What To Do For A Colonoscopy Prep…
Colonoscopy preparation, How and Why.
Your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy for any of the following reasons, changes in bowel habits, blood in stool, persistent abdominal pain, or if you are over 50.
Anyone over the age of 50 years old should have regular colon exams every 10 years. I your family has a genetic history of colon cancer your doctor may recommend a short waiting period between exams.
As with many medical procedures the dreaded anticipation of the procedure is worse than the actual deed. I mean your drugged for the procedure. Your not drugged while you worry the week before.
You will need to plan for someone to drive you home after the procedure. You cannot drive after they give you the sedatives. It will also help to have someone to talk to before the procedure to keep you from getting even more nervous.
The doctors that you may talk to are the Proctologist and the Gastroenterologist. A Gastroenterologist is a doctor of the gastrointestinal tract. The gastrointestinal tract is the study of the path food takes when it enters and leaves the body. A proctologist is a doctor of the rectum or anus.
In order to clean the colon the body needs additional amounts of water to accomplish this goal. It can be very difficult for some people to drink the required amounts to prepare for a colonoscopy.
Since you are on a liquid diet it should be easier to drink more water. Other substances you can drink are Strained fruit juice, Plain coffee, Diet soda, Plain tea, Fat-free bouillon or broth. Gelatin or popsicles in any color but red or blue is usually allowed.
One option available to some patients is a new pill. This pill helps prepare for the colonoscopy by cleaning the colon and reducing the days needed for colonoscopy prep. Only your doctor can determine if this method is right for you.
I would like to wait for the pill that does the colonoscopy for me. You know take the pill and it can be like a mars satellite exploring my intestines and sending data back to the doctors. I never have to leave my couch. I can always dream right!
