Preparing for a Colonoscopy
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Published 2010-12-06
Learn more about our colorectal screening program at www.dartmouth-hitchcock.org/gi/endoscopy-program-d…
Prepare for your colonoscopy with these simple tips from Dr. Lynn Butterly, Director of the Colorectal Cancer Screening Program at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center.
Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in the United States -- yet it's one of the few we can prevent. Prevention and detection are the keys to beating colorectal cancer.
The colonoscopy uses a thin, flexible tube through which your doctor can detect polyps with a tiny camera, and even remove them without discomfort in a matter of seconds. Preparing as effectively as possible for a colonoscopy gives your doctor the best chance of finding even the smallest polyps.
Your doctor will prescribe you the "prep" medication that you will drink beforehand, but you will also want to have other materials on hand for the "clear liquid diet" that you'll have to be on as well.
Clear liquids include apple juice, ginger ale, Jell-O, broth or bouillon. Hard candies may even be OK as well.
You also may want to have extra toilet paper, special wipes, or magazines or books.
Drink one glass every 15 minutes or so until you feel full, then take a break to let it work through your system. Don't get discouraged as you work your way through the jug; just remember, possibly having undiscovered colorectal cancer will be harder than this preparation!
The "split prep" is another option. You would do most of your prep in the afternoon and night, then finish the prep first thing in the morning, if your endoscopy center recommends it. Remember that you have to finish the prep at least an hour and a half before your appointment.
You can flavor your prep with a colorless flavor of Crystal Light (flavor each glass, not the whole jug). We encourage you to use more than one flavor for variety's sake.
Again, your own endoscopist may have different recommendations than what we have suggested here. Check with your provider for specific instructions.
Dartmouth Health, New Hampshire's only academic health system and the state's largest private employer, serves patients across northern New England. Dartmouth Health provides access to more than 2,000 providers in almost every area of medicine, delivering care at its flagship hospital, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) in Lebanon, NH, as well as across its wide network of hospitals, clinics and care facilities. DHMC is consistently named the #1 hospital in New Hampshire by U.S. News & World Report, and recognized for high performance in numerous clinical specialties and procedures. Dartmouth Health includes its Dartmouth Cancer Center, one of only 51 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the nation, and the only such center in northern New England; Dartmouth Health Children’s, including the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, the state’s only children’s hospital and clinic locations around the region; member hospitals in Lebanon, Keene and New London, NH, and Windsor, VT, and Visiting Nurse and Hospice for Vermont and New Hampshire; and more than 24 clinics that provide ambulatory services across New Hampshire and Vermont. Through its historical partnership with Dartmouth and the Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth Health trains nearly 400 medical residents and fellows annually, and performs cutting-edge research and clinical trials recognized across the globe with Geisel and the White River Junction VA Medical Center in White River Junction, VT. Dartmouth Health and its more than 13,000 employees are deeply committed to serving the healthcare needs of everyone in our communities, and to providing each of our patients with exceptional, personal care.
Learn more at www.dartmouth-health.org/
All Comments (21)
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I have had this done 4 times. My doctor allowed banana pop-cycles before the prep and that really helped. I found that if the prep is cold and drinking it with a straw made it much easier. Once you pass clear fluid you are done. I used to drink the whole thing and it was awful. Now, I drink until I only pass clear fluid and I'm done. This probably saved my life because a huge pre-cancerous polyp was found and removed.
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As a colon cancer survivor and a veteran of about 10 colonoscopies I recommend eating less a day or two before the test, don't starve yourself just eat less. And since starving and waiting sucks try to get the very earliest appointment available.
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I did mine today. I had to drink 4L of Peglyte the day before. Just drink it every 15 minutes, try not fill your tummy once or you will puke. The prep was not really that bad. The actual procedure went very smooth and it’s really fast. Good luck to everyone.
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Had my first colonoscopy this morning. Prep is no fun - unless you enjoy doing a garden hose out the butt impression for 12 hours. The actual procedure was a cake walk. Was under in a flash and had the best restful nap ever. Bottom line. This is nothing to be afraid of. The Dr. told me he removed 5 polyps. Hopefully they biopsy benign and all will be well. To me, those are now 5 less chances for a cancer.
