{"id":9261,"date":"2026-10-23T15:27:39","date_gmt":"2026-10-23T15:27:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/blogs\/?p=9261"},"modified":"2026-10-24T12:37:57","modified_gmt":"2026-10-24T12:37:57","slug":"colonoscopy-test-preparation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/blogs\/colonoscopy-test-preparation\/","title":{"rendered":"Colonoscopy preparation: what to eat, how to take the bowel prep and what to expect"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"9261\" class=\"elementor elementor-9261\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-68db40b e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-column-slider-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"68db40b\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-aa5ff74 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"aa5ff74\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In my experience, most people cope with the colonoscopy better than they expect, while the preparation beforehand causes much more uncertainty, usually about what they can eat, when the laxative will start working, whether they will be up all night and what to do with their regular medicines.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Good bowel preparation gives a clear view of the lining of the colon, which is important because small or flat polyps can be missed when stool remains and occasionally the examination then has to be repeated.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The instructions supplied by your endoscopy unit always take priority over a general guide. Different bowel preparations have different timings, and morning and afternoon appointments are usually prepared for differently.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ce77255 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"ce77255\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What should I eat before a colonoscopy?\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-634a9e6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"634a9e6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most units advise a low-fibre diet for two or three days before the examination. Fibre is healthy in ordinary circumstances, but seeds, skins and coarse food are slow to clear from the bowel.<\/span><\/p><p><strong>Foods that are usually suitable include:<\/strong><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">White bread, white rice and plain pasta<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eggs, fish and skinless chicken<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Potatoes without the skin<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Smooth yoghurt without fruit pieces<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Well-cooked vegetables without skins, seeds or stalks<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><strong>Foods usually avoided include:<\/strong><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wholemeal bread, brown rice and high-fibre cereal<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Salad, raw vegetables and sweetcorn<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Beans and lentils<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nuts, seeds and popcorn<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Berries, dried fruit, fruit skins and pips<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The exact point at which solid food must stop will be in your instructions. Some units allow a light meal on the day before the procedure; others move to clear fluids earlier.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a764420 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"a764420\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What counts as a clear fluid?\n<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-975d2e1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"975d2e1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clear fluids usually include water, black tea or coffee without milk, clear apple juice, pale squash, clear fizzy drinks and strained broth. Avoid smoothies, drinks containing milk, juice with pulp and anything coloured red or purple.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not rely on water alone throughout the preparation. Clear drinks containing some sugar and salt can help with energy and hydration, provided they are suitable for you. People with diabetes need individual advice.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep drinking within the times stated in your instructions. The final cut-off depends on the timing of the procedure and whether sedation is planned.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2ee3cd5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"2ee3cd5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Taking the bowel preparation\n<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-257e64c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"257e64c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most modern regimens divide the laxative into two doses. The second dose is taken closer to the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/colonoscopy\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">colonoscopy<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> because this usually gives a cleaner bowel. Follow the stated times even if the bowel already appears empty after the first dose.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You should expect frequent, watery bowel movements, often beginning within one or two hours, although it can take longer, so stay close to a toilet and keep the evening and morning free.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A few practical measures make the process easier:<\/span><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chill the solution if the instructions allow<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drink it steadily rather than trying to finish it quickly<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use a straw if you dislike the taste<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Apply barrier cream before bowel movements become frequent<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep a choice of permitted clear drinks available<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contact the clinic if repeated vomiting prevents you completing the preparation<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-11d7846 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"11d7846\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">How do I know whether the preparation has worked?\n<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b5e9536 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b5e9536\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Towards the end, what you pass should be watery, pale yellow or almost clear, without solid material. A small amount of yellow colour is normal.