Preparing for Your Colonoscopy

Dr. Alissa Speziale, a gastroenterologist with Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group, explains how to prepare for your colonoscopy. Dr. Speziale takes you step-by-step through the preparation process to help ensure you have a successful exam.

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[stevegabbert]

I've been getting a colonoscopy every year for quite some time, so the main tip would be, follow your gastroenterologist's instructions precisely. Also, if the prep says, "do not mix flavoring into the mix"...do not mix flavoring into the mix unless it's the flavoring that comes with it. Every time I drink some prep, I chase it with a sip of water and then tea. If you have a family, they probably should get their business done before you start, and treat it like a long trip. When the prep starts working, you may not have time to wait on someone to get out of the bathroom, also the time between trips to the bathroom gets shorter as your colon empties more. The second dose goes better, I think anyway, and you get a bit of satisfaction as the water gets clearer and clearer. You know your clean when you look in the bowl and it looks like you peed. You'll be really satisfied when your ride takes you to Applebee's for some Bourbon Street Chicken and Shrimp on your way home. You deserve it. 😁

[Allen-tumm]

I just had a Colonoscopy done and I freaked myself out by watching 1000 YT video, here's the truth. The whole experience SUCKS but the best part is when your laying on that hospital bed waiting for your turn and it's all over, for the prep fluid, Crystal Light is ur best friend, mix it up, big cup with ice and a straw and chug chug chug no problem at all. for the actual test you'll be knocked out and wont feel a thing and if you have a cool nurser there will be crackers and apple juice waiting for you or just take some yourself. the night before was a bit tough with the clear diet but you'll get thru it and brag to all your friends that you detoxed and cleansed your body :) good luck!! fyi I used the Gavilyte -c for the prep which did not taste gross

[johnprovince]

Dr. Speziale performed my colonoscopy TODAY. She and her team were thorough, informative, professional and made the procedure a very stress free experience. Thank you.

[heathermcmillan]

My procedure is tomorrow. I’m even more depressed after listening to this video.

[iamric]

ok, I just had my colonoscopy and my prep was a total non issue. I was prescribed polyethylene glycol 3350, in a 8.3 ounce bottle. This is mixed with 128 ounces of liquid. You have to drink 1/2 of it the day before then the 2md 1/2 on the day of the procedure. I mixed the 1st half with white grape juice and a teaspoon of sugar, and no lie it tasted like white grape juice. There was perhaps a 3% taste of the powder, but that contributed zero effect on the total taste.
The next day I used apple juice and a teaspoon of sugar just to switch it up and that too was great.
I was also prescribed 4 tiny pills to take all at one time when I began my prep which helps with the discharge.
The only thing I did differently time wise, was to start my prep 3 hours earlier so that I could give myself more time to settle down so that I could get some sleep. I also started 3 hours earlier the next day as well. It turned out to be a wise decision because of the continued discharge.
I only drank 3 quarts of this prep, and it was enough. My paper work suggested that by after drinking 3 quarts that most people are cleared out. I also did not consume a lot of food 2 days prior to this prep to help me with this event and that also helped big time.
If you have any questions feel free to contact me.

[bartwilson]

The worst part of my prep is the salt burns on the way out, lol. Once i learned to add a zinc oxide/diaper rash cream before it starts and reapply after each movement....no salt burns, no pain.

[cmiller]

Make sure you follow YOUR CLINIC’S instructions EXACTLY. A lot of colonoscopy preps DO NOT ALLOW ANY KIND OF BROTH WHATSOEVER (No chicken, beef or vegetable). The only thing worse than having to prep for a colonoscopy is doing it incorrectly and having to prep twice. DO NOT ASSUME that this prep would be allowed by your provider/clinic because it might not be. Follow YOUR prep instructions EXACTLY.

[heynowls]

Had two. Getting another tomorrow. Like the anesthesia. Not so bad.

[gladyswilson]

Man this will suck if I have to redo this if i fail the first time

[derekkjohnson]

Best advice I can give anyone taking the prep for a colonoscopy is to use a nappy (diaper) rash cream, it helps stop the burn.

[jsmesconzo]

Why can’t they come up with a pill to take

[donnazasgoat]

Well, now I'm worried. Nobody sent me the memo about what to cut out of your routine 7 days before my combo endoscopy/colonoscopy. I didn't know to cut out beans, seeds, and my iron supplement so it'll be only 4 days without those items. Still don't have the prep yet either. I don't think this bodes well for me.

[edwardbliss]

If it seems like you're peeing out of your butt, your prep is working.

[DougCaldwell]

Follow the doctor's instructions on prep. Baby wipes and Vaseline helps reduce discomfort getting ready

[peterrudy]

Put the prep into the freezer until it becomes sliushy . It will go down easier and faster .

[Kimodoll__.]

I guess the prep and aftermath of drinking the mix will depend on each individual. If you eat a low carb diet already it shouldn’t be too bad. It wasn’t for my husband 2 years ago. I know it’ll taste nasty but I’m not too worried about it. I’ll keep you posted.

[MichaelPuente]

Informative and easy to follow. Thank you Dr. Alissa Speziale.

[americusdomesticus]

Campbell's has MSG added as a flavor enhancer, the store brands do not

[nolantom]

During the prep after drinking the prep medicine, there are steps to take . 1. Have privacy . 2. No interruptions 3. If married with kids, no interruptions and have spouse take care of the kids . 4. Have good lighting and ventilation in bathroom . 5. No TV or movies watching . 6. Bring reading material . 7. Listen to radio or CD player . 8. When finished for over 2-3 hours in bathroom use wipes instead of toilet paper . 9. Get bed rest @ night .

[jennyjustme]

If ya do ALL the Prep as prescribed and correctly how can ya fail a colonoscopy ????