When a patient comes to me for their first colonoscopy, I usually say, “Congratulations!” As a gastroenterologist, I applaud them for doing what is important to their health and share the joy of having the hardest part of the colonoscopy process, preparation, behind them. .
Whether you plan to have a colonoscopy because your doctor wants to investigate a specific condition such as chronic diarrhea or rectal bleeding, or whether you are being screened for colon cancer (most people do not It is currently recommended to start at age 45), need to be prepared.
We spoke with other experts who shared tips on how to make the experience smoother.
Not Your Grandfather’s Colonoscopy
If you’ve heard about colonoscopies from family members or friends, you may be surprised at how much the preparation and procedures have changed from previous generations.
You need to cleanse your colon beforehand, but there are lots of new ways to do it laxative options —in liquid, powder, or tablet form—no need to chug more than a dozen salty formulas at once. One the night before surgery and one in the morning.When Stab, a recently approved tablet-based option This means swallowing 12 tablets twice, which is appealing to many people wanting to avoid liquid or powder-based laxatives (which can have an unpleasant taste).
The colonoscopy procedure itself has also been modernized.there is a safer way inflate the large intestine To look for precancerous growths, better camera help with the hunt, more sophisticated techniques For removal of abnormal tissue.
In fact, colonoscopies have become so safe and comfortable for patients that they often wake up after surgery and ask, “What?” or “When do you want to start?”
Colonoscopy, like all procedures, Certain Serious But Rare RisksAlso, the preparation steps will vary depending on your medical needs and the specific laxative being prescribed. It is important to review all Please consult your doctor beforehand.
surge before purge
Begin the day before your colonoscopy with the famous bowel preparation. This includes starting a clear liquid diet the day before the procedure and taking a laxative to cleanse the colon, which he takes in two doses.Lack of preparation is the cause Up to a quarter of colonoscopies Cannot complete.
Douglas Rex, M.D., a gastroenterologist and professor of medicine at the Indiana University School of Medicine, said: “You have to have a clean colon to see them well.”
New developments in cancer research
progress in the field. In recent years, advances in research have changed the way cancer is treated. Recent updates include:
3 days before colonoscopy. Cut out high-fiber foods such as nuts, seeds, whole grain breads, and raw vegetables, as they take longer to pass through your digestive tract and can make it difficult for your doctor to see inside your colon. Please give me.
Some people consider the days before a liquid diet to be their last chance to eat well, but overeating can backfire.
You will also need to make sure someone will pick you up after the procedure (driving is not allowed due to sedation).
The day before the colonoscopy. When you wake up the day before your procedure, start a strict clear liquid diet (which may include certain foods). Water, chicken broth, and apple juice are permitted, as are foods such as popsicles and jellies that do not contain pulp, as long as they are all clear or pale in color. (For example, red jelly can be mistaken for blood.) Black coffee and tea also count as clear liquids, so “it doesn’t have to completely ruin your morning.” Gastroenterology at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center disease center.
You’ll usually be instructed to take the first dose of your preparation by the afternoon or evening, so plan a cozy evening and stay near the bathroom.
If the prep has to be mixed with another liquid, that liquid should be clear, but don’t be afraid to get creative with flavor combinations. Ginger ale, fruit juice, sports drink, or tea will make it more palatable. You can also mix in ramen flavor packets for a savory version.
Some people find the taste of certain preparations unpleasant, so ask your doctor for anti-nausea medication ahead of time if you are prone to nausea. can be suppressed. Sucking on a mint or menthol lozenge between bites can also help soften the bad taste. Chilling the preparation in the refrigerator also helps with the flavor. Avoid using ice if you won’t be drinking it right away, said Dr. Calderwood.As the ice melts, it dilutes the mixture and allows you to drink more.
Whatever you do, don’t drink alcohol the day before your surgery. While it may technically be a clear liquid, alcohol can cause dehydration and interfere with sedation, a potentially dangerous combination.
The evacuation takes place minutes to hours after you start using the laxative, so stock up on gentle toilet paper and wet wipes containing soothing witch hazel or aloe vera ahead of time. (Don’t wash off the wet wipes. Even if you say “I can flow” Because it can harm the environment and clog pipes. )
morning of colonoscopyYou may be instructed to take a second prep a few hours before your procedure. You should also stop drinking all liquids at least 2-4 hours before your scheduled procedure, as directed by your doctor.
At this point, the stool should be liquid and clear. If not, be honest and talk to your doctor. “What you don’t want is to put in all this effort, take time off, and never get the job done,” Dr. Rex said. , patients taking certain medications (such as opioids) usually take longer to prepare properly. Always check your medical history with your doctor before starting. In some cases, just one more day of Bowel Preparation can solve the problem.
Don’t forget to pack some snacks for the drive home. You may get hungry and need more than the unsalted crackers the nurses provide in the recovery area.
It is very important to carefully follow your doctor’s instructions before surgery. If you don’t, you’ll have to do the process again in a year, not ten, as recommended by most people who do regular inspections and clean prep.
“I think everyone would rather do a ‘one-off job’ well than come right back,” says Dr. Calderwood. “Often, you don’t know how ill-prepared a patient is until you see them after they’ve already been sedated.”
Conclusion
For many people, the psychological aspects of preparing for a colonoscopy are more challenging than the physical aspects, says Dr. Calderwood. You have to contend with (massive) diarrhea, 24 hour solids deprivation, and sedation for procedures.
“It’s like getting ready to run a marathon,” said Dr. Calderwood. But remember, it’s not an insurmountable task. “A lot of people do it every day before you do it,” she said.
Take some slack and be comfortable with why you are doing this procedure, even if it is difficult. It is an act of self-care that can give peace of mind to
“There is a finite amount of discomfort before a colonoscopy,” said Dr. Calderwood. “And maybe we won’t have to think about it again for a few years.”
Dr. Trisha Pasricha is a gastroenterologist at Massachusetts General Hospital and a contributor to The New York Times.
