subject: Getting Ready For A Colonoscopy: Fasting Rules And Bowel Prep [print this page] Colonoscopy fasting is one of two related and important steps you must take the day before a colonoscopy procedure. The other is commonly known as bowel prep.
In this article, we hope to provide you with some basic information and facts about these two important steps that precede your colon exam.
Colonoscopy fasting and bowel prep are important factors in making sure your colon is completely clean and your doctor can see the walls of your colon clearly.
Your actual colonoscopy procedure is relatively short. It's usually over in less than an hour, and sometimes it could be as little as fifteen minutes. But colonoscopy preparation begins a full day before you actually have the colonoscopy done.
In most cases, your doctor will ask you to start your colonoscopy fasting the day before the procedure. This varies - it may be slightly longer, depending on your doctor's wishes. During the fasting period, your food choices will be extremely limited.
Your doctor will permit you to eat gelatin or Popsicles during your fasting period, as long as they're not in flavors or colors of red or blue. These colors stain the walls of your colon, making diagnosis more difficult. The following are also permitted
* diet soda.
* fat-free bouillon or broth
* hard candy such as Life Savers or lemon drops
* plain coffee
* plain tea with no sugar or cream
* strained fruit juice apple, cranberry and white grape are recommended
* plain water
You should absolutely avoid dairy products like ice cream, milk and cream soups.
Generally, clear liquids are all right up to four hours before your procedure, but ask your doctor about this.
Besides fasting and restricting food and drink choices, colonoscopy preparation also involves another step known as "bowel prep."
There are several types of laxatives your doctor will prescribe. You'll take one of the the evening before your colonoscopy. Popular brands of colon prep include Golytely, Fleets Phospho-Soda and Movi-Prep.
In most cases, you'll take a series of doses starting in late afternoon or early evening. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package, along with any recommendations given to you by your doctor.
Between doses of the laxative, it's a good idea to drink 3-6 glasses of water or clear liquid, otherwise you may become dehydrated. Your doctor may tell you to drink even more than that.
When the laxatives begin to work, you'll feel as if you have a very bad case of diarrhea.
After having a colonoscopy, many people say the procedure itself was easier than they thought it would be. Since you're sedated, you don't really feel any pain or discomfort. The fasting (which takes some determination) and the bowel prep (which can definitely be unpleasant) - are frequently described as the hardest part of the process.
Of course, everyone knows the benefit of a colonoscopy in detecting symptoms of colon cancer. But your doctor will also look for any other signs of potential colon peoblems, like pre-cancerous polyps or diverticulitis during your examination.
Due to improvements in colonoscopy technology, plus growing public awareness of colon cancer dangers through media campaigns, colon cancer diagnoses and deaths have been happily decreasing in recent years.
