Procedure Prep Questions
- Select Your Prescribed Prep and Procedure Time
*PLEASE NOTE: If you were prescribed a 2 day prep please call our office to request instructions.
- Key Prep Reminders
Your colonoscopy prep is very important. Without a good prep (with your bowel empty and clean), your gastroenterologist will not be able to see your colon clearly.
- A clean colon allows the doctor to see polyps and remove them before they could become cancer. If your prep is not done properly, you may have to reschedule your colonoscopy.
1
Purchase the following items from any pharmacy or grocery store if you’re completing our Miralax prep:
MiraLAX
Dulcolax
Gatorade
- NOT red or blue!
2
Three (3) days before your procedure, please review all your prep instructions and AVOID all seeds, nuts, corn & popcorn.
3
On the day before the procedure, be sure to have a clear liquid diet. Do not eat solid food.
Clear Liquid Diet Choices:
Soups
Bullion only (NO broths)
Desserts
Jell-O, Popsicles (NO red or blue)
Beverages
Coffee (Black or with sugar only. NO dairy or artificial creamers), tea, apple juice, white grape juice, Gatorade (NO red or blue)
Carbonation
Coke, Pepsi, 7-Up, Sprite, Ginger Ale
4
On the day of your procedure:
Driving
An adult driver (age 18 or older) must accompany you. Your driver must remain in the facility or your procedure may be rescheduled.
Jewelry
Please leave all jewelry at home.
- Frequent Prep Questions
Wait 15-30 minutes before continuing prep then start back slowly. You may also take a Benadryl to help control nausea.
Yes, you may have solid stool higher in the colon that needs to be eliminated.
Yes, you must take the prep as directed by your doctor. Your colon is approximately 6 feet long. The entire colon must be emptied for your physician to see the colon clearly.
Medication for blood pressure, thyroid, heart conditions, and seizure should be taken the morning of your procedure regardless of color.
Yes, the procedure can still be performed. We ask that you use a tampon if possible (not absolutely necessary).
Dizziness and headache could be signs of low blood sugar or lack of caffeine. Drinking a regular caffeinated beverage (not diet) or apple juice may alleviate these symptoms.
Gatorade, which comes in many flavors, is an excellent choice as it contains electrolytes such as potassium. Avoid RED/BLUE liquids. We also recommend beef and chicken bouillon (made from cubes not broth).
You can try sucking on hard candy (except red or blue), but no candy four hours prior to your procedure. You can rinse your mouth with water or a mouthwash. Do not eat or drink anything other than approved liquids while you are drinking the solution.
To clean the area, avoid rubbing. Gently pat with a wet washcloth. Apply Vaseline, Preparation H, or Desitin liberally.
The color can persist in the colon and make an accurate diagnosis more difficult.
We strongly suggest you do not drink any alcoholic beverages prior to your procedure since they can cause dehydration and some wines may thin your blood.
Yes, but nothing with soft centers or red color. No gum or candy 4 hours prior to procedure.
If your last bowel movements were clear enough that you were able to see the bottom of the toilet you should be fine. It is ok if you have some flecks of material. The yellow color is a result of bile that normally colors the feces. This shouldn’t interfere with the examination.
Take a tap water enema until you run clear. If this does not work, call the office.
Yes, you may wear you dentures to the Endoscopy suite. However, you may be asked to remove them prior to the procedure.
Yes, however, you may substitute with Gatorade G2 or PowerAde Zero.
Loose, comfortable clothing is recommended. You can wear make up but we advise patients not to wear jewelry.
No prescription is needed for Miralax and Ducolax. Both are over the counter medications. You will need a prescription for Sutab.
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