Colonoscopy fasting is one of several important steps an individual must take in order to get ready for the colonoscopy procedure itself. Another is called bowel prep, or bowel preparation.
In this article, we hope to provide you with some basic information and facts about these two important steps that precede your colon exam.
Your doctor needs to be able to see the walls of your colon clearly during the colonoscopy procedure. When you fast and take a prescribed laxative the day before, you’re making sure there will be no stool or other intestinal debris to obstruct the doctor’s view.
The colonoscopy procedure itself rarely lasts more than 60 minutes. Some take a lot less than that. You start the colonoscopy preparation process, however, at least 24 hours before you go into the operating room.
In most cases, your doctor will ask you to start your colonoscopy fasting the day before the procedure. This varies – it may be slightly longer, depending on your doctor’s wishes. During the fasting period, your food choices will be extremely limited.
Your doctor will permit you to eat gelatin or Popsicles® during your fasting period, as long as they’re not in flavors or colors of red or blue. These colors stain the walls of your colon, making diagnosis more difficult. You’ll also be allowed to eat or drink
* diet soda.
* fat-free bouillon or broth
* hard candy such as Life Savers or lemon drops
* black coffee
* plain tea with no sugar or cream
* strained fruit juice specifically apple, white grape, or cranberry
* plain water
Definitely stay away from cream soups, milk, ice cream and similar dairy products.
Many times, you’ll be permitted to drink clear liquids until about four hours before your colonoscopy. But be sure to ask your doctor if it’s okay.
Besides fasting and restricting food and drink choices, colonoscopy preparation also involves another step known as “bowel prep.”
Your doctor will recommend one of several types of prescription medication. You’ll be asked to take these the evening before your procedure. The most popular brands include Golytely®, Fleets Phospho-Soda® and Movi-Prep®.
Normally, you’ll take one of these laxatives in a series of doses. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions, along with any special instructions by your doctor.
These laxatives will also “rob” your system of a lot of fluids. So you should drink three-to-six 8-ounce glasses of water between doses to stay hydrated.
You’ll feel as if you have a very bad case of diarrhea as the laxatives begin to take effect. You’ll probably have to make trips to the bathroom every few minutes.
Some individuals who have had one or more colonoscopies say hardest part of the whole process is the colonoscopy fasting and bowel prep. You’re sedated during the procedure, so it’s over before you even know it.
The most obvious benefit for having a colonoscopy done lies in making sure there are no signs of cancer in your colon. But your doctor will also be able to look for symptoms of future problems, like diverticulosis or colon polyps (which can later become cancerous).
Advances in colonoscopy procedure technology, along with better public awareness through multiple media campaigns, are among the major reasons the number of colon cancer cases has been decreasing in the last few decades.
Click on fasting for a colonoscopy and detecting colon cancer symptoms to learn more about maintaining a healthy colon. Neal Kennedy is a former TV and radio talk show host with a special interest in medical topics.
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