Welcome toColonoscopyPrep 101: a Class No One Actually Takes But Well All Definitely Need.
Its also one way doctors can screen forcolorectal cancer.
Luckily, some gastroenterologists have come to the rescue.
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Here, doctors explain 12 ways to make getting a colonoscopy a heck of a lot easier.
Colonoscopy recommendations generally depend on your risk of getting colorectal cancer.
(Both conditions can increase your risk of colon cancer.)
Cutting back on fiber can help.
Its in things like beans, whole grains, and the skins of many fruits and vegetables.
But since your body cant digest it, it could be harder to fully clear things out.
Prep is essentially a laxative that helps clean out your colon so your doctor can see everything in there.
Trying to drink what essentially amounts to liquid chalk isnt fun.
This can help in some people as it can improve the taste and make it more palatable.
Its all about trying to make the drink taste better, Dr. Farhadi says.
Its like drinking warm beer vs. cold beerit makes it a little more palatable, he explains.
These dont add to the stool burden that requires further cleaning, Dr. Lee says.
The whole point of the colonoscopy prep is to make you poop a ton.
Youre going to be wiping quite a bit, Dr. Bedford says.
Applying petroleum jelly to the area between going can help protect the skin, too, Dr. Bedford says.
Instead, wear something loose and easy to remove in a flash.
You dont want to leave the toilet because when it comes, its explosive.
A medical professional will likely administer some form of sedation before your colonoscopy, according to theACG.
Best case scenario, really.
Walking can help, but so can simply letting your body do what it needs to do.
“Let it go, Dr. Bedford recommends.
Trying to hold it in could just lead to discomfort.
Ask your doctor if theres any reason you should hold off from eating your typical diet after your colonoscopy.
You basically just underwent a stress test for your gut, he says.
You dont want to stress it further.
As youve probably surmised, preparing for a colonoscopy isnt quite like winning the lottery.
Just take a stab at remember that the colonoscopy prep is the hardest part.
After that, everything is easy, Dr. Farhadi says.
