Prep Like a Pro: Colonoscopy Prep Tips to Flush Away the Stress

Preparing for a colonoscopy can seem daunting, but it’s an essential step in checking for colorectal cancer, as well as diagnosing and monitoring certain digestive diseases like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Whether you’re undergoing the procedure to screen for polyps, cancer, or other digestive issues, proper planning can help make the process more manageable. Below are some tips to help you navigate colonoscopy prep with ease.

The Importance of a Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is a crucial screening tool, especially for those at higher risk of colon cancer or living with gastrointestinal conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This procedure allows your doctor to detect and address any issues early on, potentially improving your long-term health outcomes. While the prep can feel intimidating, it's a key part of ensuring the procedure is successful and that your colon is properly cleared for examination.

7 Tips for a Smoother Colonoscopy Prep

1. Choose the Right Prep for You

Colonoscopy prep options vary, and it's important to find the one that works best for your body and lifestyle. There are several types of preps, including:

• Large-volume preps: Require you to drink a significant amount of liquid. This liquid is usually very salty and doesn’t taste good. some text
  • Examples: Golytely, NuLYTELY, Miralax
  • Pro’s: since it’s higher volume, if you’re already having a lot of trips to the bathroom leading up to the prep, you can stop the prep as soon as your stool is clear. This may mean you only need to drink a small amount of actual prep. 
  • Con’s: most options have a bad taste, the large volume of prep is hard for some people to drink, and may cause nausea in some individuals. 
  • Best option: The Miralax prep - this is, in my opinion, the best of these options since it’s unflavored so you just mix it with your favorite gatorade or sports drink 
• Small-volume preps: Require a smaller liquid intake, which may be easier for some people.some text
  • Examples: SuPrep, Plenvu, and Clenpiq
  • Pro’s: smaller volume of prep to drink & can still stop drinking the prep as soon as your stool is clear
  • Con’s: they have a bad taste 
  • Best option: Clenpiq since you only have to drink 2 x 10 ounce drinks instead of 2 x 16 ounce drinks.
  • Tips: to make it easier to drink the prep try drinking out of a straw and/or chasing it with a good tasting clear liquid beverage or lick a lemon or lime 
• Pill-only options: Pills taken with fluid that may be a more palatable option for some.some text
  • Examples: SuTab
  • Pro’s: You can eat a light, low fiber breakfast the day of the prep and don’t have to drink gross colonoscopy prep. 
  • Con’s: once you’ve taken the pills, there’s no going back, so even if you’re cleared out after a few minutes after taking the second dose of 12 pills, you’re going to be going to the bathroom a lot of times, unnecessarily. This could lead to dehydration.  
• Back up options: if you struggle with constipation or feelings of incomplete evacuation, then you may need some help before and/or after the prep to ensure you’re all cleared out. Some options could include taking miralax daily leading up to the colonoscopy, drinking some magnesium citrate after the prep, or doing a fleet enema after the prep if your stool isn’t cleared out. Always talk to your doctor about which options would be best for you if you struggle with constipation.  

Discuss with your doctor to determine the best option for you, considering your medical history and preferences. Keep in mind that doctors often will have a prep they typically go to but that doesn’t mean you HAVE to choose that option. 

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2. Grocery Shop in Advance

Make sure you have everything you need for your clear liquid diet days before the colonoscopy. Stock up on approved liquids such as:

• Strained chicken noodle soup (without tomatoes)
• Clear broths (chicken, vegetable, or beef)
• Tea & black coffee (just don’t overdo these as they can dehydrate you)
• Apple or white grape juice (avoid red or purple liquids)
• Sports drinks without red or purple coloring
• Gelatin (without red or purple coloring)
• Popsicles and clear sodas
• Flavored sparkling water 

By preparing ahead, you can make the liquid diet more enjoyable and less stressful.

3. Create a Clear Liquid Meal Plan

Plan out your meals for the day you’ll be on a clear liquid diet. Knowing exactly what you’ll eat and drink can help you stay on track and prevent last-minute stress. Consider dividing your liquids into "meals" and "snacks" throughout the day to make the diet feel more normal.

4. Stock Your Bathroom with Essentials

Colonoscopy prep will have you in the bathroom a lot, so by being prepared, you can minimize irritation and make the process more comfortable.

• Bidet (if available): This can help minimize irritation from frequent wiping.
• Wet wipes: A gentler option compared to regular toilet paper.
• Vaseline or aquaphor: Start using after your first bowel movement to protect the perianal area from irritation. But keep in mind that it can coat the colonoscope, so make sure you’re not inserting it, instead just dab it on the area, and make sure to wipe it completely off with a wet wipe before your scope.
• Soft toilet paper: Invest in the softest option to reduce discomfort.

5. Prevent Nausea

The colonoscopy prep solution doesn’t always sit well with everyone, and nausea can be a side effect. To help manage it:

• Ask your doctor for Zofran: This anti-nausea medication can be a lifesaver if you’re prone to feeling sick during prep.
• Brush your teeth or use mouthwash frequently: The salty-sweet taste of the prep drinks and clear liquids can leave an unpleasant aftertaste, contributing to nausea.

These steps can help you stay more comfortable and prevent the nausea that sometimes comes with the prep process.

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6. Stay Hydrated

Dehydration is a risk during colonoscopy prep, so it’s vital to drink oral rehydration solutions to replace the fluids you lose. Some examples of good options include:

• Liquid IV
• Pedialyte
• Pedialyte popsicles 
• Drip drop

These can help keep your electrolyte levels balanced and ensure you stay hydrated throughout the day.

7. Get Cozy in the Bathroom

You’ll be spending a lot of time in the bathroom, so make it as comfortable as possible. Gather a few distractions, like:

• Magazines or books
• Crossword puzzles
• TV shows or movies on a tablet

Setting up your bathroom with entertainment can make the experience less tedious and more bearable.

Final Thoughts

Preparing for a colonoscopy doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following these tips—choosing the right prep, stocking up on the essentials, and making your environment comfortable—you can make the process much smoother. Remember, a colonoscopy is a vital step in safeguarding your digestive health, so a little planning can go a long way in ensuring the best outcome.