A year ago, I had a colonoscopy and gathered all this great information and tips from friends that had gone through it.

Those tips really helped me, so I created a word document with all these tips put together.

I have passed it on to quite a few people, all of whom really appreciated it.

Today I'm going to share 13 tips for you to find joy in your colonoscopy journey.

*****There's gonna be a lot of poop discussion in this episode, and it may not apply to you, so feel free to skip it!

If you are having a colonoscopy anytime soon, stick around - Trust me - You'll appreciate the tips and tools I share with you today.

BEFORE HAND

1. When scheduling, ask lots of questions to help plan a good time.

2. Ask your Doctor about the PILL option for prep day.

3. If you need to do the drinking kind, ask for the one that requires less liquid.

4. Don’t plan anything big for the prep day (day 1)

5. Don’t plan anything for the actual day (day 2)

SUPPLIES TO HAVE ON HAND BEFORE YOU START YOUR PREP

1. Whatever the doctor prescribes for the cleaning out portion (ask about ALL the options!)

2. Sustenance Items

3. Comfort Items

4. Preparedness Items

PREP DAY

1. Liquid Diet ideas

2. Tips for when you have to drink the prep stuff

3. Have an iPad and be prepared to stream some shows

4. Bring in a tiny table to the toilet area

5. If you can, put a comfy chair near the bathroom.

6. Line a small garbage can with double plastic bags

7. Baby wipes

8. Vaseline is your new best friend

9. Have Toilet bowl cleaner and brush handy.

10. Poo-Pourri may be nice to have on hand.

11. It is nice to lay an old towel down on the ground between your comfy chair and toilet

12. use an adult diaper to be able to sleep and for car ride?

THE ACTUAL PROCEDURE TIPS

1. wear skirt and flip flops…

2. The procedure is the easy part.

3. Don’t plan anything for this day either – except to rest.

MY OVERALL IMPRESSIONS OF MY COLONOSCOPY EXPERIENCE

It wasn’t fun.

But it was doable.

I would say a 4 out of 10 on the discomfort scale.

It was more just kind of gross than anything.

Having something to watch really helped and the Vaseline was a life saver!

The uncomfortable part was only 6 hours or so and it was very manageable.

Super glad I don’t have to do it again for 10 years, but when it is time, I feel prepared with my tools to make it easier.

HELPFUL LINKS

Today’s Show notes – www.sheridanripley.com/colonoscopy

Follow me on Instagram @powerupyourprayers

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Please share this episode with your friends! Especially if they are nervous about having a colonoscopy!

My favorite tool for managing my calendars and lists!

Finding Joy in the JourneyBy Sheridan RipleyMar 20, 2023