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The liquid is horrifying. Omg I thought I was going to die. Thank god the results came out fine.
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Excellent!! This is a "MUST SEE" video if you are preparing for a colonoscopy. Using the straw and flavoring by the glass helped TREMENDOUSLY. I found that you don't taste too much of the solution if you place the straw as far back on your tongue as possible.
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I usually eat a meal once a day, I snack here and there. Some days I actually don't realize until I get a pang and realize, hey... eat something. HOWEVER, it's been some years since I last had this done but I do remember that.. once you start, (I have a two day cleanse and liquid diet.. more like 1 1/2 days) AND I'm fricking starving! It has to be all in my mind, this happened last time. While I wait for bathroom trips from the first prep I'm enjoying reading some of the funny comments. Thanks for them. I've been through many illnesses and I have stage 4 cancer.. I used to be so embarrassed.. don't be embarrassed these people see this all day on each work day. So do your best prep and I hope you all receive good results.
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got mine tomorrow, I hope that everything goes well to everyone! GOD BLESS U ALL
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I had my colonoscopy on this past Thursday. And it’s true what they say, the prep is the hardest part. My advice is to add crystal light or a flavor pack to the mixture. Make it the morning that you are to drink it. Drink it cold with a straw. I couldn’t drink it fast, I started to gag so I took my time. I had a good result. My colonoscopy went well. I was scared of going under I thought I was going to be semi sedated. After the anesthesiologist asked how I felt when she administered it I said fine and that’s the last thing I remember. Next thing I know someone is calling my name and rubbing my shoulder to wake me up. I don’t remember the procedure. Didn’t have any pain. The Dr found one 3mm polyp. He removed it. And sent to the lab. I was just so happy to be able to eat after I got discharged. They made me feel so welcome. It was nice.
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When I finished my gallon, I went outside and kicked the container clear across the yard. YEECCH! But downed like a boss and all went well.
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My procedure is tomorrow, I flowed through many videos on here, yet your kitchen setting, the kids drawings on the wall and fridge and your mellow and relaxed demeanor made this one the best video yet!! I will keep the goal in mind. Thanks a million.
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My exam is tomorrow!! YAY!! I mixed the Miralax powder (totally no flavour at all when I tested a bit on my tongue) with some coconut, mango, pineapple flavoured sparkling vitamin water and its mighty tasty. I am not sure what kind of prep everyone else was given, but the only thing missing from mine is some vodka and an umbrella with fruit! 😜 As for the “diet”, Not a big deal. I am a OMAD/IF follower so I chose to eat my one meal yesterday at noon and today and tomorrow I will fast...may even push my fast to 5 days as this is a great opportunity to let my body clean itself! WOOT! 🤙
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I am having a colonoscopy this week and was feeling very anxious. Thank you Dr. Butterly for breaking it down and using straight forward analogies and explanations. Instead of looking at the procedure as torturous I now see it as an important opportunity to take charge of my health!
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i had a bowl of chicken broth like 3 quarters into my prep and it was the best meal of my life omfg I was sitting by my bathroom just calling out the flavor notes of the plain ass broth “I think I can taste celery! There’s some carrot!” so stoked to eat after this omfg
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I always take my prep with a chaser. A few gulps of the prep then a gulp of something tastey. Makes it much easier to get down.
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My uncle who has special needs and is a diabetic has a colonoscopy ths Monday. Starting his prep on Sunday. Im nervous about the preparation but you guys comments are helping allot. Thank you 😊
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we have seen several videos as my husband has to go for colonoscopy on a rather very short notice. Having almost no idea about "how to prepare yourself for the colonoscopy" we both were down with anxiety. We are so very thankful to this video as the Dr. Lynn Butterly has explined with lot of patience and covered each and every point of our anxiety. Thanks so much. I would say litterly Dr Butterly has shown the path making it soft sliding buttery road map! 😀
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Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge with us. I appreciate the information very much.
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I’m SO GLAD I’m done with the prep!
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I love this video - did an excellent job and lessened my fears and gave me some good info - thank you and I wish you were my doctor
