My 101 Guide to Surviving My (Second) Colonoscopy

Introduction

Today, I want to chat about something that’s often considered a bit awkward but really important: colonoscopies. Your bowel is a key player in telling you what’s going on with your body—when it’s not happy, it’s usually a sign that something needs attention. I’m sharing my experience to help break the silence around this topic. Let’s be honest, having a colonoscopy isn’t exactly a walk in the park, but with this guide, I hope to make the process a little easier for you.

Reason for my Colonoscopy

This year, I started bleeding from my bowel, which raised the alarm bells. I went to the GP, they said I needed another colonoscopy, and they gave me an open referral to make it easier to get an appointment with a gastroenterologist. I decided to go with the Colonoscopy Clinic as they could see me quickly, and the process was very streamlined. The clinic gave me clear instructions about the medication I needed to take in the days leading up to the procedure, the diet, and the specific prep.

Preparing for the Colonoscopy

The pre-colonoscopy diet is a low-fibre, white diet, and how long you need to follow it can vary, but I had to stick with it for three days before my procedure. This was definitely the toughest part for me because I really love my green veggies! Here are some recipe ideas for the pre-colonoscopy diet:

• Scrambled or poached eggs on white bread
• Cup of noodles in broth with chicken (similar to Ramen)
• Plain pasta with cheese (similar to Mac & Cheese)
• Plain YoPro and honey
• Mashed potato (no skin) with butter and cheese
• White turkey wrap with cheese
• Green jelly
• Clear apple juice

Another aspect I was nervous about was the prep itself. In the past, I struggled with the volume, the texture, and the taste. This time, I was more prepared and even asked my Instagram community for suggestions to make it easier—and they really delivered! The best tip was to follow each dose of the prep with apple juice. I also found that chilling the liquid in the fridge, holding my nose while drinking it, and distracting myself by singing a nursery rhyme made the process a bit more bearable. It kept my mind busy and helped me get through the whole thing. After each dose, I’d take a sip of apple juice before taking my fingers off my nose, and that made it a lot more pleasant.

The Colonoscopy Procedure

What to expect on the day of your procedure can vary depending on whether you have a morning or an afternoon appointment. For my first colonoscopy, I had to do all the prep the night before. This time around, I did some the night before and finished the rest the next day. The goal for the medical team is to have a clear, stream running through your bowel, which makes it much easier for them to see the intestines clearly.

When you arrive at the hospital, they check your documents and identification, and then the waiting game begins. The hospital provided blankets, and I brought a book to pass the time. When it’s your turn, you head to another room to change and wait for the anaesthetist. They insert a cannula, and then you’re taken into the theatre room. This is where the fun begins—you go under anaesthetic, and the procedure starts. I like to make a game of it by counting down from 100 with the nursing staff; I got to 75 before I started spouting random numbers (which I don’t remember). Afterward, you wake up, get changed, have some water and a sandwich, and then someone you know picks you up.

Post-Colonoscopy: What’s Next?

After the procedure, the gastroenterologist will come by to discuss what they found. My gastroenterologist also handed me a letter with the findings, which was really helpful for me. Fortunately, my diagnosis wasn’t anything too serious, but I do need to adjust my medication to better support my bowel health. Once the colonoscopy is over, you’ll need someone to be with you for a while to make sure you’re okay, but you’re free to enjoy regular food and drinks again. I celebrated with some delicious lamb chops, mash, and broccolini!

Understanding your results is really important. Your doctor will walk you through what they mean and what the next steps are. It’s crucial to follow up on any recommendations they make to ensure your long-term health is taken care of.

My Personal Takeaways and Advice for Others

Having a colonoscopy is crucial in many cases. It can save you from long-term pain and even save you money down the line. It’s definitely worth doing. My advice? Get yourself mentally prepared, follow the prep instructions closely, and lean on your support system when you need to. Also, be sure to check your health coverage ahead of time to make sure you’re fully covered—I learned that the hard way.

Conclusion

Overall, my experience was positive and the tips and tricks I picked up along the way really made a difference. Once you have a diagnosis, I can help with dietary strategies to support your gut microbiome. Prioritising your gut health is so important—trust me, it’s worth it! You can book an appointment here to support good gut health and optimise your gut microbiome!