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If it remains brown, cloudy or contains solid stool after the full preparation, contact the endoscopy unit before travelling. Do not take extra laxative unless the unit advises it.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2f1f1dd elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"2f1f1dd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Medicines need to be discussed before the day\n<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0e103a3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"0e103a3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tell the clinic about every prescribed medicine, injection, supplement and over-the-counter treatment when the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/colonoscopy\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">colonoscopy<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is arranged, rather than waiting until the day of the test.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-097070e elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"097070e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Blood thinners\n<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cea5a0d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"cea5a0d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban, edoxaban, dabigatran and antiplatelet medicines such as clopidogrel need an individual plan. The advice depends on why the medicine was prescribed and whether a polyp may need to be removed. Do not stop a blood thinner without instructions.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-eb3939e elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"eb3939e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Diabetes treatment\n<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3bf6b4b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3bf6b4b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fasting and bowel preparation can affect glucose levels. Insulin, sulfonylureas and SGLT2 inhibitors may need particular changes. The plan will depend on the medicine, the appointment time and your usual glucose control. Bring your diabetes medication and glucose-monitoring equipment with you.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dceffcc elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"dceffcc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Weight-loss and GLP-1 medicines\n<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-740601a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"740601a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Semaglutide, tirzepatide, liraglutide and similar medicines can slow stomach emptying. Current advice depends on the drug, your symptoms, the form of sedation and local anaesthetic policy. Tell the unit when booking and follow the instructions they give you.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c80d146 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"c80d146\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Iron, constipation treatments and anti-diarrhoeal medicines\n<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-87a1d95 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"87a1d95\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Iron tablets, fibre supplements and medicines such as loperamide are often stopped several days beforehand because they can interfere with bowel cleansing. The timing varies, so use the instructions from your unit.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also tell the team if you have kidney disease, heart failure, a stoma, severe constipation or previous difficulty completing bowel preparation. These can affect which preparation is safest and whether extra measures are needed.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e380237 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"e380237\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What happens on the day?\n<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0f821c9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"0f821c9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The endoscopist will check your medical history, the quality of the preparation and your consent before starting. The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/colonoscopy\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">colonoscopy<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> itself commonly takes about 30 to 45 minutes, although removal of polyps can add time.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Options for comfort may include intravenous sedation, pain relief or gas and air, depending on the unit and your health. If intravenous sedation is used, you will need someone to collect you. You must follow the unit\u2019s restrictions on driving, alcohol, machinery and important decisions afterwards.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The air used during the examination can cause temporary wind, bloating or mild discomfort, which usually settles, whereas severe or increasing abdominal pain, heavy or persistent bleeding, fever, breathlessness or feeling faint requires urgent medical advice.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-201005f elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"201005f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">When should colonoscopy be considered?\n<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8742cdb elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8742cdb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><a href=\"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/colonoscopy\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Colonoscopy <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">may be recommended for rectal bleeding, iron-deficiency anaemia, a persistent change in bowel habit, inflammatory bowel disease assessment, surveillance after previous polyps, a significant family history or an abnormal bowel-screening test.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The right investigation depends on the symptom and the results already available, so a consultation can be useful when it is unclear whether <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/colonoscopy\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">colonoscopy<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, another test or treatment should come first. In my practice, previous results and the reason for requesting the examination are reviewed before a procedure is arranged.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a7395dd elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"a7395dd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Arranging a private colonoscopy in Milton Keynes\n<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a1590b3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a1590b3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Harmony welcomes self-referrals as well as insured patients. A consultation allows time to review symptoms, medicines, previous investigations and the reason for considering <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/colonoscopy\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">colonoscopy<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. If the procedure is appropriate, the preparation and the arrangements can then be planned properly.