You’ll need to follow specific instructions to prepare for your colonoscopy exam. The reason is that in order for your doctor to be able to detect any issues during the colonoscopy, you first need to clean out your bowel. This includes adjusting your diet in the days leading up to the exam and taking the laxative preparation prescribed by your doctor at specific time intervals. Depending on the medication prescribed, you will need to follow slightly different steps.
Most people will not need to do anything differently this far in advance of a colonoscopy. However, review you medications with your doctor and ask for specific instructions if you take blood-thinners (like Plavix or Pradaxa).
Stop eating nuts, seeds, and popcorn.
Drink 8 glasses of water during the day and stop eating after midnight.
While some of the colonoscopy prep solutions are only taken the previous day (this includes MiraLAX and SUPREP), others will need to be repeated the morning of your exam (this includes MoviPrep and CLENPIQ). The instructions for each solution are below.
After you begin to drink the prep solution, it’s normal to have abdominal discomfort and need to use the restroom often. After some time, you won’t produce stool, but should see a clear or yellow liquid.
If you experience irritation or hemorrhoidal inflammation near the rectal opening, it’s fine to treat it with baby wipes, hydrocortisone cream, or your hemorrhoid prescription. Don’t use suppositories or products with alcohol.