(Helpful Tip) Tips I Learned During My First Colonoscopy Exam in My Life~

I was so afraid of turning 112 that I kept postponing my colonoscopy.

Because I have a weak stomach... I couldn't even bring myself to take the medication that causes vomiting or drink a large amount of water.

I was just afraid...

I was only doing upper endoscopy without sedation, once every 1-2 years, and doing it in a natural state...

 

Last year, I suffered a serious illness and truly realized the importance of health check-ups...

(Should I tell another story about this?)

After a major surgery, I have recovered to some extent and walk about ten thousand steps every day.

I do some exercise on my own, but my husband is insisting that I must get a colonoscopy this year, almost like a gentle threat.

 

So, I had a colonoscopy yesterday.. I would like to share a few of my personal tips I learned during the colonoscopy.

 

You all know why a colonoscopy is performed, right?

I'll go over why it's still necessary again...

 

 

 

This should be taken 4-5 hours before the test begins.

The test was scheduled for 9 a.m. this morning, so I was told to start fasting from 4 a.m.

I accidentally didn't set my alarm and woke up at 4:20 AM, so I started eating from 4:30 AM.

Since it was my first colonoscopy, I was really worried about being 30 minutes late, but it turned out to be unnecessary.

The method of consumption is as follows.

 

 

The dispensing method is to put one packet each into the dispensing cup included.

Pour water up to the 230 ml mark, mix, and then drink.

And if you drink 230 ml twice, you can simply pour it into this cup up to the marked line.

 

 

This is a more detailed medication instruction provided by the hospital.

I was originally scheduled for an afternoon test, but the schedule was changed, so it was moved to the morning...

After taking the first prescribed medication like this, I go to the bathroom right before taking the second medication.

Take the second medication and go back twice more.

I drank all the water and went to the bathroom twice, and I was able to complete the final preparation for the colonoscopy.

 

 

It was a sufficient amount to drink, and the lemon flavor made it refreshing to drink.

It was really easy to drink a set of water, 460 ml, in 40 minutes~~

 

Of course, after drinking the last water, I was told it would be good to take more, so I drank about 600 milliliters of water.

 

And here is my third tip!

 

You should empty your bowels a little in advance...

Even if you're hungry... hehe

I started eating things like pudding, tofu, and bread for my meals from the evening two days ago.

Of course, I avoided eating anything that I shouldn't have 2-3 days before the test...

Even if I'm a bit hungry, I think reducing the amount would be better for emptying my bowels...

I ate a little less. If you're still hungry, you can also eat bread like castella~

And the day before was also the same, with breakfast/lunch consisting of pudding, bread, castella, etc.

Since coffee can stain the intestines and make it hard to see, I avoided even my favorite coffee...

 

For dinner, I naturally ate porridge and started fasting from 9 o'clock.

Since I ate a small amount, it was definitely easier to empty my bowels~~

Below is the dietary control guide provided by the hospital~

 

 

Next, I will remind you once again of the precautions for colonoscopy.

 

Sleep colonoscopy

● In case of morning examination
The day before the test, you should eat plain rice porridge for breakfast and lunch, and fast after lunch.
※To prevent dehydration, you should drink enough water.
However, you must stop drinking water from 8 a.m. on the day of the procedure.

 

If you are taking diabetes medication, do not take it on the day of the test and bring it to the hospital.
If you are currently taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications, you must consult your doctor first and discontinue the medication for a week before the endoscopy.

If you are taking blood pressure medication or heart disease medication (excluding anticoagulants), please take a small amount of water with it around 5 a.m. on the day of the test.

It is recommended to rest for about an hour after the test, and driving should be avoided.

Since driving can cause drowsiness and pose a risk of accidents, I have a guardian accompany me to the hospital where I get tested.

They strongly advised me to come using public transportation...

 

But I am moving to a neighboring city and since we both work, I took the car first.

After waking up from sleep and having enough rest, then hearing the endoscopy results from the doctor

It seemed okay, but just in case, I guess.

First, I went to Starbucks nearby to soothe my stomach with soup and took a break while drinking coffee.

 

And I have returned.

 

This year, I was eligible for the national gastric endoscopy screening, so I had both a colonoscopy and an upper endoscopy at the same time.

The results were very good. My colon was so clean that they said I could have a check-up again in five years.

The altitude was okay.. Honestly, I was worried that my illness last year might affect my stomach or intestines.

I was very happy because the results were good...

 

That concludes my tips on colonoscopy during health checkups.

Of course, many people may already know this..

I thought it might help those of you who are delaying because you're afraid, like me, so I'm writing this.

 

Everyone, please make sure to get your health check-ups regularly and take good care of your health before any serious illness develops!!!

And please make sure to get an abdominal ultrasound!!