Colonoscopy
Preparation
What to do before your procedure
To prep for a colonoscopy, you need to cleanse your digestive system. The point of preparation is to flush stool from your colon and rectum so your physician can see the walls of both structures clearly. This makes it easier to find polyps. Below, are the steps you should begin one week before your colonoscopy - to ensure the optimal level of a successful procedure.
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7 Days Before
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Fill prescription for the laxative and purchase one bottle of magnesium citrate at the pharmacy
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Stop taking iron pills. Multi-vitamins can be continued.
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If you are taking Coumadin, Warfarin or any other type of blood thinner please call your primary care doctor for instructions on stopping the medication before your procedure.
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One Day Before
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Drink only clear liquids or certain light-colored beverages.
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Do not eat solid foods.
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You will drink half of the laxative drink today, starting in the late afternoon.
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Mix your laxative drink and start drinking it, following the instructions below or a handout from the medical center. (Do not follow the instructions on the bottle itself.)
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Start drinking the laxative between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. (You will need up to 6 hours to complete the laxative drink and finish bowel movements.)
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Drink at least 8 glasses of liquid the day before your colonoscopy (in addition to the laxative drink) to prevent dehydration.
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3 Days Before
Start preparing three days before your colonoscopy. For example, if your colonoscopy is scheduled for Wednesday, you would start the low-fiber diet Sunday morning.
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Stop taking any fiber supplements and anti-diarrheal medication.
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Eat only low-fiber foods, and avoid foods that contain red, blue or purple dyes that may interfere with the test.
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Day Of Prep
If your procedure is in the morning, you may need to get up earlier than usual to finish drinking the laxative.
This means that you need to calculate what time you need to get up so you have time to finish the prep drink 4 to 5 hours before leaving home.
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Drink the rest of the laxative 4 to 5 hours before you leave home for the procedure.
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Drink about an 8 ounce glass every 10 to 15 minutes, the same as the previous evening.
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You must finish drinking any other beverage at least 2 hours before your appointment time.
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2 Days Before
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Continue eating only low-fiber foods. Avoid foods that contain red, blue or purple dyes that may interfere with the test.
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Ensure you have your laxative drink ready. You will consume it tomorrow!
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Discontinue the use of alcohol, marijuana, or other substances that could impair your thought process.
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Post Procedure
You will receive discharge instructions from your nurse after the procedure, including an after-visit summary with the results.
If tissue was removed, you will get a letter or phone call within 10 days of your procedure with those results.
There is a very small risk of bleeding after a colonoscopy for up to two weeks.
You should be within a two-hour drive of a medical center for two weeks following your colonoscopy
Congradulations on taking preventive action to protect your health!