Colonoscopy

 

 To ensure a successful exam, please follow all instructions carefully!

  • You MUST arrange a ride for the day of your exam. If you fail to arrange acceptable transportation, your procedure will need to be rescheduled.
  • If you have diabetes, ask your primary care physician or Endocrinologist for diet and medication instructions.
  • If you are or may be pregnant, please discuss the risks and benefits of this procedure with your doctor.
  • Please bring a list of all of your current medications, including any over-the-counter medications with you.
  • If you must cancel or reschedule your appointment, please call your doctor’s office as soon as possible.

 

Seven days before your procedure:

  • If you take aspirin or NSAIDS such as Advil, Motrin, Celebrex or Ibuprofen, you may continue to take them as usual unless otherwise instructed by your physician.
  • If you take a blood thinner like Plavix, Pradaxa, Clopidogrel, Coumadin, Warfarin, Effient, Prasugrel or Lovenox, you must discuss this with your doctor and prescribing physician.
  • If you are taking any form of iron (ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate), please stop this one week or seven days prior to your procedure.
  • If you are taking any form of fiber supplementation (Metamucil, Citrucel, Konsyl, Benefiber etc.), please stop this one week or seven days prior to your procedure.
  • Please minimize your intake of high fiber foods with seeds and grains until your procedure

 

One day before your procedure:

  • DO NOT EAT ANY SOLID FOOD THE DAY PRIOR TO YOUR PROCEDURE AND START A CLEAR LIQUID DIET.
  • Do not consume any red or purple liquids or alcohol.
  • Acceptable clear liquids include: water, tea, black coffee, Apple juice, Ginger ale, Sprite, 7UP, Gatorade, Powerade, Vitamin Water, Crystal Light
  • Do not eat or drink anything containing fruit or vegetable pulp/seeds, milk or cream, or anything that is NOT clear.
  • You MUST drink the bowel preparation as instructed by your physician.

 

On the day of your procedure:

  • Stop drinking clear liquids 6 hours prior to your exam.
  • You may take all your usual morning medications with 4 oz of water up to 4 hours prior to your procedure.
  • Bring a list of all your current medications, including any over-the counter medications, with you to the endoscopy center
  • You cannot work or drive the rest of the day after your procedure.