Preparation Questions

Why can’t I eat or drink anything several hours before my colonoscopy?

Our first concern is your health and safety. You will be given sedatives to help you relax during your colonoscopy, and these medications affect your body’s ability to hold food and liquid in your stomach. If you eat or drink several hours before (actual time varies by doctor) your colonoscopy, there is a risk that food or liquid will travel up into your esophagus, where you could breathe it into your lungs. Your procedure will be re-scheduled, if you do not follow the instructions provided by your doctor.

Do I have to drink all the solution to cleanse my colon?

Please follow all instructions and make every effort to drink all of the solution. The height and weight of a patient does not determine the amount of solution needed to purge your colon. Remember, we are trying to clean out your entire digestive tract. If your colon is not clean, the physician cannot do a thorough exam. You may have to reschedule your test for another day.

What if I start vomiting while drinking the solution?

If you develop symptoms of nausea or vomiting, stop the prep for a few minutes, then resume the process. Go slower and drink one 8 oz. glass every 30 minutes instead of 15 minutes. If you were not able to complete the prep, please call the Your Patient Advisor at (800) 349 0285

Medication Questions

What about the medications I regularly take?

You need to tell your doctor about all medical conditions and any drugs, vitamins or nutritional supplements that you take regularly. If you are taking prescription blood thinners (Coumadin, Warfarin, Pradaxa, Plavix), please talk to your prescribing doctor at least 7 days before your procedure. Please continue all medications unless otherwise instructed by the doctor.

What medical conditions may affect my procedure?

If you have a history of constipation, cirrhosis, stroke, dementia, heart disease or kidney disease, please make sure and inform your Gastroenterologist before your procedure.

What medications should I stop taking during the prep process and why?

All medications that need to be discontinued will be outlined on your directions. If you have questions about a specific medication, call your prescribing doctor for further directions.

Patients with Constipation

How do I prepare for a Colonoscopy if I am constipated?

If you are constipated, you may need to be on a liquid diet 2 days before your procedure. In addition, you may need to take additional laxatives to prepare for your colonoscopy. Please make sure your Gastroenterologist knows that you are constipated, before the procedure.

Your Patient Advisor Service

Who is Your Patient Advisor and and what are the benefits of the program?

Our goal at the Your Patient Advisor is to ensure that you have a successful procedure. Approximately 25-30% of patients are not clean for a colonoscopy, which means you have to either reschedule your procedure or schedule another procedure sooner than the recommended guidelines. The Your Patient Advisor provides:<br><br>1. Preparation program that is customized just for you, to ensure that your bowel is cleaned out effectively and less invasively for a successful colonoscopy.<br>2. The most tolerated preparation program that is half the volume (1/2 Gallon), when compared to some prescription medications.<br>3. Easy-to-understand directions that contain photos that make the preparation process uncomplicated.<br>4. Beneficial reminders and helpful tips regarding your appointment including medication reminders, appointment reminders and dietary information.<br>5. Educational videos to help you feel more informed about the procedure.<br>6. Get your questions answered by calling (800) 349 0285.<br><br>Your colonoscopy program contains everything you need and it is send directly to your home!

Are the products included in the prep gluten free?

Yes, all products are gluten free.

Why doesn't Medicaid, Medicare or other insurance company pay for the prep medication?

The products provided in the preparation package are over-the-counter medications, meaning they do not require being purchased with a prescription from a pharmacy. Most insurance companies only reimburse prescription medications.

Procedure Questions

How long will my procedure take?

The actual procedure takes approximately 30 minutes. Registration, pre-operative and post-operative care will keep you in the facility for approximately 2 hours. Please watch a video from American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy for an overview of what you can expect during a colonoscopy procedure.

What can I expect during the colon exam?

Sedation will be given before and during your procedure to help you relax and make you sleepy. You will lie on your left side as a flexible tube is inserted into your anus and slowly advanced into the rectum and colon. The procedure will cause you little to no discomfort. Please watch a video from American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy for an overview of what you can expect during a colonoscopy procedure.

Is a colonoscopy painful? Will I be sedated?

No, a colonoscopy is usually not painful! Almost all colonoscopies can be performed using “intravenous sedation” or “twilight sedation” in which you are very drowsy, but comfortable and still breathing on your own. The most common type of sedation also has a mild amnesic effect, so most patients do not even remember the procedure.

Diabetic Patients

Should I continue to take my diabetic medications the day before my procedure?

<div data-wrapper=true style="font-size:9pt;font-family:'Segoe UI','Helvetica Neue',sans-serif;"><p>Since you are on a liquid diet, you may need to adjust your medication the day before your procedure. Please refer to your instructions for details. In addition, please check your blood sugar regularly during your preparation. Remember, you may not be able to receive anesthesia for your procedure, if your blood sugar is too high.</p></div>

I am diabetic and my blood sugar will go too low if I do not eat any solid foods, what should I do?

Please drink liquids with sugar the day before your procedure and do not stick to sugar-free drinks. You must consume 150-200 calories of carbs when you are on a liquid diet to maintain your blood sugar. Please refer to the liquid diet recommendations provided by American Diabetic Association for details. Please do not eat any solid foods during your preparation, your procedure my need to be re-scheduled otherwise.

Colonoscopy and Women

Can women who breast feed take the prep medication?

The prep medicine does not typically affect the breast milk or breast feeding; however you may want to contact a local lactation nurse for more information on how to manage breastfeeding before, during and after the colonoscopy procedure.