Colonoscopy preparation is the time that leads up to the actual process of “colonoscopy’. Since this process involves the cleaning of the bowel, this time is very crucial. It is due to the fact that with the colonoscopy preparation, there are chances for the occurrence of problems during the treatment and also proves helpful for the physician in gathering the information needed while performing the treatment and thus various possible problems can be kept at bay. Thus, it must be prepared as directed because its absence would mean unclean bowel which in turn would lead to inaccurate test results.
Usually needed colonoscopy preparation time can be anywhere between 10 and 36 hrs depending on the test type . However, the preparation for the process initiates a week before the beginning of the actual procedure. The bowel cleaning process starts 2 days before.
One Week Prior to Colonoscopy Preparation
A week before the actual procedure of colonoscopy takes place; one is forbidden to use advil pain relievers or things like ibuprofen. Same goes with drinking alcohol.
If you take daily medicine ask your doctor or the cardiologist what to do because you need to stop taking medicine 3 days before.
Be sure that the health care practitioner is well aware in case one has:
* Tendency to develop latex allergy
* Sleep apnea
* Internal defibrillator
* Gone through hip/knee replacement previous year
* Been using Sinemet
Also make sure that the health practitioner is also informed beforehand if one has antibiotics has problem of diabetes.
To be able to view the inside of the colon i.e. large intestine constitutes an important part of colonoscopy. So, if there will be too much food in the intestine; the physician will not have clear view of the colon. To avoid this problem, one is required to take some medicines to clean the bowel which is known as “bowel prep”, it is essential for the procedure thought is done usually just a day prior to the procedure.
Make sure that you get a ride to and from the treatment center. When taking the medication you will be really drowsy and will most likely not remember anything including important details that the doctor tells you to do.After colonoscopy is done one should avoid operating or driving heavy machineries for at least about 24 hours at minimum. Moreover, alcohol and downers are a no no.