Why are there different bowel cleansing preparations?
Several bowel cleansing laxatives are available. Each has pros and cons. People with certain health problems (for example, kidney failure or heart failure) can use some laxatives and not others. The laxative that can be used by people with most health problems involves taking a large amount of liquid laxative (4 litres). There are some laxatives for preparation that involve a smaller amount of liquid laxative, but it is necessary to take a large amount of water with these.
It is important to follow the preparation instructions you receive carefully so that the colonoscopy doctor will be able to see your bowel clearly during the colonoscopy.
What types of medications or supplements do I have to stop taking?
Most medications can be continued. Usually you will be asked to stop medications containing iron (including multivitamins and supplements that contain iron) a week before the colonoscopy. Medications to treat diabetes and blood thinners may need adjustment-please click on this link (insert link). If you are unsure about this please talk to your doctor
Why must I stop eating seeds, nuts and flax one week before the colonoscopy?
These tend to stick in the inner lining of the colon and can obstruct the colonoscopy doctor’s view.
Why do the instructions usually say to stop eating solid foods the day before the colonoscopy?
Solid food takes longer to clear from the colon so many doctors ask you not to eat solid food the day before the colonoscopy.
Why is it recommended to drink one glass of liquid each hour that I am awake during preparation?
Using the laxative removes water from your body with the diarrhea it causes. It is important to your health to replace this water. Drinking liquids also helps in cleansing the colon. .
Are there health problems if I do not have enough water in your body (you become dehydrated)?
Lack of water can damage many parts of your body. It can make you feel weak and tired.
Why is it sometimes recommended to also take laxatives tablets and the bowel preparation liquid?
Some colonoscopy doctors recommend taking both laxative tablets and the liquid laxative to better clean the colon.
Why is there such a large volume to drink?
In order to completely clean your colon it is important to take the full amount recommended by your colonoscopy doctor.
How long will I spend going to the toilet?
Within about three hours from starting the laxative you will begin to have bowel movements. Following this you will likely be going to the toilet for quite a few hours. A lot of stool (poop) and liquid must be passed to fully clean your bowel.
On the day of your colonoscopy, if you have time, you should wait an hour after finishing the liquid laxative before you leave your home.
What types of discomfort could I experience? What can be done to lessen the discomfort?
You may have stomach cramps. For cramps, walking and taking a short break from drinking the laxatives can help. At the same time remember that it is important to finish all of the laxative well before your colonoscopy.
You may have irritation around the anus. Skin cream around the anus can help with irritation.
What can I do if I find it hard to drink all of the liquid or if I dislike the taste?
Some people find that drinking with a straw helps – so you don’t taste it as much. If the liquid laxative is not flavored you can add flavor crystals. You can rinse your mouth with a clear liquid such as water after each drink of liquid laxative.
Cooling the liquid in the fridge can also help. If you start to feel cold you can take it out of the fridge or drink some clear warm liquid like clear broth or herbal tea.
What fluids are clear fluids and okay to drink?
Fluids that are okay:
✔ clear soups
✔ apple juice, white grape juice, white cranberry juice
✔ clear of lemon Gatorade/Powerade
✔ ginger ale, and water
✔ coffee or tea (sugar and sweetner are okay)
✔ popsicles (not red or purple)
✔ lemon or orange Jello
Food and Fluids that are not okay:
✖ no bread, grain or rice
✖ no soups with chunks of food
✖ no meat
✖ no fruit or vegetables
✖ no milk or dairy products
✖ no red, blue or purple liquid
✖ no alcholic drinks
When should I stop drinking clear fluids?
Do not drink any fluids in the two hours before the time of the colonoscopy. For some people, their colonoscopy doctor may ask them to stop a little earlier.
How do I know my bowel/colon is clean enough?
You know that your bowel preparation is complete when your stool (poop) is a yellow to clear coloured liquid:
Should I stop taking the liquid laxative when I think the colon is clean enough?
No. It is important to take all of the laxatives.
Why do I have to get up very early in the morning to drink half of the laxative (if the instructions say this)?
Research shows that taking half of the liquid laxative the evening before the test and half the morning of the test is better for cleaning the bowel. The colonoscopy doctor will be able to see your bowel more clearly.
Remember that people often have to get up early before a long trip also. Plan ahead for some activities you can do early in the morning (radio, music, TV, computer) while taking frequent trips to the toilet.
I have a long drive to reach the colonoscopy facility/hospital. How should I plan the trip?
Most people find that they do not have to make frequent visits to the toilet in the two hours before the colonoscopy. If you have to travel for more than one hour, it may be best to stay somewhere closer to the location for your colonoscopy starting the evening before the colonoscopy. You should finish your laxative in the morning at least one hour before you leave your home or hotel.