It it normal to feel nervous and uneasy when you are about to do a medical procedure for the first time, especially when it is invasive. One of the reasons why people dread to undergo a colonoscopy is due to how it is performed. Colonoscopy uses a long, thin flexible tube that is inserted into the body, which can cause major discomfort. Preparing for your colonoscopy and choosing the right colonoscopy clinic in Singapore with highly trained doctors can make a difference in your procedure. Find out more in this article.
Purpose of Colonoscopy
The very main purpose of colonoscopy is to check the condition of the colon or large intestine. This procedure is a screening or test that is usually recommended by a gastroenterologist to diagnose diseases and health conditions that inflict the lower gastrointestinal tract.
There are two types of colonoscopy:
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Diagnostic colonoscopy
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Screening colonoscopy
A diagnostic colonoscopy is an examination done on individuals who exhibit symptoms or have a strong personal or family history of diseases affecting the colon, such as colorectal cancer. A screening colonoscopy is done as a preventive measure to assess the condition of the colon and ensure that it is free from any abnormalities.
What you should know before undergoing a colonoscopy procedure
A consultation with a gastroenterologist is a must prior to a colonoscopy procedure. Discussing your symptoms and other health related information with your doctor will allow them to accurately determine if your condition warrants a colonoscopy examination.
If you have been scheduled for a colonoscopy procedure, your doctor should know about other internal conditions or diseases that you may have, such as:
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Bleeding disorders
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Conditions that affect the heart and lungs
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Diabetes
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Kidney disease
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Pregnancy
Also inform your doctor if you are taking anticoagulants, which are medications that affect blood clotting, as well as any allergies to medications.
Preparing for a colonoscopy procedure
Preparation is a crucial key to your colonoscopy procedure’s success. The goal of colonoscopy is to see the insides of your colon, therefore no obstructions should be present. To make sure that the colon is clean and completely empty, you will be required to intake strong laxatives that will make you take several trips to the toilet.
Here are some tips that can help you prepare for your colonoscopy procedure.
At least one week before the procedure: Do your groceries.
A soft diet is recommended during the days closer to the date of your scheduled colonoscopy procedure. Head on to the grocery and stock up your pantry with foods that will not cause constipation, such as:
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Clear broths and fruit juices
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Foods that are low in fibre: Rice, pasta, white bread, chicken, fish, eggs, vegetables that are peeled and cooked very well
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Gelatin
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Light coloured sports drinks
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Soft fruits minus the skin
Aside from food, you will also want to purchase moist wipes and diaper cream. Moist wipes that are medicated or contain ingredients that are good for the skin like vitamin E and aloe vera can greatly help make your bathroom sessions more bearable as toilet paper can be harsh to the skin when used too often. Diaper creams add a protective barrier over the skin to prevent irritation caused by diarrhea and wiping.
Take your laxatives as prescribed by your doctor and remember to stay hydrated all throughout your days of preparation.
In addition, remember to arrange your schedule to work around your preparation time. Do not schedule important events during this week and ask someone to take you to the gastroscopy clinic on the day of your colonoscopy examination.
Five days before your colonoscopy procedure: Begin your low-fibre diet.
Head to your pantry and prep your low-fibre foods. By eating food that have little amount of fibre, you are doing your bowels a favor by placing a limitation on the amount of undigested food that it needs to pass and release as waste.
Two days before the colonoscopy procedure: Time for a soft-food switch.
It is now time to say goodbye to flavourful and fibre-rich foods and switch to a bland life. Not to worry, this sacrifice will only be temporary and strictly adapting a soft diet as the days inch closer to your colonoscopy procedure will surely do you more good than harm. Recommended foods to take during this window:
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Fruit smoothies
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Lots of water
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Scrambled eggs
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Vegetable purees or soup
Avoid consuming foods that have pulp or seeds as they cannot be easily digested and may interfere with your colonoscopy procedure if they are not thoroughly washed out from your system.
One day before the colonoscopy procedure: Liquids only.
Only clear liquids should pass through your GI tract a day before your colonoscopy.
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Clear broths, gelatine, and fruit juices
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Lots of water
Food and beverages that are coloured blue, purple, or red should also be avoided as these can be mistaken for abnormalities or blood and interfere with the results of the procedure.
This will also be the day when you need to intake your doctor prescribed bowel prep. Expect that you will spend a lot of time in the bathroom after taking it.
Apart from preparing your body for the colonoscopy procedure, it is also important that you prepare the things that you need to bring with you to the clinic on the day of the procedure. Here’s a sample checklist:
✔️An extra pair of underwear and bottoms in case a toilet accident happens on your way to the gastroscopy clinic.
✔️All your medications
✔️Important medical information or documents
✔️Eyeglasses, if you have
✔️Cellphone
✔️Personal identification
✔️Wallet
On the day of your colonoscopy procedure.
Stop drinking anything at least two hours before your procedure–not even a single drop of water! Check all the things that you need and bring them with you to the clinic. It is imperative that you arrive at the clinic at least an hour before your scheduled colonoscopy so you have enough time to complete paperworks and have a few moments before the procedure to clear your head and calm your nerves. If you have any concerns or questions, be sure to address them with your doctor before the colonoscopy begins.
Final word
Your colonoscopy procedure is a great help in keeping your life free from any health conditions or diseases that can cause harm to your body. Your experience should not leave you traumatized, thus consulting with a reputable doctor who can guide you through preparations and perform the procedure expertly is definitely a must.
Gastrohealth – Centre for Digestive and Liver Care
6A Napier Road, Annexe Block
#03-37 Gleneagles Hospital
Singapore 258500
https://gastrohealth.com.sg/
+655 6355 5773
+65 9776 2721
