Colonoscopy Instructions: Frequently Asked Questions

What is a colonoscopy?

This common test checks the whole inner lining of the large intestine. This includes the colon and the rectum.

Why do I need one?

The most common reason is to check a problem in the colon. This could be cancer, inflammation, bleeding, and polyps.

What happens during a colonoscopy?

A colonoscope is a thin lighted tube. The doctor will insert it into the anus and through the colon. The doctor will check the lining of the colon and take tissue samples.

What must I do before the test?

Schedule a ride. You must have a responsible adult to drive you home. If you do not do this, we will have to reschedule your test. If you use public transportation, you must still bring a responsible adult.

Pick up your bowel prep. Buy your bowel prep several days before your test. Complete the prep instruction on the next page.

Arrange time off work. You will get sedation for this test. This will reduce your ability to react and to make important decisions. Plan to be off work the day of your test.

What if I do not complete the bowel prep?

This could lead to:

• Cancelling and rescheduling

• Repeating the bowel prep

• Taking the costs and risks of a second prep and procedure

• Missing another day of work

• Rescheduling a driver

• Delaying treatment

Do I keep taking my normal medicines?

If you take diabetes medicines: Ask your prescribing doctor how to adjust your medicine for this test. Tell the Endoscopy Center nurse as soon as you get here.

If you take blood thinners: Examples are warfarin (Coumadin) or clopidogrel (Plavix). Ask the prescribing doctor if you can stop taking these medicines for up to 8 days before the test. Do not stop taking blood thinners unless your prescribing doctor says it is OK.

If you take other medicines regularly: Talk with the referring doctor about adjusting them before the test.

What should I wear to the test?

Do not wear jewelry or bring valuables. Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothes that are easy to take off and store.

What do I need to bring with me?

• A list of all current medicines

• Insurance card(s) and driver's license or photo ID

• Copy of needed medical records from referring doctor or other facilities

• Information cards for implanted devices, such as pacemaker or ICD

What should I expect after the test?

• We will take you to a recovery room for observation.

• Your recovery process will depend on the type of sedation used.

• You may have gas and gas pains.

• Your doctor will give you more instructions before you go home.

GoLytely Bowel Prep Instructions

5 days before your test

• Buy the bowel prep from your pharmacy. Golytely is available by prescription only.

• Stop taking all herbals, vitamins and oral iron supplements until after the test.

• Stop taking bulk-forming laxatives (such as Metamucil, Citrucel or Perdiem) until after the exam.

3 days before your test

• Stop taking anti-inflammatory medicines (Motrin, Advil, Ibuprofen).

• You may continue taking Celebrex and Tylenol.

• Stop eating these foods:

The day before your test

Start a clear-liquid only diet. See list below for liquids you can have. This means:

• No solid foods.

• No alcohol.

• Drink at least 8 ounces of clear liquid every hour from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

At 5 p.m., mix the Golytely solution as directed on the package. Or you can mix it ahead of time and refrigerate. Drink 8 ounces every 15 minutes. Do this until you drink a total of 3 liters (about ¾ of the bottle). Refrigerate the remaining prep.

• You should keep drinking clear liquids until you go to bed.

• You may use a petroleum-based product on the rectal area if you have pain from frequent stools.

What are “clear liquids”?

• Water

• Gatorade sports drinks

• Chicken or beef bouillon/broth

• Pulp-free fruit juice (apple, white grape, white cranberry or lemonade)

• Tea or coffee (no milk or non-dairy creamer)

• Frozen ice pops or Italian ice (no ice cream, sherbets or fruit bars)

• Gelatin (lemon, lime or orange only)

• Hard candy

• Decaffeinated soft drinks (orange, lemon lime, ginger ale or colas)

• Flavored drink mix

Note:

• Do not red, purple or blue drinks. Dark colors can make the test less accurate.

• Yogurt is not a clear liquid. Do not eat it before the test.

The day of your test

• Do not eat any solid food.

• Take your morning medicines as directed by your doctor.

• You may drink clear liquids until 3 hours before the arrival time.

• 6 hours before your arrival time, finish the last 1 liter of prep. Note: The correct timing of this dose is essential to an effective preparation.