Nuts and seeds

[ny biker]

I think my doctor might have more requirements for the week before the test than others do. Someone at work told me her husband did not have to restrict his diet that much. Meanwhile I'm making a list of things I can eat that week -- shredded wheat cereal instead of the granola with nuts that I've been eating lately, regular whole-wheat bread/pita/english muffins instead of the bread I usually prefer, vanilla or pineapple or peach yogurt. I think plain old grape jelly should be okay, so I'll pick up a small jar. I'll probably also pick up some dried fruits that I know won't have seeds, like pineapple.

The nasty liquid I have to drink is "only" 16 oz the evening before and another 16 oz at 5 am the day of. Both are followed by 32 oz of a clear liquid. So lots of drinking, but not a whole gallon of nasty stuff. I'm allowed to add Crystal Light to the nasty stuff as long as it's not red.

[ny biker]

Yes I was thinking that I will bring something with me to have as soon as it's over -- juice or gatorade, some fig bars or cereal bars. I have to get a friend to drive me there and back, and I'd offer to take them to lunch afterwards but I assume I will be too loopy for that.

A few months ago I had bought a box of 6 Italian ices at the grocery store for an occasional summer treat. Then I got sick and wound up eating them all in two days -- they really hit the spot. They would be allowed as a "clear liquid" so I'll get some (lemon or orange) for that day. That and jello should help with the mental aspect of wanting to eat real food. And I'll get some chicken broth for a savory alternative. I was just in Whole Foods walking past the aisle with soy and almond milk -- I wonder if they would be okay since they're not really dairy products (which are not allowed). For the 32 oz chaser after the laxative, I'm thinking ginger ale or cream soda. Too bad that Dr. Brown's black cherry soda is the wrong color -- cherry soda was my go-to hangover drink when I was in college. Ah, memories.

[Crankin]

The hospital where I had my colonoscopy has muffins and bagels waiting for you when you are in recovery. I ate stuff I never, ever would eat!
Then, I came home and had Indian food for dinner.

[shootingstar]

Hmm, I had my colonoscopy done just 5 days after the appointment was booked (someone had cancelled). It was 2 yrs. ago.

I don't recall avoiding nuts and seeds. But I did gear down to softer foods. I also had to drink a prescription based powerful laxative (or is it close to an edema?). Pretty awful tasting, but I did it every few hrs. Then had colonoscopy.

I was a given a photo of my colon...just gorgeously clean.

I would suggest you ensure someone takes you home. Don't drive. You'll be too weak.

[ny biker]

They won't do the procedure without a name and phone number for a person driving you home. That' s the next thing I have to do -- find someone to drive me there and back.

I remembered last night that the hospital where this will happen requires you to remove all body piercings. I've never removed the ring from my belly button before. I hope it's easy to put it back in. I suppose this is a good oppurtunity to switch to different jewelry since I've been wanting to do that for a while now. I guess some people might think 51 is too old for a pierced navel but I still like having it.

[shootingstar]

Admittedly after seeing my own clean healthy colon photo, it's given me even more motivation to eat generally healthy (though, I'm far from perfect) and remain active. Yay, plain yogurt, fruit...bicycling, etc.

[pll]

I've had this done 3 times, although always with a gallon of the nasty stuff (which, to me, tastes like bad Gatorade with baking soda). Keep your intake clear the day of the prep -- I would not take any opaque liquids or a gel. The one thing you want to avoid is being recalled and have to do it again. Low residue diet: no dried fruits, no figs, no cauliflower, brocoli, beans, lentils... Northwestern Memorial has a good handout about it: http://www.nmh.org/ccurl/84/948/lowfiber-diet07.pdf
I just do a lot of rice and chicken that week...

Jello, broth, Ginger Ale, lemon candy, etc, are all good to have. I did not feel hungry during the prep, but I did get cold and feel a little faint in the hours leading to the procedure (also get a headache). Each time, I took a cab to the hospital and a friend picked me up. Before you are discharged, even before you get up, you will be offered a bite, some juice and some carb like a bagel or crackers).