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Getting Ready for Your Colonoscopy

Description of imageONE WEEK BEFORE YOUR PROCEDURE

STOP taking these medications and supplements:

  • Blood thinners such as Plavix, warfarin
  • Herbal medications
  • Iron Supplements
  • Multivitamins
  • Fiber (Metamucil, Fibercon)
  • Vitamin E

You may continue to take:

  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
  • Aspirin (up to 81mg)

PICK UP YOUR GI PREP MEDICATION FROM THE PHARMACY.

You will be asked to follow special instructions if you have any of the following conditions:

  • Diabetes
  • Implanted cardio defibrillator (AICD)
  • Pacemaker
  • Kidney disease
  • Liver Bx, ECRP or Hep

Description of imageTHREE DAYS BEFORE YOUR PROCEDURE

You MUST begin following a low fiber diet.
This step helps empty your colon so your procedure can be successful and does not need to be repeated or re-scheduled.

AVOID these foods:

  • raw vegetables, fruit seeds and skin, seeds and nuts, beans, corn, whole wheat bread, whole what pasta, bran, bulking agents

EAT foods like these:

  • Grains - white bread, pasta, white rice, crackers, cooked cereals, waffles, pancakes, potatoes (without skin)
  • Meat - fish, eggs, chicken
  • Dairy - milk, cheese, plain yogurt
  • Vegetables - cooked carrots, cooked spinach, veggies without skin, husk or seeds
  • Fruits - bananas, canned fruit, fruit without skin or seeds

You will be asked to follow special instructions if you have any of the following conditions:

  • Diabetes
  • Implanted cardio defibrillator (AICD)
  • Pacemaker
  • Advanced kidney disease
  • Advanced liver disease

Description of imageONE DAY BEFORE YOUR PROCEDURE

When you wake up, you will begin a clear liquid diet.
Clear liquids are those that you can see through. Avoid all solid foods, all red and purple juices, alcohol and dairy.

Drink at least 8 glasses of clear liquid today.
Examples of clear liquids are water, plain tea and coffee, carbonated beverages, apple or white grape juice, clear broth, popsicles and gelatin.

Diabetic and renal (kidney) patients need to follow their doctor’s dietary instructions.

At 6 p.m., follow these steps:
Step 1Prepare the medicine
Step 2Drink half of the medicine
Step 3Find the time of your procedure the next day (this determines WHEN you need to drink the rest of the medicine)
Step 4Drink the rest of the medicine

Description of imageTHE DAY OF YOUR PROCEDURE

If your procedure is AFTER 9 a.m.:
Drink the rest of your prep medicine. All drinking must be finished at least 3 hours before your scheduled arrival time.

If your procedure is BEFORE 9 am:
Do not eat or drink anything. This includes mints, gum, tobacco products or pills.

Diabetic patients: do not take your morning dose of insulin or anti-diabetic pills. Refer to your doctor’s instructions about what medications to take.

If you take medication for blood pressure or a heart condition, take your normal dose with a sip of water.

Checklist

icon of intestines
  • Photo identification (license or other form of ID).
  • A friend or relative over 18 years old to drive you home
  • Insurance cards
  • Funds for deductible or copayments (credit card, checkbook, etc.)
  • A list of all medications and dosages, and allergies to medications
  • A list of conditions that may make you sensitive to sedation (such as sleep apnea)

Depending on your medical conditions, you may need to bring a letter or instructions from your doctor.

 

Tips

These tips will help you on the day before your colonoscopy.

  1. Keep your GI prep medicine in the refrigerator. If it is cold, it won’t taste as strong.
  2. If you don’t like the taste, try drinking the medicine through a straw, or licking a lemon or lime wedge before taking a sip.
  3. Stock your bathroom with entertainment (books, handheld games, etc.) to make the experience more comfortable.
  4. Use soft wipes (unscented and perfume-free), and dab dry rather than wipe dry.
  5. Consider using petroleum jelly (clear) around the anus after bowel movements to minimize irritation.

If you have questions, remember that we’re here to help you.
Please call 305-243-8644 and select option four (4), then option three (3).