How to prepare for a Colonoscopy or Sigmoidoscopy
"As I am currently preparing to have a Colonoscopy today I thought I would share some useful information...
When seeing the consultant and being told you need a colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy ask about the options of cleaning preparation.
These vary from Picolax to Klean-Prep (like wallpaper paste) - as above.
I have used both of them on separate occasions.
I have difficulty coping with Klean-Prep and I didn't realise there were alternative preparations. So please do ask health professionals if you experience any difficulties.
So now my preference is Picolax, which is a sachet dissolved in cold water and stirred for five minutes and left as it can get hot. Then stirred again for a few minutes and then it's easy to drink.
A few days before taking the preparation I have a clear liquid diet which includes:
- flavoured jellies, not red ones as these may stain the bowel
- Oxo cubes dissolved in hot water
- Bovril,
- lemonade or cola
- clear boiled sweets e.g. barley sugars
- fruit cordial (not red, so avoid Ribena)
Having a clear liquid diet really does ease the process of the first sachet of picolax (this can take over three hours before you need the toilet). I was under an hour thanks to the clear liquid diet.
It is vital to continue to drink clear fluids after the picolax. My choices were black coffee with two or three spoons of sugar (to give me some energy), Oxo or Bovril.
On the morning of the colonoscopy, they recommend taking the second sachet at 7 am. I have my procedure just after 1 pm and planning a journey in a car over half an hour away I opted to start the Picolax at 5.15 am. This resulted in commencing toileting at 7.15 so you can see it can take a few hours before you are cleared out.
You may think the clear liquid diet could be boring but take a look at the variety of clear jellies in pots that are available.
My Personal Assistant (care worker) found this for me and it was yummy.
It's a Pina colada-flavoured jelly that contains no alcohol!
Although with the clear liquid diet prior to taking picolax you are allowed to have clear spirits including gin and tonic etc. I felt light-headed enough not eating, so avoided alcohol completely.
The hospital when confirming your appointment in writing usually sends instructions on what to eat a few days prior to the procedure depending on which preparation you are going to be taking. These may be sent out to you in one parcel through the post.
If you have any issues taking the preparation you have been given, please let staff at the hospital know. They are aware some patients may have difficulty and they have options on your arrival to assist with the final clearout. They may opt to use suppositories if so they insert and then you clench and hold for as long as you can before using the toilet.
Be honest with them if you have had any issues or reactions to the preparation. They cannot help if they do not know.
If the preparation has not worked for whatever reason and they are not aware you could have another appointment arranged and you go through it all again.
Planning and preparing your hospital bag
- Dressing gown
- Nightwear (I opt for a long nightie)
- Slippers
- Disposable pants e.g. Always Discreet or Tena
- Antibacterial wipes
- Washbag in case you need to stay in overnight
- Hairbrush or comb
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Antiperspirant
- Barrier cream
Now this is something that you may not consider:
I am a wheelchair user with limited walking capability, I can't walk unaided, so I have walking sticks and a manual wheelchair.
The hospital may not have the capacity of space for a wheelchair to be stored while a patient is having a procedure.
If this is the case, you may be able to request to be met off patient transport with a member of staff with a wheelchair.
My options are a friend takes me in, sitting in my wheelchair and then leaves me with my walking sticks and collects me later with my wheelchair. I will ask the staff what they prefer as I know the unit will be busy.
Well, it is 8.35 am and things seem to be settling down from the Picolax so I should be ok for the car journey to the hospital.
I should be able to rest and relax, and change my bedding prior to going to the hospital so I have fragrant sheets to help me sleep tonight.
If you are reading this, I hope you have found it useful."
Fee
About Fiona Stevenson
