When you have scheduled your colonoscopy, you may have some concerns. If this is your first colonoscopy, you may be concerned about things you have heard about the preparation. At Alaska Digestive and Liver Disease Anchorage, Wasilla, Palmer & Mat-Su Valley, AK, our experienced team of gastroenterologists will make sure you understand all the necessary things you need to do for a successful procedure.
What Is a Colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a procedure performed by a gastroenterologist during which a colonoscope is inserted through the rectum into the colon so that your doctor can view the interior. It is used as a screening tool for colon cancer and other conditions that may be affecting your colon. During the procedure, your doctor may remove polyps or other tissue for testing. In order to view what is happening in your colon, it has to be clean and this is where the preparation comes in.
Your doctor will give you a prescription to have filled at the pharmacy for some type of laxative. In order to empty out your bowels, you will have to follow a strict regime of purging.
Colonoscopy Prep
You will be given a list of instructions to follow before your colonoscopy.
For 1-3 days before the procedure, you will need to follow a clear liquid diet. The exact time schedule will be in your instructions. You should avoid red or purple drinks and jello. Your diet will consist of clear broth, coffee, or tea without additives, fruit juice, sports drink, Seven Up, or ginger ale. Nothing after midnight before your colonoscopy.
The laxative you will be required to take can come in several different forms. It may require drinking what seems like a vast amount, or it can be pills. This will result in diarrhea, making having a bathroom close at hand at all times vital. It will not be a fun night, but it is necessary to clean things out. You may have to do one final cleaning in the morning, and then it is time to get ready to leave.
Wear comfortable clothes, loose and easy to get on and off. You need to have a driver since you will not be able to drive after the procedure. You will be getting some sort of anesthesia before the colonoscopy. Once it is over, you will be allowed home quite quickly.
If you need to schedule a colonoscopy or have questions before you make that big decision, the providers at Alaska Digestive and Liver Disease in Anchorage, Wasilla, Palmer & Mat-Su Valley, AK, can be reached at (907) 569-1333 to provide the assistance you require.