Before your colonoscopy, make sure to read and follow these instructions to make sure that your appointment goes as smoothly as possible and does not need to be rescheduled.
*PLEASE BRING A CURRENT MEDICATION LIST TO YOUR APPOINTMENT*
If you are on any of the following blood thinning medications, please call Tammy right away 970-858-9894 ext. 7128. You may need to go off these medications.
This is not an all-inclusive list.
Most anti-inflammatory medications have blood thinning properties.
If you are uncertain about a medication you are taking, please call to talk to Tammy.
These medications are in place because they can delay the gastric emptying and increase aspiration risks. If food remain in the stomach or intestines/colon and your prep may not work as well and you might have to repeat all this.
Dulaglutide: Brand name Trulicity
Exendtide: Brand names Byetta and Bydureon
Liraglutide: Brand name Victoza
Semaglutide: Brand names Ozempic and Rybelsus
Tirzepatide: Brand name Mounjaro or Zepbound
Tylenol, (acetaminophen) is allowed.
may be taken with a small sip of water up to 2 hours prior to your procedure.
Insulin should be taken ½ the usual dose the day before the procedure. Keep an eye on your blood sugars the day before, by monitoring frequently.
A colonoscopy is an examination of the colon (large bowel) with a flexible lighted tube about the size of your ring finger which transmits a live color image onto a television screen. A good bowel prep is essential for an accurate and successful procedure. These instructions will help maximize the ease, safety, and success of your preparation.
Starting in the morning you are on a clear liquid diet only.
NO SOLID FOODS
DO NOT drink milk
DO NOT eat or drink anything colored red or purple
DO NOT drink alcoholic beverages
Things you may have that are considered clear liquids:
Water, clear broth, apple juice, white grape juice, coffee, or tea (do not use any dairy or non-dairy creamer), Jell-O without added fruit or toppings, popsicles. Nothing red or purple.
**Morning the day before procedure**– Mix the 238 grams of MiraLAX powder with 2- 28oz and 1-20oz bottle of Gatorade and Refrigerate. You are going to have to take some out of each bottle so you can add the MiraLAX.
4:00-6:00 PM: Take 4 Dulcolax tablets with a full glass of water.
6:00 PM: Drink one 8 oz glass of the MiraLAX/Gatorade mixture. Repeat every 15 minutes until you finish the entire mixture (may take a couple hours). Continue drinking clear fluids throughout the evening. If you have trouble drinking this amount of liquid in a couple hours’ time you may start this earlier than 6:00pm to get all the mixture in.
**Before you go to bed mix the 119g MiraLAX with the last 2-20 ounces of Gatorade, again you will have to take a little out, you may drink it, so you can fit the MiraLAX in. You will drink this mixture 5 hours before your procedure. Place in the refrigerator for the night**
We no longer use Fleets Phosphosoda in this practice in the event that a patient may have an undiagnosed kidney or heart disease/condition.
Note: If your insurance requires a pre-authorization, please keep in mind that obtaining this authorization does not guarantee payment. Contact your insurance for more information prior to your procedure.
Can I start drinking this prep before 6pm? Yes you can start it at noon if you are unable to drink 8 ounces in about 15-20 minutes time. We say 6pm for people that are working as you will want to stay close to a bathroom once you start the prep.
What is a clear stool? A clear stool can have a slight tint of yellow or brown. It will be completely transparent and will not contain any solid matter. At the completion of the prep If it is brown or solid, please contact scheduling to discuss the situation.
I am not having bowel movements, what should I do? Bowel movements can take up to 5-6 hours to start after beginning the prep. Be patient, continue to drink liquids, and proceed with the second dose of the bowel prep as directed. If you are still not seeing results, you will need to reach your physician’s office after 9:00 AM for further instructions.
The prep is making me nauseated, what should I do? If you develop nausea or vomiting, slow down the rate at which you drink the solution. Please attempt to drink all of the laxative solution even if it takes you longer. If vomiting persists, or you are not able to finish the preparation, stop the preparation and call your physician’s office for further instructions.
What are some high fiber foods I should avoid? Raw fruits and vegetables are typically high in fiber, as well as nuts, seeds, whole grain breads and beans and lentils.
What are some good options for low fiber foods? Choose white bread and white rice for lower fiber options, as well as pastas made with white flour. Chicken, fish, dairy, and eggs are also low in fiber and good choices for foods 2-3 days before you begin your prep.
If I eat popcorn or seeds 3 days before my procedure, do I need to reschedule? You will not need to reschedule your procedure however; the seeds or nuts may cause a difficulty in screening and require a need for rescreening. If you have eaten a large number of seeds or nuts, you may want to contact the nurse or physician.
What is clear liquid? Clear liquids you may have: Clear broth, apple juice, white grape juice, colas, coffee, tea, jello, popsicles, water, or any other clear liquid that if you hold it up to light you can see through it. Avoid the colors red and purple. Coffee creamer and milk or milk products are not considered a clear liquid.
Can I drink ALCOHOL on the liquid diet? Alcohol is not allowed as part of the liquid diet.
Can I continue to be on the liquid diet after I begin consuming the laxatives? Yes, you may continue the liquid diet until you are directed to discontinue anything by mouth, which is typically 3 hours prior to the procedure.
Why do I have to wake up at so early for the 2nd dose, can’t I take it all the night before? A split prep has proven to be the most effective for a successful colonoscopy. It is essential that you follow the directions provided with your prep medications.
If I weigh under 100 pounds do I need to take all of the prep? The liquid amount is not weight dependent. It is important to finish the prep for a successful colonoscopy.
