How to Prepare for a Colonoscopy Exam

A colonoscopy is a procedure used to identify digestive problems as well as screen for colon cancer. Many people say that the worst part of a colonoscopy is the preparation that must be done the day before the exam. While each person's colonoscopy preparation will be different, depending on the doctor's orders, here are the general steps to prepare yourself.

Instructions

• 1

  See your doctor.

  Your doctor will be the one to schedule and describe the procedure of your colonoscopy, including the specific preparation.

• 2

  Drink the colonoscopy preparation mix the day before.

  The exact directions will vary depending on what doctor you are seeing and what your suspected medical condition is. Usually you are given 2 choices; a colonoscopy prep solution that you drink throughout the entire day (64 oz), or, the same solution which you should start drinking at 5 p.m. (twice as much solution; 1 gallon).

• 3

  Fast the day before your colonoscopy.

  The day of colonoscopy preparation includes fasting; the only thing that you are allowed to ingest is clear juices and broth, sometimes uncolored jello. It is important not to eat anything colored as it may complicate colonoscopy test readings.

• 4

  Drink plenty of water.

  Staying hydrated during colonoscopy preparation is important because you will likely be sedated during the procedure, which requires an appropriate blood pressure that is hard to maintain if you are dehydrated.