How to Prepare for a Colonoscopy, medically reviewed by Zilpah Sheikh, MD on May 1, 2024 Written by Alyson Powell Key Abbreviated by Garnett Stewart
The Purge
Strong laxatives are used, but they are not great tasting. Chill them. Add lemon. Use a hard candy after. Drink through a straw. You will have frequent, forceful diarrhea. It is normal to have cramps and bloating. If you have hemorrhoids, they may become irritated. Some people get nauseated and vomit. Continue the preparation.
Pack extra clothes in case you have an accident. Consider adult diapers.
After your colonoscopy, you might feel bloated or gassy for a few hours. You might have some streaks of blood, but frank bleeding is an urgent call to your doctor.
Colonoscopy Prep Timeline Review
Three days before your procedure, eat a low-fiber diet and avoid seeds, nuts, corn, and popcorn. One day before, drink clear liquids and avoid solid food and red liquids. Two to four hours ahead of your colonoscopy, avoid all liquids.
The schedule for colon exams is every 5-10 years, depending on your doctors’ recommendations. Most suggest ending exams at 75, but some say at age 70.
Unfortunately, the medical system in Ecuador does not do GI screening as health prevention. Please get these tests done regardless of this oversight, to avoid any issues that can be treated easily if caught early.
For cancer of all kinds, early detection is essential.
Garnett Stewart garnettstewart@gmail.com
City: Cuenca
