A doctor on TikTok has shared her five best pieces of advice for getting through a colonoscopy.
Karen Zaghiyan (@drkarenzaghiyan_official), a board-certified colorectal surgeon based in Los Angeles, took to the platform to share the tips for what she called "one of the most dreaded" but also "most worthwhile" exams.
In the video, which has been viewed more than 700,000 times, Zaghiyan's top piece of advice is that the prep may taste awful, but take it seriously, as a thorough clean-out allows doctors to get a clear view.
"You're in charge of your own successful colonoscopy by doing an excellent job of cleaning out your colon," she noted.
Here's the rest of her advice.
1. Tailor Prep for Constipation
For patients who struggle with constipation, Zaghiyan suggests planning ahead.
"If you tend to not have a bowel movement every day [...] you might be walking into the day of your colonoscopy prep a little backed up," she explained.
Zaghiyan advised speaking with a doctor to adjust laxatives or medications in the week leading up to the exam. This could include increasing doses of Miralax or magnesium supplements to ensure the colon is cleared adequately.
She also noted that for some patients, a two-day prep regimen or higher-volume solutions might be recommended.
"The smaller preps [...] may not be ideal for you if you're constipated," she said.
2. Hydrate During Prep
Even with smaller, more convenient prep solutions like pills or small bottles, hydration is essential.
"In order for this prep to work properly, you really have to drink a lot of fluids," Zaghiyan advised.
Drink extra water and electrolyte-rich liquids alongside these solutions to activate the cleansing process.
3. Avoid High-Roughage Foods
A week before starting colonoscopy prep, avoid foods that are difficult to clear from the colon, like quinoa, chia seeds and nuts.
"These can stay behind inside your colon [...] and clog our scopes," Zaghiyan warned.
By cutting out roughage, patients can improve the prep's effectiveness and make it easier for doctors to examine the colon.
4. Choose an Early Appointment
Scheduling a colonoscopy in the morning, if possible, can make the prep process less daunting. Finishing prep the night before allows patients to wake up and head straight to the procedure without needing an additional clean-out.
"You'll only have to do an evening prep, which is a lot easier than drinking a whole volume of solution early in the morning," Zaghiyan said.
5. Read Instructions in Advance
One of Zaghiyan's most practical tips is to review preparation instructions at least a week ahead of time.
"So many people read their colonoscopy instructions the day before they're supposed to come in [...] and they've forgotten to stop taking medications or supplements they weren't supposed to be on," she said.
By following these tips, patients can make sure their colonoscopy is a much more manageable experience.
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