ByColonoscopy is a critical process. This is why it is necessary for one to properly prepare the body before the procedure. With the right preparation, it becomes easier for the professionals to proceed with the process, ensuring the aim of the process is met.
Colonoscopy is an essential process that helps in diagnosing, preventing, and monitoring diseases of the large intestine or colon. This allows doctors to view the inner lining and find abnormalities like polyps, potentially turning cancerous, and remove them on the spot. This is how the risks of colorectal cancer are significantly reduced.
Given the seriousness of the procedure, it demands some level of preparation. This helps with optimal visualization, accurate diagnosis, and procedure efficiency. On top of that, it also ensures the patient feels safe during the process.
This is why, in this blog, we will help you walk through the preparatory steps of Colonoscopy. This will help you get a smoother process when getting it done from a clinic.
Steps of Colonoscopy Preparation
Preparing the body for any professional medical process, like a Colonoscopy, Gastroscopy, or other procedure, is an essential part. This ensures the body is ready to accept the process and makes the rest of the process even easier. Some of the steps that it includes are:
1. Understanding the preparatory instructions
At the beginning of the process, you will receive detailed instructions from the medical professionals. This is usually done during the consultation, and in case you have any confusion, then you must get it cleared right then and there.
2. Make changes in your diet
Making dietary changes is an essential part of the process, and it usually starts one week before. To get started, you must avoid high-fiber foods like seeds, popcorn, nuts, and raw vegetables. This is essential because fiber tends to stay in the digestive system for some time, which will complicate the preparation.
Then, the day before your Colonoscopy, you must shift to a clear liquid diet. Make sure you drink plenty of water and focus more on clear broths, apple juice, and gelatin, but avoid any dyes.
3. Take the solution for bowel prep
Most experts suggest that individuals take a prep solution before the procedure to clear the colon. This mainly involves taking the solution in two doses, one the evening before the process and the second one on the morning of the day of the procedure.
The moment you take the solution, you must find a seat near the restroom, as the solution will cause frequent bowel movements, making it necessary for you to use the restroom.
4. Hydrate yourself
Hydration is an important part of the process, as dehydration is a common concern for many during the prep. So, make sure you keep drinking extra clear fluids that keep you hydrated during the process. This also helps in preventing any discomfort related to the process.
5. Adjust your medicines
Some medications might interfere with the process. This is why experts who perform Colonoscopy, Gastroscopy, and others always instruct individuals to discuss medications with them and adjust them before the process.
You should let the doctor know about any medications you are taking, especially diabetes medications, blood thinners, or supplements. Then, it will become easier for them to adjust the medication if necessary.
Tips For a Comfortable Colonoscopy Prep
Navigating the steps of a Colonoscopy might seem tough to some. However, the following tips will make it easy.
Chill your prep solution
Refrigerating the solution often makes it easier to drink it.
Use a straw for the solution
The taste of the prep solution might not be the best. So, it is best to use a straw to drink it.
Prevent skin irritation
Making frequent trips to the bathroom tends to cause some irritation. This is why one must use soft toilet paper. Other than that, you must also apply a barrier cream like petroleum jelly to prevent dryness, which leads to skin irritation.
Distract yourself
Getting a Colonoscopy brings in a lot of stress and anxiety. This is why you must watch a show, listen to music, or read to pass the time during prep.
Seek assistance if needed
Following the steps of preparation for a colonoscopy can be tough, and it is common to have confusion. So, one must consult their doctor to solve any queries and confusion.
In Summation
The right preparation plays an important role in Colonoscopy. This helps the doctors and other medical professionals to perform the process with ease and precision, while ensuring the safety of the individual.
So, it is essential for all individuals proceeding to get a colonoscopy to understand the prep instructions, make changes in their diet, take the solution (if directed), hydrate properly, and adjust medications before the process. Other than that, they can also follow a few tips to make the process easier.
Planning to get a colonoscopy?
Get your Colonoscopy done from a trusted clinic. Prepare your body properly and take the help of medical experts if needed.