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8c9b06a elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"8c9b06a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Frequently asked questions\n<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f8e4fa2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-n-accordion\" data-id=\"f8e4fa2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;default_state&quot;:&quot;expanded&quot;,&quot;max_items_expended&quot;:&quot;one&quot;,&quot;n_accordion_animation_duration&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;ms&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:400,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]}}\" data-widget_type=\"nested-accordion.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-n-accordion\" aria-label=\"Accordion. Open links with Enter or Space, close with Escape, and navigate with Arrow Keys\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-2600\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" open>\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"1\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-2600\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><div class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> Is the bowel preparation worse than the colonoscopy? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-2600\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a89fbcb e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-column-slider-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"a89fbcb\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8b063c0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8b063c0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many patients find the preparation more inconvenient than the examination. Knowing the timings, having suitable drinks ready and staying close to a toilet makes it more manageable.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-2601\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"2\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-2601\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><div class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> Can I drink coffee? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-2601\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-41dc753 e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-column-slider-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"41dc753\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b37b24e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b37b24e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Black coffee is usually allowed during the clear-fluid period. Milk, cream and non-dairy creamer are not clear fluids. Follow the list supplied by your unit.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-2602\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"3\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-2602\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><div class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> What if I vomit the preparation? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-2602\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8acb4b2 e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-column-slider-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"8acb4b2\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-88b9ad2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"88b9ad2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pause briefly and try again more slowly. Contact the endoscopy unit if vomiting continues or you cannot keep the fluid down. An incomplete preparation may mean the examination cannot be completed properly.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-2603\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"4\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-2603\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><div class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> Should I take my usual tablets on the morning? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-2603\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8ed8552 e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-column-slider-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"8ed8552\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5cca9bd elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5cca9bd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many medicines can be taken with a small sip of water, but blood thinners, diabetes treatment, iron tablets and some weight-loss medicines need specific advice. Check before the day of the procedure.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-2604\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"5\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-2604\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><div class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> How long will I be at the hospital? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-2604\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8462361 e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-column-slider-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"8462361\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-396669f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"396669f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The examination commonly takes 30 to 45 minutes, but admission, consent and recovery add time. Sedation usually means a longer recovery and the need for an escort home.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8bab4e5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8bab4e5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong>Written and <b>clinically reviewed <\/b>by Dr Arjun Prakash, Consultant Gastroenterologist and Advanced Interventional Endoscopist<\/strong><\/p><p>Dr Arjun Prakash provides private gastroenterology consultations in Milton Keynes, including assessment for bowel cancer risk, screening colonoscopy, family history, previous polyps and concerning bowel symptoms.