Smoothy Slim
Photo by Max Vakhtbovych Pexels Logo Photo: Max Vakhtbovych

How do you know your colon is clean?

Signs Your Colon is Clear The morning of your exam if you are still passing brown liquid with solid material mixed in, your colon may not be ready and you should contact your doctor's office. Passing mostly clear or only a light color, including yellow, is a sign your colon is clean enough for an accurate examination.

What is the healthiest thing to eat first thing in the morning?
What is the healthiest thing to eat first thing in the morning?

The 12 Best Foods to Eat in the Morning Eggs. Eggs make a simple, nutritious breakfast choice. ... Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt is a great option if...

Read More »
What food calms your heart?
What food calms your heart?

Potassium can help regulate your heart rate and can reduce the effect that sodium has on your blood pressure. Foods like bananas, melons, oranges,...

Read More »
Strange purple cocktail removes 2.7lbs every 4 days
Strange purple cocktail removes 2.7lbs every 4 days

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »

One of the most common questions we get at CRS is “how do I know if my bowel prep is working?

When prepping for a colonoscopy your doctor has probably talked to you about how important the bowel prep process is for accurate results. Residue left behind can make it harder for the doctor to view your colon during the exam – meaning a polyp or other issue might not be seen as clearly or even missed. And no one wants to get to a colonoscopy appointment and be told their prep didn’t fully empty the colon and they’ll have to do it again.

So how do you know if your bowel prep isn’t working?

Everyone Colon Is Different

When To Call Our Office

If it has been more than 4 hours since you started bowel prep and you aren’t feeling the effects

If you experience persistent nausea or vomiting during preparation

Many people start their prep and expect something to happen within minutes– but everyone is different and for some people, prep just takes longer to begin and complete. For the average patient prep takes about 6-8 hours to complete, and often women can take longer than men. Women often have longer colons due to childbirth or hysterectomies, so it can take more time for material to travel through the colon. Generally, if you’ve started prep but haven’t felt the urge to go to the bathroom after an hour, there is no cause for concern or a call to the doctor’s office. However, if it has been more than 4 hours since you started the bowel prep process and you aren’t feeling the effects please contact our office for instructions. Or if you experience persistent nausea or vomiting during preparation you should call and let us know.

Health Issues or Medications May Also Impact Prep

Not following the instructions, or drinking clear liquids as prescribed can slow or negatively impact bowel prep. And patients with diabetes, neurologic conditions or those who take certain medications or suffer from chronic constipation may take up to twice as long to complete the process. This is just one of the many reasons the physicians at CRS may meet with patients beforehand to review your health history and identify and factors that might impact the type of prep given. It is important to bring a list of every medication you are taking, as there are several different colon preparations and your CRS doctor will determine the best prep based on your specific situation. If necessary your CRS doctor may consult with your primary care, or GI doctor, to discuss stopping or altering dosage, or certain medications prior to your exam.

Signs Your Colon is Clear

The morning of your exam if you are still passing brown liquid with solid material mixed in, your colon may not be ready and you should contact your doctor’s office. Passing mostly clear or only a light color, including yellow, is a sign your colon is clean enough for an accurate examination.

Talk to a Colon Doctor in Richmond, VA

Established in 1913, CRS is one of the oldest continually operating groups of colon and rectal surgeons in the country and the largest state-of-the-art practice on the East Coast with three locations around Richmond, VA. The physicians and staff of Colon & Rectal Specialists are committed to providing all our patients with the special care and education needed for the treatment of colon and rectal problems. Contact us for more information or an appointment at one of our three Richmond area locations.

Can ginger lemon and cucumber reduce weight?
Can ginger lemon and cucumber reduce weight?

This cucumber lemon ginger water is excellent for quenching your thirst in a healthier way, plus it promotes hydration, supports weight loss, aids...

Read More »
Are laser results permanent?
Are laser results permanent?

Laser Hair Removal results are expected to last a lifetime as some individuals notice a drastic change in hair regrowth that does not require...

Read More »
Purple weed obliterates 72lbs of flab
Purple weed obliterates 72lbs of flab

The main ingredient for a potent powdered supplement, based on the diets of among the healthiest, longest-living hamlet in the world.

Learn More »

Why is my mans sperm so thick?
Why is my mans sperm so thick?

Thick semen usually results from a higher than normal concentration of sperm in a typical volume of semen, or from having a high number of sperm...

Read More »
Can you feel sick on a juice cleanse?
Can you feel sick on a juice cleanse?

You might feel 'fluey' By day two your body will be going through a deep detox and removing all the built-up toxins from within your body. This...

Read More »
Strange purple cocktail removes 2.7lbs every 4 days
Strange purple cocktail removes 2.7lbs every 4 days

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »
What vitamin is good for cell repair?
What vitamin is good for cell repair?

Antioxidants — such as vitamins C and E and carotenoids, which include beta-carotene, lycopene and lutein — help protect healthy cells from damage...

Read More »
Common yard weed melts 60lbs of fat?
Common yard weed melts 60lbs of fat?

Made into a potent powdered supplement blended right into water or your favorite beverage to be appreciated as a scrumptious morning smoothy.

Learn More »
What is the healthiest drink and why?
What is the healthiest drink and why?

Best Choice: Water Water is essential for your body. It prevents dehydration, constipation, and kidney stones. Plus, with no calories, it's the...

Read More »