Tips for successful colonoscopy prep

@nativedyme ask your doctor to prescribe Pico Salax. I have had trouble with other preps, but Pico Salax is so easy to take. It comes in two small sachets. You can drink any liquids and eat jello of your choice except the colours not allowed, all day, and just need to take the contents of one small sachet in a half glass of water late in the afternoon, then the second sachet in a half glass of water later in the evening.

@nativedyme
Not sure what worse, the procedure or preparation. I am always worried I will not be cleaned out enough. That happen once and had to repeat exam few months later with a different prep.

Here are few dissuasions that have advice that might help:
Colonoscopy prep: make it easier
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/take-charge-healthy-aging/newsfeed-post/colonoscopy-prep-make-it-easier/
This member's discussion ask about things to do for a sore anal area, but the comments talk about different types of prep. Tips for successful colonoscopy prep:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/another-issue-regarding-colonoscopies/
When is your coloscopy scheduled for?

@nativedyme
Are you able to swallow any pills at all? The pills for colonoscopy are only laxatives and the pills are small. You should be able to easily swallow them and can put them in a spoon of liquid if that helps you swallow the small pills. Take them separately rather than all at once.

For the miralax added to Gatorade, I get the sugar free kind because I can’t stand the sweetness. I drink frequent small amounts to get down the amount needed over time.

Use the abnormal pretest result as the motivation needed to help you prioritize getting the prep and test done as soon as possible. You need your colon clear for the colonoscopy to be successful and see if you have any abnormal growths/polyps/changes in tissues.

@nativedyme
I also meant to mention that if you are dealing with anxiety about the test and the result, you may benefit from counseling and an antidepressant to help you manage your anxiety and fears.

For those of you fretting about getting cleared out for a colonoscopy...let me share my experiences. Yes, it is a tedious process. No, it doesn't have to be overwhelming. Try to eat very lightly for a few days prior to the prep. Less in, less out. Just try to follow the instructions as best you can. You can look forward to one of the best naps you've ever had during the scoping. I was actually a little upset when I was awakened. I was in the middle of a great dream(in color!). If you've gone through the prep before and are fearing all the "stuff' you have to undertake, try using citrate of magnesium. It is a cathartic and will likely do a good job of clearing you out. My grandmother used it once or twice a year as part of her "regularity" process. She swore by it. I hope today(November 1, 2025 finds you all in better health and spirits.

@nativedyme, I moved your question about preparing successfully for a colonoscopy to this existing discussion:
- Tips for successful colonoscopy prep https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/another-issue-regarding-colonoscopies/

You might also review the tips in this expert blog:
- Colonoscopy prep: make it easier https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/take-charge-healthy-aging/newsfeed-post/colonoscopy-prep-make-it-easier/

Have you tried a bidet? I have noticed a huge difference since using one. There are many travel bidets you can get. I ordered a battery one a non battery one for when I’m traveling so perhaps you could try that during your prep.
Good luck!

@heisenberg34

I've been put under many times, but I can't ever recall dreaming during the time I was out.

When I did my last colonoscopy prep recently, I found alternating sips of a sweet drink like applejuice along with liquid prep made me have less nausea and it worked out well. I even pinched my nose a bit so as not to taste the prep so much. Maybe this would help you too. I get polyps in my colon so a colonoscopy is a necessity to have them removed. Give it another try, telling yourself you have to do this for your own health. Good luck to you!

@bajjerfan I have only had one colonoscopy, about twelve years ago. My colon was pronounced clean and free of any polyps or other irregularities. Since then I have been using Cologuard. So, if I had more colonoscopies, perhaps I would have reported no dreams. Who knows?