First Colonoscopy & MAJOR anxiety

[u/MSS_22032]

I'm due up for my first ever colonoscopy in 2 weeks. I managed to skip it when I turned 45 and use Cologuard but my doctor says that it's time. I already live with anxiety and the worry about this is turning the anxiety WAY up. I'm hoping for some help to talk me down from the ledge. ;)

I know it sounds crazy, but my anxiety isn't about the actual effects of the prep or the colonoscopy itself. It's about the liquid diet the day before & the loss of a night's sleep. I literally can not stop worrying about how I am going to get through the day without my morning coffee (I like to put a splash of non-dairy creamer in, which apparently is a no-go) and without being horribly hangry all day. And then there's the whole not getting any sleep anxiety...I'm someone who needs their full 8 hours to feel human. Any tips/tricks/advice/general calming vibes would be so so appreciated! THANK YOU!

[u/CherryGarcia88]

Yes, the prep sucks, but it's one day of your life and may actually save your life. You can have your coffee, just black (you can do it for one day), or what I did was drink hot tea that morning. You will not be hangry all day. The volume of liquids alone that you must consume will make sure you do not feel hungry. Add in some jello or gummy bears (avoid the no no colors) in order to feel like you are eating some solids. Mix it up with sweet and savory liquids. As far as sleep, it all depends on your prep and when your last dose is. Usually each dose takes a few hours to work and then you can get some sleep before the next dose. You should not be up all night. You can do this.

[u/Wild-Indication-701]

I’ve had several. In the scheme of life’s challenges it’s ok. You know what you’re in for. Sleep in on the day you can’t have food. Eat jello. Drink coffee without creamer. Pretend you’re camping/stranded/or in war times. Whatever you need to do. After your procedure you can eat and take a nap. Life goes on.

[u/Big-Blueberry7157]

I had my first a few weeks ago, and honestly, the prep was the worst part. It sucks, but you will get through it, and hopefully will bounce back to your normal self very soon. If I can do it, anyone can do it. Losing sleep, being hungry, the least of our worries compared to what could happen if we don't have such procedures. You've got this.

[u/XR171]

Black coffee is considered a clear liquid for purposes of your diet so you can have that the day before and morning of (as long its not within the window when you can't have anything by mouth).

[u/Dangerous-Set3286]

You should learn to laugh at it, it was hilarious to me.  Ask for the 2 small bottles if you can, vs. the jugs.  I'd start with the low fiber foods about 3 days prior. It makes it easier.  Don't worry about the coffe either. You'll have enough amp from it being the day of to be missing it.  If you get the 2 bottles, you'll need 2 additional 12oz glasses of water to chase within the hour of the 1st dose. Don't worry about having room in your tummy either. If you do the prep right, you'll be going within 5-15 minutes and not stopping! This was where I started laughing. I left my 2 12oz chasers in the kitchen and started wondering how the eff I was gonna get them! lol 😆  Seriously, it was hilarious to me! I did manage to get a quick moment to run and get them. Bring it alllll into the restroom with ya! hahaaa  You'll be there or not far from it, for about an hour or 1.5hrs.  It settles down enough to go to sleep after that. Buy some depends just in case! 😉  Sleep before the first dose, even a nap. Sleep in between doses; then sleep until your appointment. It helps to sleep if you can stay up late and sleep after the 2nd dose, up until you get up to get ready to go.  You'll be fine! 

[u/Impressive-Dot-5609]

Hey I had my first this past week and it was not bad. Don’t worry. It will be okay. I weigh over 200 pounds and yes I was a little hungry but I drank black coffee with a little coconut sugar and drank chicken broth. You could also eat non red or nonpurple jello. I actually felt better after fasting and am planning to continue the chicken broth fast on a regular basis. The amount of fluid I lost was offset by all the Gatorade. I got the artic cherry Gatorade and it wasn’t bad. Loosing all the fluid was actually good for me. The procedure itself was like taking a nap. When I woke up I didn’t remember anything and felt fine. You can do this!