Colonoscopy Preparation FAQ's
Preparing for a colonoscopy may seem overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. At Connecticut Colon & Rectal Surgery, LLC, we've compiled a list of commonly asked questions about colonoscopy preparation to help you feel more informed and comfortable.
01
Why Can't I Eat Any Foods the Day Before the Exam?
The clear liquid diet for the day before and morning of your colonoscopy is an essential part of the preparation of the colon to make sure that the colon lining can be well seen. Anything that you eat in that period of time before the exam tends to increase the risk of a poor prep which results in the exam needing to be rescheduled and repeated.
02
Why Can't I Eat Foods with Nuts or Seeds 3 Days Prior to My Colonoscopy?
Nuts and seeds are less digestible than other foods and tend to be harder to flush out with the prep. They are also small and tend to block the suction of the colonoscope which results in the colonoscopy taking longer, more difficult for your provider and less effective, meaning that some areas can't be seen well. This may result in your provider to repeat your colonoscopy earlier than is generally needed. If you forget to stop eating nuts and seeds 3 days prior to your colonoscopy, call the office to check in with your doctor before cancelling or not showing up for the exam.​
03
Why Do I Need to Drink Part of the Prep 5 Hours Before the Test, Even if it's in the Middle of the Night? Why Can't the Entire Prep be the Day Before?
It's vital for your physician to be able to see the colon lining well. The first part of the prep does a fairly good job clearing solid stool from the colon, but overnight a lot of secretions pass from the small intestine down into the colon and obscure the view. Even though it seems very hard to drink part of the prep 5 hours before the exam, it's very important and plays a vital part in having a high quality exam.
04
Why Do I Need to Drink so Much Liquid Laxative?
The liquid preps that we generally use have been studied extensively for their effectiveness at clearing the colon of stool. Surprisingly, the safest preps for preps for individuals with any heart or kidney disease are those with larger volumes, meaning 2-4 liters are taken twice. These preps include Golytely, Colyte, Nulutely, and PEG 3350 solutions. Your physician will help you decided which prep is best for you.
05
Why Can't I Eat or Drink the Morning of the Colonoscopy?
You will be given sedating medication to help you relax and be comfortable during the colonoscopy. If food is in your stomach, there is a risk that it will come up your esophagus when your are under sedation. This causes a risk of food or liquid entering your lungs as a result it could cause pneumonia or other life-threatening breathing problems.
06
What if I Get Sick or Vomit While Drinking the Prep?
Stop drinking for 20 to 30 minutes and then start again more slowly. Try drinking 3 or 4 ounces at at time with short breaks in between. If you continue to have vomiting, call the office to speak to the physician on-call.
07
What if I Take the Laxative and I Don't Have Loose Bowel Movements?
Some people who tent to be constipated have more trouble with the prep. Usually the laxative starts to work within 3 to 4 hours. If you don't have loose and frequent stools, call the office to speak to the physician on-call.
08
Why Can't I Use the Pill Prep or Smaller Volume Preps?
The pill prep consists of 24 large pills and may have potential risks such as changes to kidney function, hypersensitivity functions, and contains sulfa which is a common allergen. Other small volume preps are generally not used because they are less effective or may have health consequences, especially those with heart or kidney problems.
09
What are Some Tips for a Successful Colonoscopy Preparation?
-
Hydrate well! Drink something off the list of clear liquids that you were given or sent when the colonoscopy was scheduled every hour while awake (not all night) because it will:
-
trick your stomach so your not hungry​
-
avoids any sick/headachy feeling that people get when they haven't eaten
-
protects your kidneys
-
helps the prep
-
-
Drink the prep slowly! Drinking too much of the prep, too quickly is too much for your system to handle and can result in nausea and vomiting.