Frequently asked questions for Colonoscopies:

1. How long will it take?
As a rule the procedure itself, takes about 20-30 minutes but with completing paperwork prior to the procedure and recovery time, you may expect to be at GI Consultants about 2 hours from check-in to check-out or discharge.

 

2. Does my ride have to stay the whole time?
We strongly encourage all drivers to stay and wait for you. The medications may cause memory issues. It is best to have someone with you in recovery.

 

3. Can I take my prescription medications on the morning of my procedure?
On the morning of a procedure, the only medications that should be taken are routine pain medications and medications for high blood pressure, asthma, seizures and heart medications. These should be taken with a small sip of water. For blood thinners and diabetic medications follow the instructions given to you by the nurse or doctor.

 

4. Can I take a taxi, ride the bus or walk home after the procedure?
You may NOT take a taxi if you are alone, because of the medications that we give you; we want you to be safe. If you have someone with you who will be responsible for you then you may take a taxi. Your ride home needs to be someone that can see that you get home safely and are safely tucked into a safe environment. It is also ideal to have someone stay with you for a short period of time when you return home.

 

5. When can I go back to work?
You generally can return to work the next day.

 

6. Will I have any restrictions going back to work?
No

 

7. Will I have any restrictions as far as exercise or physical activities?
No, however you should rest and not exercise the same day as the procedure.

 

8. What qualifies as a “clear liquid”?
Clear liquids are defined as liquids that have no solid material in them, such as noodles, rice, bits of meat or vegetables. Examples of clear liquids are: water, tea, chicken broth, beef broth, apple or white grape juice, Gatorade, sodas, or black coffee. Please do not drink coffee with cream.

 

9. Since I cannot have fish oil for 5 days prior to the procedure, can I have fish prior to procedure?
Yes, you may eat fish up to 2 days prior to the procedure.

 

10. I work the night shift; can I go to work after the procedure?
No, because of the medications that we give you for sedation for your procedure, you will need to take the night off on the day of your procedure.

 

11. When will I get the results of the pathology?
The physician will talk to you after your procedure. You will also receive a letter telling you of the findings approximately 1-2 weeks after your procedure.

 

12. What if I can’t drink all of the prep, or if I get sick from it?
It is very important to drink as much of the prep as you can in order to clear the bowels and be able to get the procedure completed. If you begin to feel nauseated while drinking the prep, just slow down your drinking and continue the best you can. This symptom should pass once you begin to evacuate your bowel. The goal is to complete the prep, if it takes you a bit longer than the instructions direct, it takes a little longer. The important thing is to finish the prep. Your procedure may be cancelled if your prep is not satisfactory.

 

13. Can I add flavoring to the prep?
Yes, you can add flavoring to Golytely, Trilyte, and Nulytely as long as the flavoring is not colored with red, green or purple dyes. You cannot add flavoring to Moviprep or Suprep.

 

14. Will I be “knocked out” for the procedure (for moderate sedation)?
You will be given sedation, which will relax your body. You may or may not fall asleep. Every patient reacts differently to the sedatives used. You will not be “knocked out” as you would be if you were having surgery under general anesthesia.

 

15. What if I’m not cleared out all the way?
While having clear, yellow liquid is preferred, if the prep isn’t working well, please take another dose of milk of magnesia or get a bottle of magnesium citrate from your local grocery store. Be sure to complete this at least 4 hours prior to your procedure. Please call if you have any concerns.

 

16. When will the prep start to work and when will it stop?
The prep starts to work within about one (1) hour or so after starting to drink it. When it stops depends on how much material is in your digestive tract and how fast your tract expels it. Several hours are the norm.

 

17. How exposed will I be during the procedure?
We do everything possible to protect your dignity and modesty. During the procedure you will be covered except for the area where the provider is working.

 

18. Why do I have to come so early before my procedure start time?
We ask that you come in early to complete specific paperwork and to get prepped with the nurses for your procedure.

 

19. When can I resume eating?
You can eat as soon as you are recovered after your procedure unless advised differently by the provider who did your procedure.

 

20. I’m afraid of needles – how do you give the medication?
We do give the sedation via an IV. Starting the IV is a simple procedure and we try to make it as comfortable as possible for you. An IV is required for the procedure, even if you are not gettig sedation.

 

21. Can this procedure be done without medication?
It can be done without medication and people have it done without medication, but we do sedate for your comfort. Even without sedation, an IV is required.

 

22. I’ve taken fish oil, eaten nuts or seeds in the days prior to the procedure; can I still have my colonoscopy?
Yes

 

23. We live more than 30 minutes away from the facility. Can I start my morning prep earlier than 6 hours before procedure?
Yes, if you have further questions, please contact the clinic for specific instructions.

 

24. I’ve had gastric bypass surgery and get nauseous with large amounts of fluid. What if I can’t drink it all?
You will need to start your prep earlier to allow you to drink all of it; drink smaller quantities over a longer period of time. You while still need to complete all of the prep.

 

25. I have a heart murmur or mitral valve prolapse (MVP). Do I need to take antibiotics before my procedure?
Per American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) and American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines for use of prophylactic antibiotics, antibiotics are no longer required.

 

26. When can I expect to have my next bowel movement?
Every person is different but it can take up to 2-days before you have a bowel movement.