How to survive
a bowel prep
Tips from those who have endured it
before
WHY SO YOU NEED A BOWEL PREP?
In many 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 endmetriosis 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.
It 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 A BOWEL PREP
Many of us have endured this process before you, and
here is what we have learnt:
-
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.
- As soon as you have drunk the mixture, follow-up
with something strong tasting, such as your favourite
flavoured 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 version. These
will really save your bottom once you begin going
often.
If you have a tendency to develop haemorrhoids, be
sure to have a haemorrhoid cream on hand. It contains
a little bit of "local anaesthesia” 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 favourite
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 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 cosy with a bunch of flowers or some nice
candles.
- Stock up on your favourite, 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 within 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.
NOTE: 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.
Good luck! And remember: many have gone before you
and survived!
POTENTIAL BOWEL PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS FOLLOWING SURGERY
This information is not meant to replace your physician’s
advice. These tips represent our personal experiences
and what has worked for us. If you have bowel problems
after surgery, please contact your doctor right away
WHAT TO EXPECT
A bowel prep and bowel surgery often wreak havoc on
our digestive systems. You should expect that it will
take a few days before your system starts to get back
to normal. Rumbling noises from your stomach are to
be expected. It doesn't hurt, but can be a bit anti-social.
You may also experience some flatulence and gas pains
as the surgical gas moves through your system.
DIET
We’ve found that eating plenty of fibre along
with yoghurt (with live acidophilus) and green vegetables
helps get your system working again. We’ve also
discovered that eating bread and cheese can make the
situation worse since these foods tend to "stick"
to the intestines and may cause constipation.
SUPPLEMENTS
Helpful supplements include Vitamin C (to support
the immune system), zinc (to aid healing), and acidophilus
tablets (to counteract the effects of anaesthesia
and any antibiotics that may have been prescribed).
Due to potential interactions with existing medications,
you should always check with your doctor before taking
any herbs or other nutritional supplements.
NAUSEA AND BOWEL SPASMS
Some women have a problem with nausea and diarrhoea
following surgery, especially if any part of the bowel
was involved in the surgery. If this happens to you,
contact your physician for appropriate medications.
You may also want to avoid fruit juices and soft drinks
after surgery since they contain high concentrations
of sugar and have a tendency to increase bowel spasms.
Dairy products and red meat also have a tendency to
increase bowel spasms in susceptible individuals.
Supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil,
flax oil, borage oil, or evening primrose oil) encourage
the production of “good prostaglandins,”
which tend to act as a muscle relaxant and aid in
healing. Always check with your doctor before taking
any supplements.
SUGGESTED READING
For healthy eating prior to and after surgery, see
Dian Shepperson Mills' and Michael Vernon's excellent
book Endometriosis: A key to healing
through nutrition.
See also the article on Bowel
Symptoms.
© 1998-2006 Ellen T. Johnson and Lone Hummelshøj,
in collaboration with women who have "been there.”
Reprinted with permission
MORE ARTICLES
|
