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How to Make the Most of Your Colonoscopy Prep

The Science of Screening: How Colonoscopies Prevent Colon Cancer

Colonoscopy prep can seem like a big challenge. The idea of it can make people delay their needed colonoscopy, which puts them at risk of developing colon cancer.

You may not want to do it, but bowel prep can be a lifesaver. It’s necessary to clean out your bowel so your gastroenterologist can get a clear view of your entire colon, where polyps develop. Finding and removing polyps prevents them from developing into cancer.

If you are over the age of 45 (younger for some), a screening colonoscopy is one of the most important medical procedures you can schedule. Colorectal cancer is the second deadliest cancer. One in 24 people will develop colorectal cancer, and it often doesn’t have symptoms.

The idea of colonoscopy prep can be intimidating, but there are some steps you can take before you start your prep to make the process easier.

Adjust Your Diet

Several days before you’re due to begin your bowel prep, eat smaller meals and cut back on fiber. Because your body can’t digest fiber, it ends up in your colon. Cutting back on fiber means there is less fiber to clear out during your bowel prep.

Block Your Schedule

After starting your bowel prep, you won’t want to be far from your bathroom. Don’t plan on cooking, taking care of children, or having visitors. If you have a pet, you may consider having someone look after them during the prep.

Shop for Your Clear Diet

The day before your scheduled colonoscopy, you’ll be on a clear liquid diet. This doesn’t only mean water – other options are clear sodas, low-sodium broth, white juice, and black coffee. Clear gummy bears, jello, and sports drinks are also ok – as long as they aren’t red, orange, or purple. Stock your kitchen with enough variety to get you through the day.

Dress for Success

On the day of your bowel prep, dress for comfort and put a change of clothes in the bathroom in case of emergency. You will have frequent watery diarrhea and it’s possible to have some incontinence. Wear clothes that are easy to get in and out of quickly. Wearing a pad or incontinence brief can protect your clothing and decrease your fear of having an accident.

Prepare the Bathroom

An uncomfortable side effect of frequent diarrhea is sore, raw skin in your anal area. Stock your bathroom with wet wipes, soothing creams or oils, soft toilet paper, or a sitz bath or basin. A cool, wet washcloth can also soothe the sore area. You can use a diaper cream ahead of time to prevent soreness.

Prepare for Downtime

Plan for frequent, urgent trips to the bathroom. This is not the time to try to be productive. Instead, make the best of your circumstances by treating it as a night in. Stock up on books, movies, or hobbies to keep yourself entertained.

Plan ahead to make your bowel prep as easy as possible – it’ll be over before you know it. And you’ll gain peace of mind when your colonoscopy is complete and any polyps have been removed, preventing cancer from forming.

Don’t delay your colonoscopy any longer – schedule an appointment today!

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