<p>Musicmom–I have Crohn’s and I have had 8 colonoscopies. I now have to have them annually as I have had CD more than 20 yr.</p>
<p>Last time I used the slightly pink Gatorade; it was not red enough to make a difference with the color and it is kiwi-strawberry flavor, which I found much easier to get down.</p>
<p>For all of you, you may suck on hard candies the day before, especially if you are at work and getting a little peaked from not eating. Raising your blood sugar a bit really does help. Lemon drops, lime lollipops or any Lifesavers, as long as they are not red or purple or blue. Also you can eat gummi candies or “spearmint leaves” – when they get to your stomach they are a clear liquid. When they say no solids they mean foods like meat, bread, apples etc–not <em>clear</em> gelled or hard candy that dissolves when you suck on it. </p>
<p>I have learned that if you stop the solid foods earlier than the directions say, the prep is much easier & faster. I start a day early. I eat a light low fiber supper two nights before the procedure & the entire next day, no solids. I use chicken broth; you can buy the boxed “culinary” kind and blend it with “regular” canned broth for a different taste. You can also use beef broth and hard candies (as long as they are not red/purple/blue) and Jello. Ginger ale, sprite etc too, and I drink my coffee black anyway. </p>
<p>You are not supposed to be “fasting” like it is Yom Kippur or Ramadan, the day before! It is not a “fast,” it is abstaining from solids. You are supposed to go ahead and have all the clear liquids/Jello type things you want! Drinking them will help you to be hydrated during the prep.</p>
<p>There are people who damaged their kidneys irreparably by not drinking enough fluids before & during their preps. And don’t forget to drink more water to keep hydrated, during the evening after you have finished the prep drinks. As soon as the stuff begins to “work” you will be feeling less bloated and full. And you need the water to help keep the “cleansing action” going. </p>
<p>Your washer has a rinse cycle; you are doing the same thing when you drink more water after the prep drinks, so your colon can be cleaned well enough for a clear view. If you don’t drink enough water it is like you have only spun out the suds & dirt but did not rinse the clothes.</p>
<p>I put a nice scented candle in the bathroom; I stock it with sudoku, crosswords, a book, etc and I also bring in a low stool to set my feet on so my legs don’t go to sleep. Wet wipes and everything the others have said. You can use your iPod or have a radio in there too. Just realize you are going to spend the evening in the bathroom, that’s all!</p>
<p>I always ask for the first appt of the day; mine are done at the univ hospital. I also bring some crackers for the ride home just in case they don’t offer something I like. My husband drives me in–no driving allowed for the rest of the day & I can understand why. The anesthesia makes me very tired. </p>
<p>We have something gentle for lunch & dinner that night–maybe chicken breast and rice. You have to remember your colon has had a garden hose pushed through it and needs a little rest from fibrous things like broccoli, for a day or two. </p>
<p>Don’t anyone be scared of the procedure! I would rather do this every year than develop cancer & have it discovered too late.</p>