Preparing for your Colonoscopy
Preparation instructions for your colonoscopy can vary between hospitals/clinics. Follow the instructions provided by your Doctor, Nurse or Pharmacist and speak to them if you have any questions or concerns.
If you have never had a colonoscopy you may feel a little nervous. Knowing what to expect can make things a bit easier and can help the preparation and day go more smoothly.
A clean bowel is important when you have your colonoscopy!
Prior to having a colonoscopy you will need to take a bowel prep which is also called a bowel cleanser. Your Doctor will prescribe the right bowel cleanser for you.
Make sure you have read and understood all of the instructions supplied by your hospital/clinic.
What does a ‘clean bowel’ mean?
The bowel prep is a cleanser that ‘flushes out’ your bowel so that it is empty. This allows the camera to have a clear view of the walls of the bowel. Seeds and fibre can be quite hard to flush and can hide parts of the bowel. This is why you remove these foods from your diet several days before your colonoscopy.
Getting prepared
Always take the time to read the instructions supplied by your hospital/clinic. Do this at least a week before your colonoscopy so you have plenty of time to get prepared. Several days before your colonoscopy, you will be instructed to start a low fibre diet. Avoid eating nuts and foods with seeds or skins e.g., tomato, kiwifruit, corn, and grainy breads.
Check with your Nurse/Doctor about any regular medications you might be taking.
Check and carefully follow the instructions supplied by your hospital/clinic, when to start taking your bowel cleanser. It is important to keep your clear fluid intake up and remember once you have started your bowel cleanser, do not eat any food until after your colonoscopy.
Clear Fluids
A clear fluid is a drink that you can see through when you hold it up to the light. Some examples of clear fluids include:
- Water – Do not drink just water alone
- Clear soup (no bits in it)
- Clear fruit juice (pulp free)
- Black tea and coffee (no milk)
- Orange, Lemon and Lime cordials
- Electrolyte drinks
- Lemonade
DO NOT drink any red or purple-coloured fluids, and no milk.
