Getting Ready For A Colonoscopy Rules For Fasting And Bowel Preparation

Colonoscopy fasting is one of two related and important steps you must take the day before a colonoscopy procedure. The other is commonly known as bowel prep.

 In this article, we hope to provide you with some basic information and facts about these two important steps that precede your colon exam.


 It's important for your colon to be completely free of stool and other intestinal debris when your doctor does your colonoscopy procedure. By fasting and taking prescribed laxatives the day before, you're making sure that your doctor will be able to get a clear view of the tissue inside your colon.

 Your actual colonoscopy procedure is relatively short. It's usually over in less than an hour, and sometimes it could be as little as fifteen minutes. But your doctor will want you to to start the colonoscopy preparation process a full day in advance.

 Generally speaking, your food intake choices are extremely limited in the 24 prior to your procedure. Depending on your situation, your doctor may even ask you to fast for longer than that (this is rare, however).

 While you're fasting, you'll be permitted to eat gelatin or Popsicles - but only in certain flavors. Red and blue are prohibited because they can influence the color of your colon walls during your colonoscopy. Other food and drink that is permitted include

 * diet soda.

 * fat-free bouillon or broth

 * hard candy such as Life Savers or lemon drops

 * black coffee

 * plain tea without sweeteners or milk

 * strained fruit juice specifically apple, white grape, or cranberry

 * plain water

Definitely stay away from cream soups, milk, ice adventskalender für kleinkinder cream and similar dairy products.

 Generally, clear liquids are all right up to four hours before your procedure, but ask your doctor about this.

 Besides fasting and restricting food and drink choices, colonoscopy preparation also involves another step known as "bowel prep."

 There are several types of strong laxatives your doctor will prescribe, and you'll take these the evening before your colonoscopy. Typically, brands include Fleets Phospho-Soda, Golytely, and Movi-Prep.

 In most cases, you'll take a series of doses starting in late afternoon or early evening. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package, along with any recommendations given to you by your doctor. Your doctor will also want you to drink three-to-six 8-ounce glasses of clear liquid in between doses - possibly even more. This will keep you hydrated, since the laxative will rob your system of a lot of fluids. When the laxatives begin to work, you'll feel as if you have a very bad case of diarrhea.

 Many people who have had a colonoscopy say the procedure itself is a "breeze." The hardest part is the colonoscopy fasting and bowel prep that must be done the day before.

 Of course, everyone knows the benefit of a colonoscopy in detecting symptoms of colon cancer. But a colonoscopy has other benefits to offer also. Your doctor will be able to see if there are any other possibles developing. These could include diverticulosis or pre-cancerous colon polyps.