How can I make my colonoscopy prep less awful?

Asked by: Rowena Lockman  |  Last update: August 13, 2022
Score: 4.1/5 (21 votes)

Drink your prep: Some of these solutions don't taste great, but as mentioned, it's the most important part of the prep process.
  1. Add flavoring such as Crystal Light or Kool-Aid powder if the prep isn't flavored.
  2. Drink it cold.
  3. Use a straw.
  4. Suck on a lemon or hard candy afterward.

How can I make my colonoscopy prep easier?

How to make colonoscopy prep easier
  1. Adjust your diet days before your prep by eating less and choosing low-fiber foods.
  2. Put the laxative prep in the refrigerator at least 24 hours ahead of time. ...
  3. On the day before your colonoscopy, you'll have to stick to a liquid diet. ...
  4. Keep yourself hydrated.

What is the best way to drink colonoscopy prep without vomiting?

Many people may feel nauseous while drinking the bowel prep. To help with this, try mixing the MiraLAX powder with clear liquids you like drinking. If you feel like vomiting, you should drink slowly, and take a break. This means you should stop drinking the liquid for 30 to 45 minutes to let your stomach empty.

What if I can't drink the colonoscopy prep?

Drink the Colonoscopy Prep Laxative Cold

Unfortunately, this can cause nausea and vomiting. If you are struggling to drink your colonoscopy prep without throwing up, survivors recommend drinking the laxative cold – and through a straw – for the most pleasant experience.

How can I make my colonoscopy prep more palatable?

How to Make Colonoscopy Prep Taste Better
  1. Mixing sugar-free Kool-Aid or Crystal Light into your drink.
  2. Make it cold: Add ice or mix your prep early so it can chill in the fridge before you have to drink it.
  3. Drink through a straw.

YOUR DOCTOR'S FIVE SECRET TIPS TO BEAT THE COLONOSCOPY PREP!

35 related questions found

Can I mix colonoscopy prep with Sprite?

Step 1: Start half of your prep (½ gallon). You may have small sips of Sprite or Ginger Ale along with the prep to help settle your stomach. Step 2: Drink the first ½ gallon within two hours of when you begin drinking.

Is there a pill for colonoscopy prep?

Prep pills are laxatives used to empty and clean the bowels before a colonoscopy. They are available with a prescription from your doctor. Prep pills are easier to take than some liquid solutions and, in most cases, just as effective.

Is it normal to throw up when preparing for a colonoscopy?

Feelings of nausea, bloating, or chills are common during the preparation ingestion. This is usually temporary and will improve after the bowel movements begin. If the nausea becomes Page 2 2 severe and you are concerned that you are going to vomit (or you do vomit), stop taking the preparation for 30-60 minutes.

What is the best drink to mix with colonoscopy prep?

The day before your colonoscopy: In a pitcher mix the 8.3 ounces of MiraLAX® with the 64 ounces of Gatorade®. Stir/shake the contents until the entire contents of MiraLAX® are completely dissolved.

What time of day is best for colonoscopy?

Studies have indicated that colonoscopies done during the morning hours have actually contributed to more accurate findings due to a number of varying factors. Although it might not be a thrill to wake up earlier than usual, it could just help your overall health.

Can I drink ginger ale during colonoscopy prep?

You can drink most clear liquids besides just water, such as: Ginger ale is often recommended. Other “clear” fruit juices are also allowed (clear fruit juice is one that you can see through, like apple juice). Coffee and tea are permitted, but no cream or dairy products are allowed during prep.

Do and don'ts before colonoscopy?

Preparing for your colonoscopy
  • Three days before your colonoscopy, eat only low-fiber foods. ...
  • Two days before, continue eating only low-fiber foods.
  • One day before, go on a clear-liquid diet.
  • The evening before, drink half of a prescription laxative drink to clean out your colon for the procedure.

Will I be up all night with colonoscopy prep?

Will a colonoscopy prep keep you up all night? It may, but it doesn't usually. You make wake up once or twice to go to the bathroom, but it shouldn't keep you up all night. Depending on your doctor's instructions, you may need to wake in the middle of the night to take a second dose of laxatives.

Why am I so cold during colonoscopy prep?

Chills. Some people get the chills after drinking certain prep solutions. This is nothing to worry about. It's simply because you're drinking so much cold fluid, according to experts at Columbia University.

How long does a colonoscopy take from start to finish?

The camera sends images to an external monitor so that the doctor can study the inside of your colon. The doctor can also insert instruments through the channel to take tissue samples (biopsies) or remove polyps or other areas of abnormal tissue. A colonoscopy typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes.

What is the newest prep for colonoscopy?

Now the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a new drug that could make preparation for the screening easier. Called Plenvu, this liquid drug is designed to replace the traditional, poor-tasting bowel cleaning liquid that patients drink to prep their systems for a colonoscopy.

What if I can't drink all the water with Sutab?

Sutab can cause severe dehydration, which can lead to a serious electrolyte imbalance, seizures, or kidney failure. Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting and cannot drink enough water for your bowel prep, or if you have a headache, dizziness, or decreased urination.

Which is better Suprep or GoLYTELY?

Results for patients taking SUPREP and MoviPrep were statistically significantly better than for patients taking GoLYTELY.

How do you mask the taste of Suprep?

Ways to better manage the taste of your prep: Make sure the mixture is cold. Use Sprite, Ginger ale or pulp free lemonade to the mix the solution. Drink Mixture with a straw. Suck on a lemon, hard candy or eat sorbet after each sip.

Can I drink Gatorade instead of water after Suprep?

-64 oz. of Gatorade liquid (NOT Red or purple; NOT powdered). Regular Gatorade, Gatorade G2, Powerade or Powerade Zero are acceptable. Pick up your Suprep prescription from the pharmacy.

Is Suprep easier than go lightly?

Approximately 4,339 colonoscopies were performed by 75 endoscopists. Magnesium citrate, MiraLAX with Gatorade, MoviPrep, OsmoPrep, Prepopik/Clenpiq, and Suprep all had significantly higher prep tolerability compared with GoLYTELY (all P < 0.05).

How long do you go to the bathroom after colonoscopy prep?

It usually takes about 30- 60 minutes after drinking the solution to begin having bowel movements.

What if I poop during colonoscopy?

If your last bowel movements were clear enough that you were able to see the bottom of the toilet, you should be fine. The yellow color is a result of the bile that normally colors the feces. This shouldn't interfere with the examination.

Can I shower before colonoscopy?

What happens on the day of a colonoscopy? Take a shower in the morning if you like, but do not use lotions, perfumes, or deodorants. Leave your jewelry, other valuables and contact lenses at home.

What do you wear during a colonoscopy?

Wear loose fitting, comfortable clothes and socks to keep you warm. Do not wear heavy or bulky sweaters. Avoid girdles, pantyhose, or tight-fitting garments. You will be required to change into a hospital gown for your procedure.