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-30f409d e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-column-slider-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"30f409d\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In my experience, most people cope with the colonoscopy better than they expect, while the preparation beforehand causes much more uncertainty, usually about what they can eat, when the laxative will start working, whether they will be up all night and what to do with their regular medicines. Good bowel preparation gives a clear view of the lining of the colon, which is important because small or flat polyps can be missed when stool remains and occasionally the examination then has to be repeated. The instructions supplied by your endoscopy unit always take priority over a general guide. Different bowel preparations have different timings, and morning and afternoon appointments are usually prepared for differently. What should I eat before a colonoscopy? Most units advise a low-fibre diet for two or three days before the examination. Fibre is healthy in ordinary circumstances, but seeds, skins and coarse food are slow to clear from the bowel. Foods that are usually suitable include: White bread, white rice and plain pasta Eggs, fish and skinless chicken Potatoes without the skin Smooth yoghurt without fruit pieces Well-cooked vegetables without skins, seeds or stalks Foods usually avoided include: Wholemeal bread, brown rice and high-fibre cereal Salad, raw vegetables and sweetcorn Beans and lentils Nuts, seeds and popcorn Berries, dried fruit, fruit skins and pips The exact point at which solid food must stop will be in your instructions. Some units allow a light meal on the day before the procedure; others move to clear fluids earlier. What counts as a clear fluid? Clear fluids usually include water, black tea or coffee without milk, clear apple juice, pale squash, clear fizzy drinks and strained broth. Avoid smoothies, drinks containing milk, juice with pulp and anything coloured red or purple. Do not rely on water alone throughout the preparation. Clear drinks containing some sugar and salt can help with energy and hydration, provided they are suitable for you. People with diabetes need individual advice. Keep drinking within the times stated in your instructions. The final cut-off depends on the timing of the procedure and whether sedation is planned. Taking the bowel preparation Most modern regimens divide the laxative into two doses. The second dose is taken closer to the colonoscopy because this usually gives a cleaner bowel. Follow the stated times even if the bowel already appears empty after the first dose. You should expect frequent, watery bowel movements, often beginning within one or two hours, although it can take longer, so stay close to a toilet and keep the evening and morning free. A few practical measures make the process easier: Chill the solution if the instructions allow Drink it steadily rather than trying to finish it quickly Use a straw if you dislike the taste Apply barrier cream before bowel movements become frequent Keep a choice of permitted clear drinks available Contact the clinic if repeated vomiting prevents you completing the preparation How do I know whether the preparation has worked? Towards the end, what you pass should be watery, pale yellow or almost clear, without solid material. A small amount of yellow colour is normal. If it remains brown, cloudy or contains solid stool after the full preparation, contact the endoscopy unit before travelling. Do not take extra laxative unless the unit advises it. Medicines need to be discussed before the day Tell the clinic about every prescribed medicine, injection, supplement and over-the-counter treatment when the colonoscopy is arranged, rather than waiting until the day of the test. Blood thinners Warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban, edoxaban, dabigatran and antiplatelet medicines such as clopidogrel need an individual plan. The advice depends on why the medicine was prescribed and whether a polyp may need to be removed. Do not stop a blood thinner without instructions. Diabetes treatment Fasting and bowel preparation can affect glucose levels. Insulin, sulfonylureas and SGLT2 inhibitors may need particular changes. The plan will depend on the medicine, the appointment time and your usual glucose control. Bring your diabetes medication and glucose-monitoring equipment with you. Weight-loss and GLP-1 medicines Semaglutide, tirzepatide, liraglutide and similar medicines can slow stomach emptying. Current advice depends on the drug, your symptoms, the form of sedation and local anaesthetic policy. Tell the unit when booking and follow the instructions they give you. Iron, constipation treatments and anti-diarrhoeal medicines Iron tablets, fibre supplements and medicines such as loperamide are often stopped several days beforehand because they can interfere with bowel cleansing. The timing varies, so use the instructions from your unit. Also tell the team if you have kidney disease, heart failure, a stoma, severe constipation or previous difficulty completing bowel preparation. These can affect which preparation is safest and whether extra measures are needed. What happens on the day? The endoscopist will check your medical history, the quality of the preparation and your consent before starting. The colonoscopy itself commonly takes about 30 to 45 minutes, although removal of polyps can add time. Options for comfort may include intravenous sedation, pain relief or gas and air, depending on the unit and your health. If intravenous sedation is used, you will need someone to collect you. You must follow the unit\u2019s restrictions on driving, alcohol, machinery and important decisions afterwards. The air used during the examination can cause temporary wind, bloating or mild discomfort, which usually settles, whereas severe or increasing abdominal pain, heavy or persistent bleeding, fever, breathlessness or feeling faint requires urgent medical advice. When should colonoscopy be considered? Colonoscopy may be recommended for rectal bleeding, iron-deficiency anaemia, a persistent change in bowel habit, inflammatory bowel disease assessment, surveillance after previous polyps, a significant family history or an abnormal bowel-screening test. The right investigation depends on the symptom and the results already available, so a consultation can be useful when it is unclear whether colonoscopy, another test or treatment should come first. In my practice, previous results and the reason for requesting the examination are reviewed before a procedure is arranged. Arranging a private colonoscopy in Milton Keynes Harmony<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":9262,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"pagelayer_contact_templates":[],"_pagelayer_content":"","_templately_pack_id":"","_templately_imported_at":"","_templately_source":"","_templately_import_session_id":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9261","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9261","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9261"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9261\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9275,"href":"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9261\/revisions\/9275"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9262"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9261"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9261"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9261"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}