Tips for Colon Cleansing

No bowel preparation is easy or without inconvenience, however, the accuracy and results of the colonoscopy exam depends on how well the bowel is emptied and cleansed. If not done properly, the entire preparation and procedure may need to be repeated. The more effort you put into your preparation the more you will be assured of a complete exam. During the cleansing process you may experience bloating and nausea. Please read the following hints to make this as easy as possible for you.

• You may want to purchase a small container of alcohol free baby wipes to ease anal irritation. You may also apply Vaseline to help protect the skin from irritation.
• You may use over the counter hydrocortisone creams and hemorrhoid treatments or Tucks wipes as necessary.
• Chill the solution in your refrigerator or by setting it in a bowl of ice. DO NOT add ice in your drinking glass.
• Set a timer for every 15 minutes; drink the whole glass quickly. The action of this preparation is partly a “flushing” or “dumping” syndrome: if it goes in quickly (dumping it in), it will aid in the cleansing or clearing of the colon.
• Remain near a toilet!
• Expect that you will be uncomfortable until the stool has cleared from your bowel (in about 2-4 hours).
• You will have diarrhea and may experience chills. Dress comfortably.
• Even when you are sitting on the toilet, continue to drink every 15 minutes. Remember, “dumping it in” is part of how this works for you.
• If you experience nausea or vomiting, rinse your mouth with water, take a 15- to 30- minute break and then continue drinking the prep solution.
• Try sucking on a few hard candies (not red or purple).
• Eventually your stools will be liquid, and clear enough so that you can see the bottom of the toilet. Continue drinking until the solution is all gone.

If you have followed the recommended preparation for this procedure AND your stool is no longer formed but is a clear or yellow liquid, you are ready for the examination. If you are unsure that your colon is clean, please call our office at 612-871-1145.  

05/19/2008