Fear No Colonoscopy! 6 Tips to Take the Edge Off

The colonoscopy procedure is no fun. Worse still, preparing for a colonoscopy means being tied to the toilet for an afternoon or longer. Millions of people delay or even skip their screening colonoscopy for these reasons. Don’t be one of them! A screening colonoscopy remains the gold standard for preventing colon cancer—the second-most deadly cancer in America.

For Colon Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Josh Vandersteen, a Gastroenterologist in Layton, Utah, shares why this screening is so important, plus a few tips to help your experience run a little smoother.

Tip #1: The Colonoscopy Alternative

Early detection is critical for this type of cancer. If you’re over 50 and have shied away from your colonoscopy because you “feel fine,” you’re doing yourself a disservice. “One of the worst things about colon cancer is that there are no symptoms in the early stages,” says Dr. Vandersteen. “Once people start developing symptoms, it’s usually reached the later, dangerous stages.” A screening colonoscopy is used to detect abnormalities (polyps) in the colon and remove them before they can become cancerous.

Don’t press your luck; don’t wait for symptoms. A couple of unpleasant days certainly beats a colon cancer diagnosis.

A few days before your colonoscopy…

Tip #2: Smaller Meals before Your Cleans

The less you have in your gut before flushing your colon, the easier the process will be. People report that eating smaller, lighter meals a few days before their colonoscopy helped ease the cleansing process.

The day before your colonoscopy (“Prep day”)…

Tip #3: Improve the Taste of Colonoscopy Prep

The day before your colonoscopy, you’ll be placed on a clear liquid diet. You’ll also be instructed to drink your “prep”: a high-volume liquid mixture that induces colon cleansing. Unfortunately, it doesn’t taste great. Dr. Vandersteen has a few tips to make prep more palatable:

“I recommend chilling your prep mixture. Patients frequently report that it tastes better chilled. Another acceptable thing you can do is to add powdered flavoring, as long as it doesn’t contain red or blue coloring. Finally, you can wash it down with gulps of Sprite®, Gatorade®, or another clear beverage to help remove the taste from your mouth.”

Tip #4: Netflix® and Wipes

Mentally reframing your prep day from something dreadful to a "day off" can certainly help. Queue up that show you’ve been meaning to watch or stream a few movies.

The goal of colonoscopy prep is to clean out six feet of your colon, so you’ll want to stay near the bathroom. Keep yourself comfortable in the bathroom with a stack of personal hygiene wipes. Some people also have A&D ointment on-hand for added comfort.

The day of your colonoscopy…

Tip #5: You Did the Hardest Part

After your colon cleanses, the rest is a cakewalk. Dr. Vandersteen says, “Relax the day of your colonoscopy; the prep is the worst part for most people.” He also adds, “You’re sedated before the screening and most people don’t remember the procedure or experience pain afterward.” Make sure to arrange a ride home because you will not be permitted to drive.

Tip #6: Move Some Gas and Move Forward

You’re almost done! Dr. Vandersteen’s last requirement before his patients can leave: “You’ve got to fart before you can go. Fart shamelessly and don’t feel bashful. The colon needs to be inflated during a colonoscopy so I can see inside. Therefore, passing gas afterward helps to relieve any pressure or bloating you may feel.”

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If you or a loved one is over age 45, contact Dr. Vandersteen’s office to discuss a screening colonoscopy. A preventative exam, screening colonoscopies are covered by nearly all insurance plans.