Let’s look at the bright side of colonoscopies:
- two days to do as little as possible with a good excuse Ideal chance to watch Dawson’s Creek, episode 1, without having to feel self-conscious about doing a jigsaw puzzle and to ignore your boss
- Cleaning out your system. All preps are difficult to complete and have unpleasant side effects, but once you’re done, it’s good to completely empty your system and give your bowels a vacation from their full-time work.
- Post-procedure naps. Once everything is finished, you can return home and enjoy the most amazing, revitalizing nap imaginable.
- Your first meal back. Two-Four-Six-Eight, who do we appreciate? Solid food. If you’re anything like me, your dreams during the scope
- Showing off to your 50+ year old counterparts. Oh, you’re delaying the first, crucial colonoscopy for the detection of colorectal cancer? Come on, I’ve done that. Seven times.
Preparing for your colonoscopy
It’s common to hear the statement, “The colonoscopy preparation is worse than the procedure.” Although this is partially accurate, the patient can reduce the amount of work involved in preparation if they adhere to a few crucial pointers. A colonoscopy is a quick and simple procedure for the patient. When it’s over, your life returns to normal, and after the effects of the anesthesia wear off, you can get back to your regular activities.
The day before the colonoscopy procedure, patients are required to fast. Only clear or light-colored liquids are allowed. Examples include beverages such as herbal teas, broth, light-colored ice pop treats, light-colored JELL-O®, apple juice, sparkling water, ginger ale, Pedialyte or light-colored Gatorade, and plenty of water. Patients should focus on staying well hydrated, which will help decrease hunger and is necessary before the laxative depletes the body of fluids and nutrients. No red, blue, purple, or dark-colored liquids are allowed.
Tip #3 – Fasting
Patients are asked to fast the day before the colonoscopy and to limit their intake to clear liquids. Staying hydrated is crucial because fasting can deplete your body’s supply of nutrients and fluids. Drinking clear beverages with electrolytes is a great option. Think about electrolyte-enhanced water (Smart Water) or pale sports drinks (lime-flavored). In addition, bone broth or clear broth can help the body retain nutrients when no solid food is consumed. These can be made with premade or powdered chicken broth, bouillon, or both. Any broth will do as long as it doesn’t have any noodles or solids in it. If you need something more, light-colored popsicles or Italian water ice are excellent choices. Just make sure there are no chunks, fruit purée, or red dyes in them.
