How do I get over my fear of a colonoscopy?

How to Overcome Colonoscopy Fears

1. Make cancer screenings part of your to-do list. March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month – a good reminder to make one doctor’s appointment you may be avoiding.
2. Correct colorectal health misconceptions.
3. Schedule your screenings.
4. Take action to stay healthy.

Is it normal to be nervous before a colonoscopy?

Other major sources of anxiety are fear of what the doctor might find and of having pain or discomfort during the procedure. Of course, Church says, a certain degree of nervousness is normal. However, some people are extremely anxious, and this may lead to a bad experience.

Will I poop all night before colonoscopy?

Good to know: People preparing for a colonoscopy experience frequent bowel movements as the preparatory medications take effect, and will need ready access to a bathroom at all times.

What is the easiest way to prep for a colonoscopy?

3 steps for a good colonoscopy prep

1. Cut out fiber. Two days before your exam, you’ll switch to a low-fiber diet.
2. Switch to clear liquids. One day before the exam, you’ll drink only clear liquids.
3. Start the prep.

How exposed are you during colonoscopy?

Your body is completely covered during the exam. You don’t need to worry about being embarrassed or exposed during a colonoscopy. You will wear a hospital gown, and a sheet provides extra covering.

How soon after colonoscopy prep does diarrhea start?

What are the effects of the “bowel prep?” You will have lots of diarrhea from the bowel prep. This will start anywhere from a few minutes to 3 hours after you start your prep. Many people have bloating, abdominal discomfort, and/or nausea.

What is the most gentle prep for colonoscopy?

An option that can be purchased without a prescription is Miralax liquid and Dulcolax tablets, often taken together. The Miralax can be mixed into Gatorade or another clear liquid to make the solution tastier. “The preparation for a colonoscopy is a critical step and cannot be skipped,” Dr. Williams said.

Will I poop during a colonoscopy?

Bowel movements usually start within two to three hours after taking the prep, but can take longer. If you have not had a bowel movement within three hours of drinking your prep, you may need an extra laxative.

Do they shave you before a colonoscopy?

The night before your surgery, wash with soap you were given. Do not shave your abdomen (stomach) or pubic hair. Shaving before your surgery gives you a higher chance of getting an infection. A person from the health-care team will use clippers to get you ready for surgery if hair needs to be removed.

What is the best thing to eat after a colonoscopy?

Foods and drinks to have the day after your colonoscopy include:

• Jell-O.
• popsicles.
• pudding.
• mashed or baked potato.
• white bread or toast.
• smooth nut butter.
• soft white fish.
• apple butter.

What should I know before going into a colonoscopy?

One week before. A doctor is likely to recommend specific dietary changes in the week leading up to a colonoscopy.

What is the best diet to eat before a colonoscopy?

A few days before the colonoscopy procedure — Start eating a low-fiber diet: no whole grains, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, or raw fruits or vegetables. The day before the colonoscopy procedure — Don’t eat solid foods.

What foods should you avoid before a colonoscopy?

Roughage. Many colonoscopy centers will ask you to cut out high-fiber items about three days before the procedure.

What not to do after a colonoscopy?

Stay away from anything that is too difficult to chew or too heavy to eat