Easing Anxiety Over Colonoscopy Prep

You’ll be given a set of instructions upon scheduling your colonoscopy. Read them thoroughly, and call your doctor before your appointment if you have any questions. 

In the instructions, you’ll be given a list of supplies to purchase. This list may include the name of a prescription or over-the-counter laxative, low-fiber foods and liquids safe to consume, and other items that will make the process easier, like moist wipes and gentle toilet paper. 

Stock up on these items several days before your prep day. The last thing you’ll want to do is be running out to the store halfway through the prep process.

Preparing for a colonoscopy involves sticking to a strict diet of clear liquids for 24 hours prior to your exam. You can enjoy sports drinks, juices, clear broth, coffee or tea (without milk or creamer), popsicles and Jell-O. Just be sure nothing is tinted red, blue or purple, as these colors can stain your colon and make it harder to see polyps during the exam. 

To make the prep process even easier, consider switching to a low-fiber diet in the three or four days leading up to your procedure. Foods that are easy to digest include:

• White breads, pastas and rice.
• Lean meat, chicken and fish.
• Eggs.
• Well-cooked vegetables without skin.
• Fruit without skin or seeds.   

Avoid the following foods:

• Whole grains.
• Raw fruits and vegetables.
• Gas-producing foods such as corn, broccoli, cabbage, beans and peas.
• Fatty foods.
• Tough meats.
• Seeds, nuts and popcorn.    

Talk with your doctor about whether or not you will need to stop taking any prescription or over-the-counter medications you may be using during this time. Don’t drink alcohol the day before your procedure.

You probably won’t enjoy the taste of the laxative solution, but there are some tricks to make it go down:

• Mix it with something flavored, like a sports drink or powdered drink mix.
• Put the solution in the freezer so that it’s icy cold.
• Drink it through a straw.
• Suck on a lemon slice after drinking it.
• Suck on mints between sips.  

Once the laxative starts working, think of the experience as a “spa cleanse.” As you’ll be in the bathroom for some time, create a relaxing environment by lighting scented candles, putting on a relaxing playlist and having a few magazines or books available to keep your mind occupied. 

Don’t forget to have your phone fully charged and within arm’s reach – you won’t be leaving your seat for a while. 

After the worst of the “emptying” has passed, treat yourself to a luxurious shower or bath, then get to bed early. 

As solid food isn’t an option until after the procedure, many patients have said going to bed at an earlier hour helped prevent them from feeling tempted to snack. 

The morning of your appointment, give yourself enough time to get dressed and get to the medical center. Make sure you have someone to pick you up and have a snack ready for the car ride home.