Just the word “colonoscopy” creates fear in the hearts of many people. But regardless of perception, a colonoscopy is an important and regular check-up test for people over the age of 50.One of the most important parts of your colonoscopy is colonoscopy preparation. If you don’t emptying your colon properly, your doctor won’t be able to see it clearly. This may result in missed polyp, a long process, or even a need to repeat colonoscopy, which you don’t really want. So, today we will discuss several aspects of colonoscopy along with the vital part i.e. how long will you be on the toilet for Colonoscopy prep?
What is Colonoscopy Test?
Colonoscopy is a test or exam done to see the changes like swollen, polyps, irritated tissues or cancer in large intestine (colon) and rectum.
When Should You Get a Colonoscopy?
It is generally been recommended at the age of 45 or older if doctor suspects any average risk of colon cancer.
Colonoscopy Risks.
There are certain risks of colonoscopy. They are in the following:
- Colon perforation.
- Bleeding.
- A reaction from the sedative which may include heart and breathing problem.
- Severe problem in the abdomen.
- Death, even though its rare.
What Can You Eat Before a Colonoscopy?
You have to stop eating solid foods before your colonoscopy. Different doctors have different colonoscopy diets. Some people may ask you to stop eating solid food a few days before your process, so get your colonoscopy instructions quickly and don’t wait until the last minute to read them.
Here are some common colonoscopy diet instructions:
- Solid foods will need to be replaced with clear liquids, usually the day before colonoscopy. You may be instructed not to eat anything after midnight the night before colonoscopy.
- A clear liquid colonoscopy diet can include water, broth, creamless tea or coffee, clean juices, sports drinks etc. You will be asked to avoid any liquids with red, blue, or purple colours.
- You may be instructed to avoid heavy fibre nuts, seeds or other foods before you start taking clear fluids.
how to prepare for a colonoscopy: Bowel Preparation.
Various doctors use a variety of laxative drugs and sometimes include enema to flush out the colon, so read your bowel preparation instructions carefully. This part of colonoscopy preparation usually starts in the afternoon or evening before your colonoscopy.
If your doctor uses normal polythylene glycol, or PEG bowel submission, here’s what to expect:
PEG solutions work by forcing large amounts of fluid through your colon, flushing out all the waste with fluid.
You will usually be instructed to drink about a gallon of this solution or 8 ounces every 10 minutes until the solution is finished and nothing is coming out, but clean liquid.
The solution has a salty taste and some people feel nauseated.
Once the force starts, you may experience some swelling and cramps, and you will spend a lot of time on the toilet.
Colonoscopy Preparation: Further Planning.
Now that you know what to expect, here are some tips that can help you deal with it:
- Consume plenty of gatorade, popsicals, gel-o or Italian ice, but remember to stay away from red, blue and purple varieties.
- Have some chicken or beef broth for yourself if you like. You can also take some medicinal pads or wipes to soothe the sore throat.
- Clear your schedule. Once you start bowel preparation, you won’t wander away from the bathroom. If you are responsible for children or older parents, get some help. Stock your bathroom with some good reading material.
- Drinking a peg solution quickly gets old. You can add some flavour with cool-aid, add a little lemon or lemon juice, cool it and drink it, or just hold your nose and press it down. Later sucking a piece of lemon or a hard candy helps.
- Wear loose, easy to fit clothes. Choosing comfortable clothes will help you relax.
Remember, although preparing colonoscopy may not be your favorite things, having colonoscopy can save your life. More than 50,000 Americans die of Colon cancer each year, and many of these deaths could have been prevented from early detection.
How Long Will You Be On The Toilet For Colonoscopy Prep?
In most cases, the colonoscopy process takes less than an hour, and your doctor will keep you as relaxed and relaxed as possible. On the other hand, a good bowel flush can take about 16 hours, and your doctor won’t be there to help you.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Foods that you can eat after colonoscopy are:
(a) Electrolytes.
(b) Water.
(c) Herbal tea.
(d) Fruit juice.
(e) Soup.
(f) Toast.
(g) Scrambled egg.
(h) Yogurt.
It generally takes approx upto 30 to 60 minutes.
Generally, it vary places to places. In USA the cost of colonoscopy is $2100 to $3764, where as in India West Bengal the cost is minimum 5000 INR to maximum 150000 INR.
Day before colonoscopy don’t eat any kind of solid food. Rather you can eat and should go for clear liquid diet i.e., soup, clear broth, tea, black coffee, fruit juice etc.
45 or above 45 years it is generally recommended.
Around 1 to 3 hours it take to clear bowels for colonoscopy.
To get fully clear it may take around 12 to 16 hours.
The easiest colonoscopy prep to tolerate is;
(a) Use of sulphate free and flavored formula such as NuLYTELY or TriLyte (PEG) for better taste.
(b) Use of lower volume formula such as MiraLAX or Halflytely (PEG), it will help to drink less.
Body is not exposed, it is fully covered during the exam.
Colonoscopy doesn’t hurt or painful.
One or two small polyps (5mm in diameter or small) are considered to be at low risk.
Bottom Line.
Colonoscopy is the only test which allows your doctor to inspect your colon & biopsy or remove any polyps. Studies show that only about half of adults get their recommended colon cancer checked. Now that you know what to expect and how to prepare, don’t let the fear of colonoscopy come to you.
+1 Source
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- Colon Perforation; https://www.winchesterhospital.org/health-library/article?id=902781