How to Make Colonoscopy Prep as Painless as Possible

A colonoscopy can detect cancerous growths in the colon during the early stages. Colon cancer treatment is easier and more effective if the cancer is found before it spreads, reports the National Cancer Institute. During a colonoscopy, a doctor will examine your colon through a lighted scope. To complete the test, your colon must be clean. The test, performed while you're sedated, is painless, but the preparation can be trying. You will be required to take laxatives and forgo solid food for a day or two before the exam. But you can take steps to make the prep as painless as possible.

Things You'll Need

• Clear juices
• Sports drinks
• Clear soft drinks
• Hard candy
• Gelatin dessert
• Ice Pops
• Chicken borth
• Candles
• Books and magazines
• Comedy DVD
• Loose fitting, comfortable clothing
• Sweater or jacket
• Baby wipes
• Petroleum jelly or cortisone cream

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Instructions

• 1

  Read through all your doctor's instructions before you begin. If you don't understand anything, call the doctor's office and ask questions. Different preparation solutions have different instructions and you'll want to follow them for the best results.

• 2

  Indulge in treats. You won't be able to eat solid foods the day before your exam, and must stick to clear liquids, such as sports drinks, apple or white cranberry juice, clear soft drinks, gelatin, ice pops and hard candy. Indulge yourself by picking a variety of favorites. You can't have anything that contains red or purple coloring, since these could stain the colon and hide problems, but help yourself to all the orange, lime, banana or lemon gelatin or ice pops you like. Make gelatin jigglers. If you want to eat a roll of butterscotch hard candy, go for it. Experiment with "cocktails" of white cranberry juice and lemon-lime soda or apple juice and ginger ale. Buy a gourmet brand of clear chicken broth.

• 3

  Create a retreat in your bathroom. As the prep solution starts to take effect, you will spend a lot of time in the bathroom, so make it as pleasant as possible. Light candles in your favorite scent. Stock up on books or magazines to read. Or plug in the laptop and put in your favorite comedy DVD.

• 4

  Wear comfortable clothing. You'll be making a lot of trips between the bathroom and the kitchen and other rooms. Wear clothes that are easy to put on and take off. You also need a loose waistband, since the prep solution can cause temporary bloating. Add a sweater or a warm jacket you can wear as needed. Eating and drinking all those cold substances can make you feel chilled.

• 5

  Chill the prep solution. Colder solutions generally taste better. You also can add flavorings to some of the prep solutions, such as a packet of Crystal Light beverage mix, Gatorade or lemon-lime soda. Ask your doctor before adding flavor to your prep.

• 6

  Use lubricated baby wipes to clean yourself between bowel movements. These are gentler and less irritating than toilet tissue.

• 7

  Apply a coating of petroleum jelly or cortisone cream to your rectal area after each bowel movement. This will help you feel more comfortable.

• 8

  Drink all the prep solution and all the water called for in your instructions. At some point in the day, you might not feel like drinking more liquid. However, drinking liquids will not only help flush your colon, but also will help keep you hydrated. Dehydration on top of an empty stomach and colon would make you feel more miserable.