So, your doctor told you that you need a colonoscopy? Don't be nervous! It is such a taboo subject, but I promise, it isn't nearly as intimidating as you think!
I am writing this as I prepare for my 9th colonoscopy.... I am 34 years old. GASP! I have already had more colonoscopies since I was 26 than most people will have in their entire life. You know what? I am okay with it because the alternative is, I wouldn't be here if I didn't have these every year. I have a genetic mutation called Lynch Syndrome. MSH6 to be exact. This mutation increases my risk of certain types of cancers by up to 80%. So, preventaion and catching cancer early is key! One benefit of having Lynch Syndrome is I get to share my expertise and experience to make YOUR colonoscopy (or endoscopy, or a myriad of other tests) less scary and go more "smoothly" (pun intended).
So, Lets start with the basics.
1.) A colonoscopy is a crucial procedure for early detection or prevention of gastrointestinal (GI) issues and cancer. Patients are placed under light anesthesia for comfort. The physician uses a colonoscope, a flexible tube with a camera and light, to examine the colon's interior. The doctor looks for problems like polyps, inflammation, ulcers, signs of colorectal cancer, and other GI issues (or hopefully a clean bill of health)!
2.) Colonoscopy preparation is usually the most intimidating part of the whole procedure! Don't worry, that is why I am writing this blog! I will tell you all my tips and tricks to make it as easy as possible.
3.) Colonoscopies are crucial in the early detection of colon cancer, the 3rd most common cancer in the United States for both men and women. Unfortuantely, people are being diagnosted at younger ages (30's and 40's) than ever before. I blame our food system and what we consider "food" these days, more on that in another blog. So, if you are having issues that are concerning you, talk to your doctor! If you don't know how to bring it up, or need help on how to talk to your medical team, messge me, I can help.
4.) If no polyps or issues are found, your colonoscopy will be coded as a "screening", if polyps or issues are found, the code will be changed to diagnostic and it will change how your insurance process the claim. This can be a little confusing or frustrating so I wanted to add this fun little fact.
5.) There are multiple types of "preps" to choose from! The typical gallon of solution, low volume preps, and my favorite - pills and water! I have tried them all. I am not a big person so for me to drink a gallon of solution in a short-ish period of time is difficult. I prefer the pill option called Sutab. It is 12 pills during each of the 2 rounds that you have for prep and you take them with water. They are rather large pills so if you don't do well with that, it may be a better option for you to use a solution prep. ***If you have a sensitive stomach or get nauseous easily, it can be a good idea to ask your doctor to also prescribe anti-nausea medication to help ward that off. The last thing you want to throw up your prep and have to reschedule!***
6.) It can take some time for the prep solution or pills to start working. When they begin to work their magic, you will feel a sense of "urgency". It is a good idea to stay near a bathroom, you will need it and often. Admittedly, this is the least fun part of prep. The good news, you shouldn't have a stomach ache like you would when you get diarhea, it's just your body expelling anything that is in your digestive system in the most efficient (liquid) way. This is why eating a low residue diet a few days before helps the "cleaning out" process immensely! I will give you a low residue meal map below!
7.) Because this process can take some time (a few hours with some residual bathroom trips after that) it is a good idea to make yourself a nice little "set up" in your favorite bathroom in the house. (It is also a good idea to have the bathroom nice and clean and ready for you). I recommend having a good book or reading material, download your favorite show or podcast to watch or listen to, have soothing wet wipes available (if you have a bidet they're lovely - or you can get one on Amazon for about $30), and perhaps a nice smelling all natural room spray - I like Slow North, the forest bathing scent linen spray is heavenly if you like the outdoors!
8.) It is also a good idea to have a moisturizing hand soap and lotion in your bathroom set up. You will be washing your hands A LOT (I hope) and it can really dry out your skin. I know these are details that most people think about until the struggle is real!
9.) When you are doing your prep, it is very common to get the chills. I always make sure I have my favorite fuzzy socks and slippers, a cozy sweatshirt and comfy pants to wear.
10.) Making sure you stay hydrated during prep is extremely important! Drinking clear liquids throughout your prep (yes, on top of all of the solution) will help prevent dehydration. Trust me, most of it isn't staying with you...
Eating low residue foods 2-3 days before your procedure makes the prep process SO much easier. When there is less "bulk" to move out of your system, it makes colonoscopy prep faster and easier. Check out the Meal Map below for suggestions on what meals to have 2-3 days prior to your "clear liquids" only the day before your procedure.
You can scroll through pages 1-3 below using the arrows on the bottom left of the meal map*
Life is full of challenges and learning. Medical prodecures can be one of those challenges, but educating yourself can relieve so much stress and anxiety. Ask questions, prepare yourself, and be your own advocate. If you ever need someone to guide you, please feel free to reach out!
Wishing You Well,
L
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