Colon cancer screening often called a colonoscopy, is a way to find colon polyps and remove them before they become cancerous. This procedure is recommended for both men and women who are 40 years of age and older. This screening was initially recommended for older adults, but as a lot of younger people are being diagnosed with colon cancer, guidelines have lowered the age recommended for colon cancer screening.
You want to be prepared for your screening if you want it to go smoothly and avoid a rescheduling of the exam. Below, we have some useful tips for colonoscopy preparation.
Follow the Doctor’s Instructions
Anyone scheduled for a colonoscopy will be given instructions by their care team. The instructions are highly specific and include when to stop eating or drinking, when to start a colon prep, and so on. A colon prep is a bowel cleansing solution that completely empties the colon in preparation for a colonoscopy.
Adjust Your Diet Accordingly
In the days leading up to the colonoscopy, you may be advised to modify your diet. This often involves avoiding high-fiber foods, seeds, nuts, and certain fruits and vegetables. You may be asked to consume a clear liquid diet, which includes items like broth, water, clear juices, gelatin, and popsicles. Following the recommended dietary modifications helps ensure a clean colon for accurate examination. An example of what could happen if you do not follow diet recommendations is the doctor will have poor visibility of the colon and may ask you to return for a repeat exam.
Stay Hydrated
While you may need to limit solid food intake, it’s essential to stay hydrated during the preparation process. Drink plenty of clear liquids, such as water, clear juices, herbal tea, and sports drinks. Adequate hydration helps prevent dehydration and supports the effectiveness of the bowel cleansing process. Typically, patients are asked to stop drinking any liquids 8 hours before the procedure.
Plan for Time Off
Colonoscopy preparation involves several hours of bowel cleansing, which may cause frequent bowel movements. It’s advisable to plan your schedule accordingly and take time off work or other responsibilities to be at home and have access to a bathroom during this process. In addition, you may feel groggy from the sedative after your test, so you are better off taking time off from work on the day of the colonoscopy. There is no need to take off multiple days, as there is no extended post-procedure recovery period.
Find a Ride Home
A colonoscopy involves being sedated, which can stay in your system for several hours. Typically, colonoscopy facilities do not release patients if they are not picked up and driven home by a trusted companion. For your safety, you need a responsible adult whom you trust and who can assist you in getting home from the facility.
Colon Cancer Screening in Westlake and Brooklyn, OH
For your colon cancer screening, choose North Shore Gastroenterology. We are a trusted gastroenterology practice providing stool-based tests, sigmoidoscopy, and colonoscopy to screen for colon cancer.
Our friendly team of highly skilled GI specialists can help you prepare for your screening and ensure everything goes smoothly. To schedule an appointment, call our office today at (440) 808-1212 or use our convenient online request form.