Frequently Asked Questions

What if I have the flu or a cold?
Is Alcohol considered a clear liquid?
Why do I need to take Dulcolax tablets?
Does everyone prepare in the same way?
What if I don’t know someone with a car?
What about taking my normal medications?
What if I have the flu or a cold?
How does the prep affect breast feeding?
Complications from laxative prep.
Complications from sedation.
Will I feel anything during the procedure?
Can the anesthesia make me sick?
Will I need to take off the day of my procedure?
My preparation fluid was different last time.
Where can I get more info about my prep?

What if I have the flu or a cold?

If you have a fever or productive cough, we may need to reschedule your appointment. If you are experiencing cold symptoms prior to your procedure you should call before coming in to speak with a nurse.

Is Alcohol considered a clear liquid?

Although many alcohols are clear liquids, drinking alcohol during your preparation is not recommended. Alcohol affects your fluid balance. It is of particular importance that you remain well hydrated throughout your preparation.

Why do I need to take Dulcolax tablets?

The Dulcolax tablets that have been prescribed as part of your preparation are helpful in removing the excess fluid from your colon. You should take all three (3) Dulcolax tablets as ordered. If you are unable to do so, don’t reschedule your procedure. As long as you have completed the laxative solution, your physician will still perform your procedure.

Does everyone prepare in the same way?

Yes. The instructions you have been given to prepare for your procedure are the same for everyone. It is not based on your weight. Everyone needs to drink the same amount in order to be adequately prepared for colonoscopy.

What if I don’t know someone with a car?

You may take a taxi home if you are accompanied by a responsible adult. This should be someone other than the driver. You will be sedated for your procedure. We need to ensure your safety upon discharge.

What about taking my normal medications?

You may take any routine medications the morning of your procedure. It is important, as you will be receiving sedation, that you not eat or drink the morning of your procedure. Taking a few sips of water with your medications is fine, but any medications that need to be taken with food should wait until you get home. If you take several medications in the morning requiring large amounts of water, you should take only those medications that are essential. You can take the others when you go home.

What if I have the flu or a cold?

How does the prep affect breast feeding?

It is recommended that you pump and discard the breast milk when you return home after your procedure. It is then considered safe for you to breastfeed as usual.

Complications from laxative prep.

If you find that the laxative solution is making you nauseous, the first thing to do is slow down. Give yourself a little more time between glasses or take a break if you need to. If you find that you are still nauseous or if you begin vomiting, call to speak with a physician. If it is after hours the on-call physician can be paged. It is important that you complete the laxative solution so be sure to call if you are unable to keep it down.

Complications from sedation.

You will be receiving sedation the day of your procedure. The risks associated with this sedation are rare, but are increased if you have food or fluid in your stomach. If you vomit while under sedation and swallow this into your lungs this could cause a pneumonia.

Will I feel anything during the procedure?

No. The sedative we use now is different than what has been used in the past. We are pleased to be able to offer you the most advanced techniques in sedation. You will sleep comfortably through your procedure. For more information please read the section on anesthesia.

Can the anesthesia make me sick?

No. As well as having a sedative effect, propofol also prevents nausea. You should not experience post-procedure nausea or vomiting as you may have in the past with traditional sedation.

Will I need to take off the day of my procedure?

Yes. You will be instructed to rest the day of your procedure. Working, driving or strenuous activity is prohibited. You may resume all normal activities the day after your procedure.

My preparation fluid was different last time.

The last time you prepared for a colonoscopy, you may have used Fleets Phosphosoda. Unfortunately, that preparation is no longer available. In its place, your physician has prescribed for you the preparation that he/she feels will most likely provide you with the best results.

Where can I get more info about my prep?

For your convenience we have included our most frequently used preparation instructions on our website. If you misplace your instructions please refer to these.

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