4. Bathroom prep for bowel prep
Once the colonoscopy prep laxative starts working, you will spend a lot of time in the bathroom. But don’t fret. We have a couple of tips for you to get you through the whole process.
First of all, you’ll need soft and strong toilet paper. Double-ply, soft toilet paper will be essential as you prepare for your colonoscopy. (And an important must-have if you don’t use moist wipes.)
There are several brands that make “gentle” toilet paper with aloe vera that can alleviate burning and itching—something that’s common when you are making frequent trips to the bathroom.
Wet wipes are also very helpful in this „situation”. Preparation H wipes and DUDE wipes are two favorites among patients, but several brands produce non-medicated and medicated moist wipes. Some patients say oils and creams can also help either prevent or soothe irritation. Some favorites include Vaseline, Boudreaux’s Butt Paste, and coconut oil. You can find the original version of Vaseline on Amazon!
Make sure your skin is completely dry before applying oils. This is an important step, as ointments and creams applied to wet skin can trap the moisture inside, potentially making the irritation worse. If your irritation lingers, doctors recommend wiping the area with a cool, wet washcloth or taking a bath.
Another great piece of advice some patients shared with us is to get a good book to read and charge your phone, as you’ll be in the bathroom a lot. In fact, whether you plan to be on your tablet, phone, or laptop, find your chargers before the laxative effect starts working. Elastic-waisted pants will also be a lifesaver once the laxative kicks in—you won’t have time to mess with buttons!
