preparing for your colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is a medical procedure where a doctor uses a long, thin tube called a colonoscope to look inside your large intestine (colon). The colonoscope has a light and a camera at the end. The doctor may perform this examination for different reasons, such as checking for polyps (abnormal growths), bowel cancer, bleeding, infection, pain, or changes in bowel movements.
During the colonoscopy, you will receive a light sedative given by a specialist called an anesthesiologist. This sedative will make you feel relaxed and you won't remember anything during the procedure.
To ensure that your doctor can see your colon clearly (otherwise, you may need to repeat the procedure), you will need to clean out your colon by following some simple instructions provided below.
First, you will need to buy a PICO-PREP™ kit from your local pharmacy. The kit contains three small packets of a special powder that helps clean your bowel. If your doctor told you to get a different kit, follow those instructions instead.
The day before your colonoscopy, you cannot eat any solid foods. You can only drink clear fluids. Clear fluids are liquids that you can see through, like water, apple juice, lemonade, tea, or clear jelly.
Start taking the PICO-PREP™. You need to drink all of it, but you can do it slowly or use a straw if you prefer.
1:00 PM: Mix one packet of PICO-PREP™ with a cup of water (about 250ml) and drink it. Then drink 3-4 glasses of water or other fluids from the clear fluids list right away.
4:00 PM: Mix another packet of PICO-PREP™ with a cup of water (about 250ml) and drink it. Then drink 3-4 glasses of water or other fluids from the clear fluids list right away.
7:00 PM: Mix the last packet of PICO-PREP™ with a cup of water (about 250ml) and drink it. Then drink 3-4 glasses of water or other fluids from the clear fluids list right away.
It's important to drink plenty of fluids, preferably water, after each PICO-PREP™ sachet to help clean your bowel.
It can also be helpful to eat a low residue diet the day before you begin cleaning your bowel. This means avoiding foods with seeds, nuts, uncooked or fibrous vegetables, and unpeeled fruit.
Remember to follow all instructions about your medications that you received from your doctor or at the pre-admission clinic. This is especially important if you take blood thinners like Aspirin, Plavix, or Warfarin, or if you have diabetes and take medication or insulin.
PICO-PREP™ may cause bloating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and or mild abdominal cramps. You must drink ALL of the PICO PREP to have a colonoscopy. If you are having trouble drinking all of the PICO PREP or have symptoms which concern you, consult your doctor or visit the Emergency Department.
Legally you cannot drive, operate any heavy machinery, or sign any legal documents for 24 hours after your colonoscopy. You will need someone to drive you home and stay for the night.
To learn more about Bowel Preparation, you can visit the website of the Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA) and by following THIS LINK