laxative, your intestines will be pushing out the remainder of your waste, causing forceful diarrhea (this is where the wipes come in!)
Stop by the Digestive and Liver Center Today!
When you come in for the procedure the next day, make sure you haven’t had anything to drink 2 hours prior. Once all of that is set, you’re officially ready! We hope these colonoscopy preparation steps eased your mind about the practice. Schedule your next colonoscopy at the Digestive and Liver Center today! Call (407)384-7388.