Do I have a choice of preparations for my colonoscopy?

Yes. We offer a variety of preparations including ½ solutions. The office staff will provide you with the prep that best suits your needs. You will need a prescription.

Do I have to be on a special diet after the procedure?

No. You may resume your regular diet unless the doctor states otherwise.

Can I drive myself home? Can I take a cab?

No. Because of the medication you may not drive after your procedure. You will need transportation home. You may not take a cab home by yourself. A friend or family member must make sure that you arrive home and into your house safely.

You will be OK to drive the next day.

What is the preparation for an upper endoscopy?

For an upper endoscopy or gastroscopy you should not have any solid foods from midnight the night before. Liquids may be taken up to four hours before your procedure.

Do I need to stop aspirin or blood thinners prior to my procedure?

If you take aspirin or blood thinners on a daily basis you must contact the office staff for instructions on whether these medications need to be held or continued. For people who take occasional aspirin products, these should be withheld for 5 days prior to the procedure. Tylenol may be used.

I have diabetes, should I take my insulin or pills?

If you take insulin or pills for your diabetes you will need to contact the office staff about regulating your medications prior to your procedure.

Can I take my daily medications the morning of my procedure?

Medications may be taken the morning of your procedure with a sip of water.

Why do I have to arrive ½ to 1 hour before my procedure?

You need to arrive at your scheduled time for your procedure. You may have paperwork to complete. A nurse will do a medical assessment, start an intravenous needle and connect you to a monitor to record your blood pressure and pulse. Your doctor will also meet with you before your procedure to answer any questions you may have.

How do I get the best results for my bowel prep?

To obtain the best results from your prep, follow the directions that are provided to you. If you have any questions about the prep call the Endoscopy Center and speak to a staff member.

Why can't I have red, blue, or purple gelatin, fruit juice, or popsicles as part of the prep diet?

Red, blue or purple food coloring in these products can show up in the bowel and appear the same color as blood. Foods containing natural red color are OK to take. Ex. Cranberry Juice

Is alcohol considered a clear liquid?

No. Acceptable clear liquids are water, apple, white grape or cranberry juice, black coffee or tea, popsicles, jello or broth.

How long does a procedure take?

A colonoscopy will take about 20 to 30 minutes. An upper endoscopy will take 5 to 10 minutes. If your doctor is taking biopsies or removing polyps, the procedure may last a few minutes longer.

Will I be asleep for my procedure?

You will receive medication through your intravenous needle. This is called conscious sedation. Most people will be asleep from the medication. Others will remain awake but will be very comfortable. There are other forms of sedation that may be available to you if needed.

If biopsies are taken, when will I find out the results?

Any tissue removed from your body is sent to a laboratory for analysis. Once your doctor receives the results you will receive a letter or a phone call with further instruction. This may take up to two weeks.

Will I remember what the doctor tells me after the procedure?

Because of the sedation that you received, you may have some short term memory loss. When the doctor speaks to you after the procedure he will also have, with your consent, a family member present with you in the conference room.