Category: Colonoscopies

The topic of fainting during colonoscopy prep is one you’ll see across the internet when researching what to expect during the prep process—but is it normal and, more importantly, how can you avoid it? Today, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about this common concern. Read on for the expertise and insight you need for a calm, confident prep process.

Is fainting during colonoscopy prep common?

While colonoscopy prep can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded, fainting during colonoscopy prep is rare and not something you should expect.

Why might colonoscopy prep make you dizzy?

The goal of colonoscopy prep is to empty your bowels completely so your doctor can clearly see inside the colon. In the 24 hours leading up to your procedure, you’ll be in the fasting window and asked to consume only clear liquids along with your oral laxative solution. As you begin taking your oral laxative, you’ll experience the frequent urge to empty your bowels—this can lead to dehydration and/or drops in blood sugar that may cause you to feel nauseous, dizzy, lightheaded, and/or thirsty.

What should I do if I feel like fainting during colonoscopy prep? 

If you’re feeling lightheaded to the point of possibly fainting during colonoscopy prep, this is likely a sign of low blood sugar or dehydration. Without being able to eat solid food—you’ll want to consume  clear liquids and/or a colorless carbonated beverage to settle your stomach. Avoid anything with red, blue or purple dyes.

How can I set myself up for success and avoid fainting during colonoscopy prep?

It all comes down to proper nutrition and hydration—as low blood-sugar levels and dehydration are the two main components behind side effects like dizziness, nausea, lightheadedness, and/or the rare instance of fainting during colonoscopy prep. Combating these side effects is exactly why we created CF(Colonoscopy Kit)®. We developed our medical-grade CF(Rehydrate)® electrolyte drink and bundled it with the #1-recommended gentle laxative to create a colonoscopy kit that helps ease the discomfort that’s often synonymous with the prep process. The end-result is enhanced hydration, boosted electrolytes, reduced discomfort, and a faster post-op recovery.

Patients also love to use the electrolyte drink that comes in our colonoscopy kit as a “chaser” to mask the taste of their prep powder. Our electrolyte drink is particularly delicious when chilled—so be sure to order your colonoscopy kit in advance and place your bottles in the fridge to chill at least one day before you embark on the prep process.

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Overall, fainting during colonoscopy prep is rare—and grueling side effects are easier to avoid if you remain aware of staying properly hydrated and nourished with colorless liquid nourishment that complies with your doctor’s orders.

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Browse the rest of the CF Nutrition blog for empowering health, wellness, and lifestyle tips. And don’t forget to fuel yourself and your family this flu season with the clean, clinical replenishment and immune support of CF(Rehydrate)® Immunity +.

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While the U.S. sees right around 19 million colonoscopies every year, getting through colonoscopy prep is still no easy feat. From foul-tasting prep powders to the uncomfortable reality of clearing your bowels, it’s safe to say colonoscopy prep isn’t exactly an experience to look forward to or write home about. But with a clear understanding of what to expect—and some expert tips on how to best prepare—the dreaded prep process can become a bit more comfortable. 

Today, we’re offering up all you need to know about what to expect during colonoscopy prep. Read on for the information, empowerment, and encouragement you need to get that all-important procedure performed.

How important is getting through colonoscopy prep?

While there are times we can get away with secretly skirting our doctor’s orders—colonoscopy prep isn’t one of them. If you neglect to get through prep properly (the end-goal of which is completely emptying your bowels so your doctor can clearly see inside the colon), your physician will absolutely know and—more importantly—won’t be able to perform the procedure.

When you take into the account the fact colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death—and that a staggering 60 percent of colorectal cancer deaths could have been prevented with screening—it’s clear to see why getting through prep is imperative. It’s the first—and most necessary step—for getting vital, possibly life-saving information about your colorectal health.

What should I expect during colonoscopy prep?

One week before your colonoscopy…

You’ll want to begin cutting down on heavy, high-fiber foods and opting for smaller, more digestible meals in the days leading up to your procedure. While it’s tempting to get in as many filling foods as you can before hitting the fasting period, high-fiber foods only make the dreaded colonoscopy prep process that much more uncomfortable. Plus, fibrous foods can leave behind residue in your colon that can make it difficult for your doctor to see polyps (the entire point of a colonoscopy). Foods to avoid include:

• Nuts
• Seeds
• Legumes
• Raw fruits and vegetables
• Brown rice, oatmeal, wheat bread, and whole grains

2 days before your colonoscopy…

Aside from continuing to avoid high-fiber foods, the most important thing you can do at this point in the process is to hydrate (and then hydrate some more…and some more). The 24-hour colonoscopy prep period before your procedure can be grueling on your body—and can lead to serious dehydration. In addition to drinking plenty of water, PreOp drinks and natural electrolyte drinks will give your body the clean, clinical-grade hydration, vitamins, and minerals it needs to head into the 24-hour prep period strong, nourished, and hydrated (without the colored dyes, harmful synthetics, and added sugars you’ll find in sports drinks and non-medical-grade hydration beverages).

