Colorectal cancer rates have dropped in older adults, due to increased screening. However, colorectal cancer is still the fourth-leading cause of cancer deaths in women and third-leading cause in men. Sadly, many of these deaths could have been prevented through regular screenings and early treatment.
At Colon and Rectal Surgeons of Greater Hartford, we want to make colorectal screening as easy and stress-free as possible for you, so that you get the care you need. Our colorectal experts perform colonoscopies in our Bloomfield, Hartford, Manchester and South Windsor, Connecticut locations.
As part of our mission, we offer you a step-by-step timeline guide to stress-free preparation.
Enlist a trusted friend or family member to drive you to and from your colonoscopy. The sedatives we give you to keep you comfortable during your procedure don’t wear off for several hours. It’s not safe for you to drive.
While it may not be as fun as shopping for a spring wardrobe, you do need to pick up a number of supplies for your colonoscopy prep. Pick up:
We prescribe a laxative to cleanse your bowels. Be sure to pick those up within 5 days of the prescription being sent in.
If you take supplements or certain medications, you may need to discontinue those for a week or two before your procedure. We give you a list to consult so you can make sure to avoid any food, herb, or substance that could increase your risk of bleeding during colonoscopy.
Three or four days before your procedure, switch to bland, low-fiber foods to avoid stressing your colon. Also, try not to overindulge (that won’t be hard, if the diet is bland!). Focus on foods such as:
Avoid eggs or dairy if you have a sensitivity to them; otherwise they’re fine. Avoid whole grains, fatty foods, tough meats, and raw or cruciferous vegetables.
The day before your prep, stop eating solid foods, including breakfast. Instead, drink:
You can also have flavored gelatin or popsicles. Just be sure they’re not red, pink, blue, or purple, which could look like blood in your gut. Also avoid alcohol. Continue your fast until after your colonoscopy has been completed.
You are going to be tempted to eat a big meal after your procedure, but we recommend taking it easy. Eating too much too quickly may cause gas pain or cramping. Eat small light meals for the first 24 hours or until you are feeling back to normal.
Complications after colonoscopy are rare, but never impossible. Call our office if you experience:
Your doctor will review basic findings with you after your procedure, but full pathology results can take up to two weeks to come back. Our office will call you once your doctor has reviewed your results. If you have not heard from us within 2 weeks, give us a call!
