5 Tips to Get You Through A Colonoscopy Prep

In 2007, I suffered extreme trauma to my body, where I nearly lost my life. The trauma was onset by a domestic abuse situation and was caused by my then significant other, who had squeezed me so hard that my spleen ruptured. Luckily for me, I was young and healthy. I recovered and moved on from this moment in my life the best I could.

Currently, I’ve been experiencing gastrointestinal issues for the last five years or so. I’ve put off going to the doctor thinking I would just get better but never did. My symptoms seemed to get worse as the years passed. I started seeing a new set of doctors in hopes of determining the cause of my issues. It was suggested that the scar tissue from my abdomen may be causing my issues. Also, given my family medical history, my doctor thought it best to perform a colonoscopy to determine if my issues were internal.

Colon Prep Sucks!

I’ll just let you know right now that colon prep is not pleasant, it’s not fun, and it’s definitely not something you hear people just chatting about. Make sure you complete your colon prep, don’t cheat and skimp on the amount of fluids you intake because you don’t want to do this twice! Here are some of my tips to help get you through the prep and onto your appointment.

5. Don’t Trust a Fart

Yep. I said it. Once you begin your prep, which consists of drinking about a gallon of clear fluids along with a laxative, you definitely don’t want to take the risk of trusting a little passing of gas. You may very well shart yourself and NO ONE wants that to happen.

4. Charge Your Devices

You’re going to be spending a bit of time trapped in the bathroom, you should at least be entertained. Make sure your devices have plenty of battery power, you’re going to need this distraction.

3. Buy Flushable Wet Wipes

These things are a creation from the heavens above and your bottom will appreciate it. You might choose a popular toilet paper brand of wet wipes or you can go a step further and opt for the wet wipes with witch hazel in them. You can find them in the section of the drug store where they keep the hemorrhoid treatments or on Amazon.

2. Feeling Dirty, Take a Shower

After all the pooping you’ll be doing, over and over again, you’ll feel refreshed and more like yourself if you take a calming warm shower. You might need just one shower or you might need three. The important thing here is being comfortable in an uncomfortable situation.

1. Don’t Stress

This may be the most important part of the entire prep. Don’t stress out over what you can’t control. Easier said than done, I know. The more you stress yourself, the more difficult your prep will be.

The night before a colonoscopy may leave you feeling completely drained, empty, and yet somehow full of anxiety about what the future may hold in the results of your colonoscopy. You’re not alone in this. The colonoscopy itself is easy, they put you to sleep and you feel absolutely nothing once it’s over. The next steps you take may be even more difficult than this prep was, keep in mind that this is just one thing in a series of things you may have to do to ensure your health and well-being.

The next steps you take may be even more difficult than this prep was, keep in mind that this is just one thing in a series of things you may have to do to ensure your health and well-being.

Wishing you all a happy and healthy colon!

If you are a victim of Domestic Abuse, there are people out there who care and want to help you. Please, if you are in crisis reach out and contact someone.

Your life IS worth living.

Text “HOME” to 741741 to text a crisis counselor.

Phone 800-799-7233 or 866-331-9474 to speak with a domestic abuse counselor.