24 hours prior to your procedure…

This is where the real work begins, as you’re officially in the fasting window and on a clear liquid diet. Here’s what you can expect…

• The Goal: The entire point of this period is to completely clear your bowels so your doctor can see inside the colon.

• The Bowel Prep Liquid or Powder: In addition to clear liquids (think: anything you can see through—water, electrolyte drinks, apple juice, presurgery drinks, apple juice, etc.), you’ll need an oral solution (in the form of a liquid or a powder that you mix with another liquid) designed to help you empty your bowels. Your doctor may have you take the entire oral solution the night before your colonoscopy—or she may have you split the solution into two portions and drink one the night prior and finish the second portion the morning-of.

• What Happens: As you begin taking your prep powder or liquid, you’ll experience the frequent urge to empty your bowels. This will happen until your movements become more liquid-like and eventually turn clear or yellow (a sign your colon is clear). The bowel prep may also cause you to experience:

• Nausea
• Bloating
• Thirst
• Dizziness

Is there any way to make colonoscopy prep easier?

Brilliant question! And the answer is YES. Like you, our team of nutritionists and beverage scientists knew there had to be a better way, so we developed CF(Rehydrate)®—a medical-grade, clear-and-colorless, great-tasting natural electrolyte drink—and bundled it with the #1 recommended gentle laxative to create our fan-favorite CF (Colonoscopy Kit)®.

The end-result is enhanced hydration, boosted electrolytes, reduced discomfort, and a faster, easier post-op recovery. In addition to getting medical-grade hydration from CF(Rehydrate)®, the electrolyte drink that comes in their colonoscopy preparation kit, patients also love to use it as a “chaser” and mask the taste of their prep powder. PRO TIP: CF(Rehydrate)® is delicious when chilled, so be sure to place your bottles in the fridge a few days before your colonoscopy prep.

What if my doctor already prescribed me a bowel prep liquid?

If you already have a prep liquid or powder, you don’t need our entire colonoscopy preparation kit. Instead, you can just opt for CF(Rehydrate) (our electrolyte drink with added immune-boosting ingredients) to use as part of your clear liquid diet (and, again, to mask that terrible-tasting prep liquid).

Here’s what people are saying about the difference CF (Colonoscopy Kit)® made in their colonoscopy prep process…

“At 70+ years old with significant diverticulitis, I have had many dreaded colonoscopy preps. My last experience was totally different thanks to just 3 bottles of ClearFast” – B. T.

“I felt great and will always repeat this routine in the future! For my last colonoscopy, I was stuck 7 times for my IV as I was so dehydrated. This last experience was a ‘1 stick miracle’! I have highly recommended ClearFast to any eligible patient.” – A. S.

“Having to go through my first colonoscopy, my worst fear was not only having to drink the solution, but doing so on an empty stomach with the possibility of being nauseous! Sipping on ClearFast after each glass made it bearable, as it tastes good! And, it was comforting to know that it was full of nutrients.” – P

“I used ClearFast during last year’s colonoscopy prep, and after the procedure, I bounced right back and felt normal in record time. Good stuff!” – Amazon customer

“Used ClearFast the day prior to colonoscopy prep. Did not experience the jitters from fasting. Great taste also.” – Amazon customer 

“Will buy again. Now I actually don’t dread my next colonoscopy”

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Overall, while colonoscopy prep is absolutely necessary—feeling miserable isn’t. With a clear idea of what to expect—and the power of a colonoscopy prep drink that offers proven, clean, clinical hydration on your side—you can get through the prep period (and get those all-important results) as painlessly as possible.

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Ready for more goodness? Browse the rest of the CF Nutrition blog for empowering health, wellness, and lifestyle tips. And don’t forget to give your body the best chance at recovery with the clean, clinical replenishment of CF(Rehyrdate)® and the natural complex carbs you’ll find in CF(Preop)®.

