First up
I’m not a doctor, nurse, or dietitian. This blog isn’t here to diagnose, treat, or replace the instructions from your gastroenterologist. It’s just what has helped me, written in a way that’s a bit easier to digest.
Always, always follow your doctor’s orders, especially when it comes to your colonoscopy prep plan.
So you’ve got a colonoscopy booked? Welcome to my world.
I get it. The word colonoscopy makes most people want to hide under a doona and pretend they never got that referral. And no, you’re not overreacting, the prep is the worst bit. Not the scope itself. That part? You're usually asleep.
But the clean-out? The prep drinks, the hunger, the bathroom marathon? That’s where it gets rough. And no one really tells you how to make it suck less, beyond "stay near a toilet."
This blog is everything I wish someone had told me the first time.
Before the Prep: Where It Actually Starts
Most people think colonoscopy prep begins the day you crack open the drink. But truthfully? The smoother your prep goes depends a lot on what you do in the days leading up. Here’s what made a real difference for me:
Go Low-Residue
A low-residue diet is designed to give your gut a break, it reduces fibre and undigested food so there’s less your bowel needs to clean out. And honestly? It makes the actual prep so much easier.
I usually switch to low-residue at least 5 days before my scope. The earlier I do it, the better the results (and the less traumatic the bathroom phase is).
Here’s what my plate looks like during that week:
- White bread, pasta and rice (yep, this is the week beige food is back in fashion)
- Eggs, cheese, and lean meats
- Peeled and well-cooked vegetables (think carrots, zucchini, pumpkin)
- Plain cakes or biscuits — no nuts, seeds, or dried fruit
- Banana, canned pears or apples (nothing with a skin or seeds)
What I avoid completely: anything wholegrain, raw salad, nuts, seeds, corn, peas, skins, or beans. Basically anything that could stay in your gut and make your bowel less sparkly on scope day.
The Day Before: Clear Fluids Only (aka The Hardest Part)
This is when things feel real. You’re tired, hungry, and you’re reading food labels like they’re fine print from a lawyer.
You’ll be told to have clear fluids only, no food, nothing! But even clear fluids can be more versatile than people think. This is what actually helped me get through:
Salty & Savoury
- Broth: I make a batch of clear veggie or chicken stock and sip it warm throughout the day. It gives your body something nourishing and helps with that salty craving.
- Vegemite on the gums: Weird, but effective. Just a tiny bit rubbed on the gums gave me that salty flavour without breaking the "nothing solid" rule.
Sweet & Hydrating
- Jelly — only yellow or orange. I go for pineapple or lemon and keep it cold.
- Lemonade ice cubes — I freeze Hydralyte or clear apple juice into little cubes and suck on them between prep drinks. It gives you something to do and keeps your mouth from drying out.
- Sugar cubes or boiled lollies — These were a lifesaver when I felt dizzy or nauseous.
My hot tip: Rotate sweet and salty throughout the day to avoid flavour fatigue.
Prep Drink Time: Don’t Rush It
Once your prep drink starts, your bathroom becomes your best friend. I don’t need to tell you that part’s intense, you already know.
What I will say is this:
Give yourself time. Create a calm, safe bathroom space. Put a show on your tablet or phone, wear your loosest clothes, and make sure no one else is relying on the only toilet in the house.
Bathroom Set-Up Checklist:
- Barrier cream or zinc to prevent the burn (you’ll thank me later)
- Soft toilet paper or wipes
- Big bottle of water to stay hydrated
- A towel under your feet if you feel cold
- Portable charger + something distracting to watch
I don’t power through the prep drink, I sip it at the pace I’ve been told, take breaks, and remind myself that this is literally flushing out the problem. The worse it feels now, the clearer that colon is going to be.
The Day After: Post-Scope Recovery
If you're anything like me, the post-scope period is weird. You've had a build-up, a rough 24 hours, a sedation nap... and now what?
Here’s what I usually expect:
- Tiredness and bloating (normal)
- Relief — that it's over
- Curiosity — about what they found
- Hunger — but don’t go from 0 to burger in 10 minutes. Start slow.
Mentally? I rest. I don't make many plans. I remind myself I just did something really hard and that I don’t need to bounce back instantly.
Final Thought
Colonoscopy prep is never fun. But it’s not forever. And the more prepared you are, the less overwhelming it feels.
If you’re in the thick of it, or gearing up for it, I see you. You’re not alone, and you’re not dramatic for hating this part. It’s sh*tty (literally), but it’s also a tool that could help you get your life back.
Take it one sip, one toilet run, and one show episode at a time.
You’ve got this.
Reminder: This blog is not medical advice. It’s based on my lived experience with IBD and way too many colonoscopies. Always follow the prep instructions given by your doctor or specialist. If something doesn’t feel right — call your medical team. They know your body best.
