How To Have The Best Colonoscopy Experience

So when I was 45 (when they say you should do this) I was breastfeeding a toddler and taking my husband to his colonoscopy! I told myself I’d do it the following year and I’m proud to say it is done!

Disclaimer town-Remember that your doctor/medical office will have the specific instructions for you. This is simply MY experience. I hope it will give you peace of mind and helpful tips!

I had heard from some people that the “PREP” is so miserable. When they say “PREP” that refers to the preparation I did leading up to the colonoscopy.

Mainly it’s that 24 hours before where you have to only eat a liquid diet and take medication that will make you go to the bathroom until everything is cleared out of your digestive system.

Once I scheduled my colonoscopy (a couple months in advance), a nurse called me to ask questions like what medications/supplements I was on etc.

During the questions, I let her know I had lost 25 pounds and she asked what medication I took to do that. I told her I did it the old fashioned way and she was so excited for me.

I am taking some vitamins and herbal supplements that I stopped taking 7 days before the procedure.

I was given a very cool visual chart of the days leading up to the procedure that told me not to eat any nuts or seeds or quinoa a week before the appointment. Bye chia pudding and quinoa salad-I’ll miss you!!!

OKAY

I talk about things here that I don’t share anywhere else on the internet…

• What no one mentioned about scheduling that I wish I would have known (oops)

• How I chose when to schedule my colonoscopy as a busy mom of 4 (ages 2, ,6,10, 12)

• What I purchased prior to the appointment

• What I ate and drank the day prior-what’s going to make this as enjoyable as possible for people who love to eat food and need to go liquid diet for a day.

• The type of prep I was given and preferred (there are different kinds)

• How I mixed my prep for the best taste

• Tips for physical comfort during prep

• Exactly what happened-day of procedure

• How appointment time affects your day & prep day

• My recovery-mental and physical (I didn’t expect this and wish someone had told me)