starting my prep today at 5

Tennie - good luck! Let us know how your test goes......yes it is best to just down the stuff. I chase it with another drink (usually grape coolaid), followed by a thorough dental brushing and finally, chewing a stick a gum (just don't accidentally swallow it!).

I find that eating light after a colonoscopy works best for me. In recovery they'll offer you a drink. Water or soda. Just sip it. Don't drink an entire glass as I did once (you are very thirsty!). It all came back up and I was a mess. Cleaned myself up as best I could but I had to ride home like that! Now I sip a little water and when I'm alert enough, I get dressed (I wear sweats and easy to put on clothing, slip on shoes too). I also pack a chilled water bottle and a small baggies of Club Crackers for the ride home. I sip the water and eat 2 or 3 crackers. A little at a time. The facility I have my tests done at is 30 minutes from home. I usually bring a tall glass of soda or water up to a table by our bed. A bowl of more Club Crackers and/or pretzels. I sleep for a while, wake up, drink and eat some more, then drift off to sleep again. A few hours later I am ready for a light lunch (half turkey sandwich, soup, etc.). By dinner I am back to eating normal amounts.

This is just the way I have to ease back into eating and drinking again. Perhaps you'll be different. I have heard of people going out to eat after a colonoscopy. I am usually too out of it to consider ordering in a restaurant! But as long as you have a driver and do not consume alcoholic beverages, you can eat out. I was told to "go for it" but my body has never cooperated for all that food!

I also feel nauseous before the test begins and my doctor gives me a light dose of Phenerghan. It takes the nausea away and also makes me more sleepy (which is kinda nice!). So ask for meds if you're uncomfortable for any reason.

What prep are you drinking? If it is the Fleets phospho soda, apple juice is great. Nothing else seems to handle the salty taste for me.