The hardest part of a colonoscopy? It’s not the procedure, it’s the prep. (Which is actually not that bad, either.) If you’re 45 and haven’t undergone a colonoscopy, it’s time to schedule one. Why? About 1 in 24 men and 1 in 26 women develop colorectal cancer during their lifetime.
Are you ready to flesh out the details? See Leslie F. Seecoomar, MD, at his private practice in Manhattan’s Upper West Side in New York City to schedule a gastroenterology consultation or colonoscopy and receive these specific bowel preparation instructions.
So what exactly does a colonoscopy involve? Before the procedure, you receive a sedative to help you relax.
During a colonoscopy, Dr. Seecoomar inserts a long, flexible tube inside your rectum to view the inside of your colon and remove any abnormal tissues, such as polyps, that could potentially be cancerous (colon cancer screening).
It can take a week or two to fully prepare for a colonoscopy procedure, depending on whether you take any medications or dietary supplements. It’s highly important to follow your instructions exactly as Dr. Seecoomar directs.
Because a colonoscopy is an evaluation of the inside of the lower part of your digestive tract, it’s important to clean out your system ahead of time.
The week or two before your scheduled colonoscopy, Dr. Seecoomar may advise you to stop taking certain medications or dietary supplements. It’s important to tell him about all of the medicines you’re taking.
About a week before the procedure, begin following a lower-fiber diet by reducing your intake of popcorn, nuts, seeds, legumes, and other high-fiber foods.
Make arrangements for a family member or friend to drive you home after the procedure.
One day before the procedure, avoid eating any solid foods. Instead, consume clear broth, ice pops, gelatin, or other clear liquid foods and drinks — but avoid those that are blue, purple, or red.
You can drink water, carbonated water, apple juice, ginger ale, clear softs drinks (such as Sprite®), or white grape juice. Avoid alcohol, and if you drink coffee or tea, don’t add cream or milk.
You also take a laxative the evening before your colonoscopy and again about six hours before your arrival time. After taking a laxative, plan to spend several hours in and out of the bathroom as you purge the contents of your bowels. Get a good night’s sleep.
Avoid eating and drinking anything the morning of your scheduled colonoscopy. Take any medications with small sips of water, but do not drink any liquids within three hours of your colonoscopy arrival time.
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, and leave jewelry and other valuables at home. The procedure itself often takes about 30-60 minutes, but you spend 2-3 hours at your appointment to account for preparation, the procedure, and recovery time.
After resting in the recovery area, have a family member or friend drive you home from your colonoscopy. Take it easy the rest of the day as your sedation wears off.
Side effects after a colonoscopy may include temporary bloating, gas pain, or nausea for a few hours. You may also have light rectal bleeding for several days. When you’re ready, you can resume a normal diet.
Don’t put off scheduling a colonoscopy, as it can save lives. Call Leslie F. Seecoomar, MD, PC, at 212-217-9961 or request an appointment online today.
