A colonoscopy is a procedure that helps doctors examine the inside of your colon for cancerous lesions or precancerous polyps. For this to be as effective as possible, your colon needs to be fully cleansed, allowing for clear pictures of your colon to be taken. Your doctor will provide you with specific instructions and a prescription for a laxative preparation. Consult your physician about any questions you may have about cleansing your colon before the procedure, and notify him of any medications or supplements you may be taking, to see if you need to change your dosing schedule.
Step 1
Ask your physician about your medications and how far in advance you should stop taking them, if necessary. Penn Gastroenterology states that individuals taking insulin should talk with their doctors about whether they need to change their dosing schedules. Medications for heart or high blood pressure problems should be taken as you normally do with small sips of water, according to Penn Gastroenterology.
Step 2
Consume a clear liquid diet for one to three days prior to the procedure. According to Colon Cancer Resource, the duration of this can vary, so ask your doctor how many days you need to do this. Clear liquids can include Jell-O, popsicles, clear soup broths, apple or white grape juices, and ginger ale. Drink nothing with red, blue or purple dye, suggests Harvard Medical School.
Step 3
Drink the liquid laxative preparation your doctor has prescribed for you; follow the directions your doctor has given you as to the schedule of when you should drink the liquid. This is to cleanse your colon out so the colonoscopy can be optimally performed.
Tips and Warnings
- Wear loose clothing the day before your procedure, when you are doing the laxative preparation. Because these laxatives are very strong, it is best to stay near a bathroom. Using medicated wipes or Vaseline can help relieve skin irritation that may occur due to the frequent diarrhea that occurs with colonoscopy preparation.
- Make sure to have someone accompany you to your procedure. You will receive anesthesia for the colonoscopy, and will be slightly drowsy afterward. Many hospitals or surgical centers require someone to be with you and drive you home afterward.
