10 Ways To Make A Colonoscopy A Little Easier

Few people, if any, look forward to getting a colonoscopy, mainly due to the grueling prep work that’s required beforehand. The process empties out your colon, allowing your doctor to view its interior to look for precancerous polyps or colorectal cancer.

“It’s the third-most common cancer among both men and women, and it’s one of the most preventable cancers,” says Ramona O. Rajapakse, MD, a gastroenterologist at Northwell Health. “The main way to prevent colorectal cancer is with a colonoscopy because the procedure can detect colon polyps, the precursor of colon cancer. When you remove them, it prevents them from becoming cancer.”

While there are no shortcuts to preparing for a colonoscopy, it’s possible to make the entire experience less unpleasant. Here’s everything you need to know about preparing for this important procedure.

Connect with your gastroenterologist

When it’s time for a colonoscopy, your primary care physician can refer you to a gastroenterologist. Often, you’ll meet beforehand to discuss your medical history and learn about the procedure, but this isn’t always necessary. Some patients qualify for a direct-access colonoscopy, eliminating the initial office visit.

“Direct-access colonoscopy is meant for healthy patients who have no medical problems,” Rajapakse explains. “They see their primary care physician, [who] sends us their history and latest physical. Our office will call [the patient] and make sure that nothing needs further discussion. They’ll we’ll schedule the colonoscopy and go over details over the phone.”

Get your colonoscopy prep kit

Several colonoscopy prep kits are available, with options in liquid, powder (to be mixed with water), and pill form. Your gastroenterologist will prescribe one that’s right for you.

No matter what type of kit you’ll be using, make sure to get it from the pharmacy a week before your procedure so that you won’t need to run around at the last minute.

"Even though we tell patients that, we still get people calling up the day before saying, ‘Oh, I forgot to get my prep,’" Rajapakse notes.

Do the required reading

"We recommend a patient read the instructions for the colonoscopy as soon as they receive it, so they have an idea of what’s required," Rajapakse says.

Your instructions may tell you to stop taking certain medications or eating certain foods a few days before your colonoscopy. If you look at it for the first time the night before your procedure, it will be too late to follow through.

Switch to a clear liquid diet

You’ll be instructed to follow a clear liquid diet the day before your procedure. Water, black coffee, plain tea, chicken broth, apple juice, sports drinks, and gelatin snacks are all acceptable, unless they’re crimson-colored.

"Avoid anything red because when we do the colonoscopy, it looks like blood," Rajapakse says.

Take the prep

Around 5pm the night before your procedure, you’ll be asked to begin your colonoscopy prep. You’ll do the second half about six hours before your procedure.

It’s no secret that it can be challenging to drink the beverage. While flavors vary, they’re usually sickeningly sweet or salty. To make it easier, Rajapakse recommends chilling it and then using a straw so that the liquid goes to the back of your mouth, bypassing some tastebuds.

Distraction also helps. Sit in front of the TV and take sips while you watch a movie. And pace yourself—drinking too quickly may make you feel sick. "If you feel nauseous, then slow it down," Rajapakse adds.

Use the bathroom as needed

Sometime after you drink the laxative, you’ll feel an urge to empty your bowels. Every patient is different, so nobody can predict how soon after drinking they’ll need to use the bathroom or how many times they’ll go. To be safe, assume that it won’t take long.

"Once you start drinking, have access to a bathroom," Rajapakse says. "You don’t want to drink the prep, then take a long car ride."

After you complete the prep, your bowels should be sufficiently empty. "You know you’ve had a good prep when you go to the bathroom and what you see coming out is clear, or very light yellow, but not brown."

Stop eating and drinking at midnight

It’s OK to consume clear liquids until midnight unless your doctor told you otherwise. After midnight, don’t eat or drink anything (other than the prep kit) until after your colonoscopy.

Dress casually for your appointment

Wear something comfortable to your colonoscopy and leave your jewelry at home. Remove any facial piercings or tongue piercings. "The anesthesia requires that they’re removed,” Rajapakse explains. “We don’t want them to get lost and go into the airway."

Have your colonoscopy

You’ll be under anesthesia, so you won’t be aware that the procedure is happening. If your gastroenterologist discovers polyps, they’ll be removed. If they see abnormal tissue, they may biopsy it to check for cancer. Expect to find out the results within a week or two.

The colonoscopy itself should take 30 minutes or less. After the procedure, you’ll be moved to a recovery room. You may spend two hours at your appointment, depending on how you feel after you wake up.

Go home with your ride

Every colonoscopy patient must have someone they know give them a ride home. While under the influence of anesthesia, you can’t drive, take public transportation, or hire a ride. Someone needs to accompany you into your house and make sure that you’re settled before they leave.

"The anesthesia doesn’t leave your body for about 12 hours," Rajapakse explains. "It’s very similar to having alcohol. You think that you’re completely fine, but judgment can be impaired. We also don’t want patients tripping on the sidewalk or falling."

• What Happens During A Colonoscopy?
• Can At-Home Testing Replace A Colonoscopy?
• Get an understanding of your potential risk of colorectal cancer by taking a health risk assessment from Northwell Health.