How to Prepare For Your First Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is a life-saving tool that enables us to detect colorectal cancer early on — but it has other uses as well. Preparing for a colonoscopy isn't pleasant, but it's better than the alternative — cancer.

Your first colonoscopy can be incredibly taxing if you're unsure what to expect. Knowing the right tips and tricks can help you prepare mentally and physically for the procedure without any unnecessary surprises.

At Texas Digestive Disease Consultants, Dr. Ilyas Memon provides colon cancer screenings through a colonoscopy. He also offers colonoscopies to find issues like diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease.

Why colonoscopy prep is important

A colonoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a long, thin camera to examine the inside of the colon. The colon must be clean and free of stool or food debris to see well during the exam.

A colonoscopy prep is essential before the procedure to ensure your colon is completely clean. We need a clear space to detect cancer, polyps, and other changes that signal a problem.

Without the proper preparation, we could miss significant changes or cancerous lesions due to fecal matter in the colon.

Everyone is different, and it’s essential to follow specific guidelines for colonoscopy. Some people require a longer prep than others, especially those with constipation.

When should I start my colonoscopy prep?

Preparing for a colonoscopy starts before the laxatives; it begins with dietary changes several days before the procedure. Following the specific guidelines for your body is essential for a smooth colonoscopy procedure.

Most people need to start preparing for a colonoscopy about three days before the procedure, although you can start sooner if you’d like. The first step of preparation is eating a low-fiber diet. The body can’t digest fiber, meaning foods containing fiber go through the colon.

Begin your low-fiber diet a few days before by avoiding foods like nuts, seeds, whole grains, and vegetables or fruits with skins or seeds. Continue the diet until 24 hours before the procedure.

You’ll start a clear liquid diet the day before the colonoscopy. Following the clear liquid protocol is critical to make the laxative preparation easier and allow the colon to empty completely.

The evening before the procedure, you take the laxative mixture, which causes multiple bouts of diarrhea to clear out the colon. You may need to finish the laxative prep the morning of the procedure to ensure the colon is clear.

Preparation tips for your first procedure

Understanding the colonoscopy is the first step in preparation, so there are no surprises. Please read up on the laxative prep to learn what to expect and how to make it easier for your body.

Ask questions during the initial appointment to get all the essential details of the colonoscopy prep. It’s also crucial to prepare your house and mind before the procedure with the following tips:

• Stock up on soft toilet paper
• Invest in medicated wipes
• Get creams to ease irritation
• Drink plenty of water
• Take in some electrolytes
• Choose treats for the liquid diet

Chill the colonoscopy prep liquid to make it more tolerable. During the prep phase, ensure you’re drinking enough water to prevent dehydration from diarrhea. It’s also essential to know when to stop drinking anything to ensure your bowels are clear.

Following these tips helps your first colonoscopy be successful and comfortable.

To learn more about our colonoscopy prep, call one of our conveniently located offices in Texas or request a consultation using our online booking feature.