How to Survive a Bowel Prep

WHEN IT’S NEEDED

In most instances, a complete "bowel prep" the night before surgery is required for endometriosis surgery. A bowel prep is also required for colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy, procedures that are also often required of endometriosis patients whom the physicians suspect may have endo on the bowel. Complications can occur with an inadequate bowel prep, so you’ll want to make sure you follow your doctor’s directions precisely.

WHAT IT DOES

A “bowel prep” cleanses the bowel so that bowel surgery (if needed) can be performed safely, and usually includes a liquid diet and various preparations to empty your bowels.  This is not a pleasant process, but is necessary if any bowel work is anticipated. 

HOW TO SURVIVE

Many of us have endured this process before you, and here is what we have learned:

• Prepare yourself mentally! Decide you’re going to do it, and just do it!
   

• Eat lightly a couple of days before the bowel prep. Eat more fruit and green vegetables and reduce meat and dairy products. This will make it easier for your bowels to empty.
   

• Some find that the mixture tastes best ice cold. One way to cool it quickly is to put it in the sink with ice all around it.
   

• You may want to drink the mixture through a straw so the taste goes as far back in your mouth as possible. Drink it as fast as you can.
   

• As soon as you have drunk the mixture, follow up with something strong tasting, such as your favorite flavored chewing gum, hard candy, or a spoonful of chicken broth to get the taste out of your mouth. Make sure whatever you follow up with is on your physician's list of approved liquids.
   

• At some point the mixture will begin to "work". This may take some time. It seems to help things along if you drink approved liquids in between the "cocktails". Liquids such as ginger ale, chicken broth, lemonade, apple juice, are usually the most appealing. Remember to check with your physician for a list of what liquids are allowed.
   

• Use baby wipes to wipe your bottom. Get the all-natural, alcohol-free, aloe vera, unscented variety. These will really save your bottom once you begin going often.
   

• If you have a tendency to develop hemorrhoids, be sure to have a hemorrhoid cream on hand. It contains a little bit of "local anesthesia" to ease the discomfort. You'll be happy you did so.
   

• If you feel yourself getting sick after drinking the umpteenth glass, try holding a sachet pillow to your nose, or a handkerchief  scented with your favorite perfume or essential oil. If other drinks are allowed (check with your physician), try a slice of fresh ginger in some boiling water (ginger helps relieve nausea).
   

• Prepare the bathroom for your ordeal. You will be spending a lot of time in there! Clean it if you think the corner fuzz balls will make you crazy after a while. Make it cozy with a bunch of flowers or some nice candles.
   

• Stock up on your favorite, easy-to-read books and magazines. You will need something to pass the time away.
   

• Station yourself near the bathroom. Make yourself a little nest that's a short dash to the bathroom. Have near you the TV, your books and magazines, your bowel prep cocktail, other approved liquids, pillows, and blankets. The urge to go will strike suddenly and without much warning, so be prepared for this little adventure by doing some advance planning. And try to make sure you do not have to share the bathroom with others during this time.

 Good luck! And remember: many have gone before you and survived!

If any of these suggestions conflict with your physician’s advice, always go by what your physician says! And remember, if you have an adverse reaction to the bowel prep solution, call your physician immediately. 

Click here to return to the Bowel Endo article.

© 1998-2003 Lone Hummelshøj and Ellen T. Johnson, in collaboration with women who have "been there.” Used with author’s permission. This article originally appeared at www.endowisdom.com and has most recently been published in The Coping Zone at www.endozone.com.