Colonoscopy Screening Checklist – How to Prepare?

For people aged 50 and older, colonoscopy is recommended every 10 years. Some people may however be more at risk for colon cancer and will need to have earlier or more often colonoscopy screening. You are more likely to develop colon cancer if:

• A history of certain cancers

• Type 2 diabetes

• Smoking

• Overweight or obesity

• A strong intake of alcohol

• A high diet of red meats and/or meats processed

Doctor Recommends Colonoscopy – Now What?

You will need to contact the Center for Colonoscopy Excellence (CCE) to schedule the appointment once your provision has determined that a colonoscopy is necessary. The CCE team will assist you in preparing your colonoscopy once your appointment is scheduled. Many patients feel feared by the colonoscopy process, but CCE practitioners use a streamlined process that maintains as simple and convenient preparation as possible.

Preparation Process

CCE uses an attentively-selected solution, low volume preparation, which is taken in divided doses by the patient. The day prior to colonoscopy, you drink half of the solution and a few hours before the procedure.

The day before the procedure, only clear liquids are permitted. Only after colonoscopy is complete will you be capable to eat solid foods.

After the Colonoscopy

During a colonoscopy, the staff at CCE uses the sedative Propofol, so it is usually faster than with conventional sedatives. Patients often report that they are not groggy and can easily talk to their doctor after waking up after the process after 5 to 10 minutes. Although you should not be driving or working within 12 hours of the process, you can continue to have a normal diet as long as your first meal is not too heavy after colonoscopy.

The Preparation

You will need to clean your colon before a colonoscopy. Any residue in the colon can make your colon and rectum obscure during examination.

Your doctor may ask you to empty your colon:

1. The day prior to the test, follow a special diet. Typically, the day before the examination you can't eat solid food. Clear liquids like broth, tea and coffee without milk or cream, plain water, and carbonated beverages only would be permitted. Avoid red fluids that can be mistaken for colonoscopy with blood. After midnight, before the examination, you may not be able to eat or drink anything.

2. Use laxative. Your doctor usually recommends taking a pill or liquid laxative. At the night before colonoscopy you may be instructed to take the laxative, or the laxative may be requested both at night before and in the morning.

3. Get an enema kit. In some cases, an OTC enema kit may be required to empty your colon the evening before or a few hours before the exam. This is usually only effective when the lower colon is emptied and is not recommended as the primary way to empty your colon.

4. Adjust the medicines. Tell your doctor about your medicines at least one week before the test — especially if you suffer from diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease, or if you are on iron-containing medicines or supplements.

Reach us at Screen the City for colonoscopy screening in OKC. We would guide you through the process and other digestive health issues.

**Disclaimer: This blog content does not intend to offer a doctor’s advice and mentions no relationship between any patient and the care provider.