Colonoscopy Preparation: An Introduction

Introduction

  This is a test of the large intestine (colon). The procedure last 20 to 45 minutes. Plan on being at the hospital for about 3 hours. The reason is that they medicate you and recover you afterwards.

Preparation

  No aspirins can be taken for at least one week prior to the test. No iron is to be taken either. The reason you can't take aspirin is that it can cause bleeding.

  Purchase clear liquids for one day before the colonoscopy. Allowed are water, broth, jello (except for red jello), coffee, tea, apple juice, ginger ale, Gatorade. No red drinks are allowed because they look too much like blood. Banned are milk, orange juice, ice cream, creamy soups, beer, and alcohol.

  Plan for someone to drive you home. You will not be able to drive after your test.

The Night Before

  At 6-8 PM the night before take 4 Dulcolax tablets with a full glass of water. Then mix 1.5 ounces of Fleet-Phosphosoda in water, apple juice, or gingerale and drink the entire glass. Then drink at least 3 more 8 ounce glasses of water, apple juice, or gingerale. This will clean you out.

The Morning

  You can have clear water or juice up until 4 hours before your procedure. At 7 AM mix 1.5 ounces of Fleet-Phosphosoda in water, apple juice, or gingerale and drink the entire glass. Drink at least 3 more 8 ounce glasses of water, apple juice, or gingerale.

Conclusions

  Although this is a Spartan regimen, it is worth it. My Father died from colon cancer. This is the exploration of inner space.

     I favor a government war on cancer, but I also favor a private war on cancer.