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The Power of Proper Pre-Op Hydration & Nutrition for a Better Colonoscopy Experience

Colonoscopy prep can be daunting to say the least—but it doesn’t always have to be. Today, we’re getting to the bottom of easier, less-stressful colonoscopies. In this post, we’ll cover:

• Why the “no food or drink after midnight” rule is being replaced with instructions to safely nourish and hydrate before your colonoscopy
• Using ClearFast as part of your colonoscopy prep to:
  • Reduce dehydration before your colonoscopy
  • Increase your chances of an easier IV “stick”
  • Reduce Post-Op Nausea and Vomiting
  • Reduce anxiety and stress before going in for your colonoscopy
• How to use ClearFast before your colonoscopy

Now, let’s dig in…

With approximately 15 million colonoscopies performed in the U.S. each year, this routine procedure can often induce anxiety and cause confusion for many—especially as it relates to how to comfortably prepare for the exam and ensure a speedy return to your normal activities.

While colonoscopies certainly aren’t a walk in the park, taking the proper colonoscopy prep steps can make a world of difference in everything from pre-op stress levels to post-op recovery time and comfort. Today, then, we’re breaking down the proactive steps you can take to best prepare your body for a colonoscopy, ensuring this often-dreaded procedure is as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

Safely Hydrating and Nourishing as Part of your Colonoscopy Prep Procedure
From painful IV sticks to post-op nausea and vomiting, heading into your colonoscopy dehydrated and starved can cause a number of unpleasant side effects. While old-school thought tells us to follow the “no food or drink after midnight” rule, modern medical research and a slew of clinical studies are causing medical professionals to rethink this antiquated advice regarding fasting before surgery. We want our bodies to be as strong and healthy as possible when heading into any medical procedure, which is why safely hydrating and nourishing with the right preop drink is a key when it comes to minimizing pre-op and post-op discomfort.

The Benefits of Using ClearFast Preop Drink as Part of your Colonoscopy Prep Procedure
As an all-natural preoperative carbohydrate drink, ClearFast is rich in complex carbs, zinc, electrolytes, vitamin A, L-Citrulline and selenium—all of which play an important role in proper colonoscopy prep and enhanced recovery after surgery. The benefits of this powerful combination ensure your body is in the best state possible for anesthesia, making for:

• Reduced Dehydration from the Colon prep liquid
  Taking the prep liquid your doctor prescribes in order to completely flush out your bowel can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Dehydration is something you want to avoid in general, but certainly before anesthesia.

• Reduced Post-Op Nausea and Vomiting
  Preoperative fasting is largely responsible for the nausea and vomiting many patients experience after undergoing anesthesia. Time and time again, ClearFast customers who, in the past experienced nausea and vomiting upon waking from surgery, report that drinking ClearFast eliminated this problem for them.

• Easier IV “Sticks”
  Dehydration leads to reduced blood flow, which can often mean multiple, painful IV sticks. Many ClearFast customers report easier, pain-free and one-time-only needle sticks as a result of working our preop drink into their colonoscopy prep routine.

• Reduced Anxiety and Emotional Stress
  Heading into surgery is never fun—especially when you’re tired, starved and thirsty. Rich in complex carbs and free of simple sugars and colored dyes, ClearFast works to reduce the stress and anxiety that often accompany “going under.” In fact, in a large controlled study, patients in the pre-op area who drank ClearFast were 5.5-6.5 times more likely to describe themselves as “comfortable” than their cohorts who underwent traditional fasting from midnight.

How to Use ClearFast as Part of Your Colonoscopy Prep Procedure

Using ClearFast as part of your colonoscopy prep is safe, simple and—added bonus!—helps to makes that terrible colonoscopy prep liquid go down much smoother. The recommended protocol is four bottles of ClearFast chilled overnight, then consumed in the following manner:

1. First Bottle: Sip simultaneously with your colonoscopy prep liquid. “Chase” each sip of prep liquid with a sip of chilled ClearFast.
2. Second Bottle: Drink the night before the procedure (while in the fasting window)
3. Third Bottle: Finished two hours prior to the procedure
4. Fourth Bottle: Drink chilled, following the procedure

Ready to take proactive steps to help reduce the stress and discomfort that so often accompany colonoscopies? Order your ClearFast Preop Beverage here, or reach out to the ClearFast team at support@drinkcf.com if you have any questions at all. Our goal, as always, is to help patients everywhere enter into and awake from surgery in the best, most comfortable physical and emotional state possible—and we can’t wait to answer any questions you may have.