Have the choice of a brand-new outpatient facility that maintains your comfort, dignity and safety.
- What can I take for pain?
Tylenol (acetaminophen). - How soon will the laxatives work?
Some work right away and some can take up to a few hours into the next day. It depends on how quick your body metabolizes the laxative. Suggest that patient stay near a bathroom once they start taking the laxative. - Does the procedure hurt?
It should not. However, some patients may feel discomfort, like gas pains or crampiness, due to the air being put in the colon. - Will I know what is going on during the procedure?
If you are having general anesthesia, you will not know what is going on. You will be completely knocked out. If you are having conscious sedation, there is a possibility you may know what's going on. - Will I remember it?
If you are having general anesthesia, you will not remember anything. If you are having conscious sedation, there is a possibility you may remember some parts of the procedure. - What kind of medication will be given to me during the procedure (patients without anesthesia)?
Versed is a relaxant (similar to Valium) and fentanyl is a narcotic that helps to relieve (not eliminate) pain or discomfort. These drugs are also known as conscious sedation. - How long is the procedure?
On average, the colonoscopy procedure is 20-30 minutes.The EGD procedure is 5-10 minutes. Having both procedures together can be 30-45 minutes. - How will I feel after?
It can vary. Most of the time patients are tired and sleep the rest of the day, however, some patients feel fine after the procedure. - Can I go back to work that day, next day, or do anything that day?
On the day of your procedure, it is advised not to go back to work. The medication can be in your system for up to 24 hours. It is okay to go back to work the next day. It is better to resume your normal activities the day after the procedure. - Why do I need to drink so much water/fluids when taking the colon prep?
The prep can cause dehydration and some patients experience headaches prior to their procedures because they did not drink enough water. - Why can't I drive myself?
Since you will be sedated, you will not be in any condition to drive. The sedative will stay in your system for up to 24 hours, For your safety, we require you to have a responsible adult drive you home. It is your responsibility not to drive the rest of the day. - Why must I check in so early?
To get you prepped for the procedure. This can include verifying your health history, assessing your preparation status (how well you followed the instructions), getting your baseline vitals, and IV started. - Why do they need an IV? What is given in the IV?
The IV contains normal saline which helps to hydrate the body. Medication for the procedure is also administered through the IV. - Can I take my regular medications?
Continue all medications as normal. On the day of the procedure, you can take those 4 hours prior to your check in time with a small amount of water, or after the procedure. Diabetics and those taking Coumadin or Plavix, will have specific instructions given in the prep instructions.This does not include aspirin, iron or anti-inflammatory products. - Why can't I have anything red or purple in color the day before the procedure?
These colors will stain the colon and esophagus (if you are getting an EGD). It can potentially look like blood. - What happens if I don't follow the diet or drink all of the prep?
The success of completing the procedures is dependent on you following the instructions, If you don't follow the diet you will most likely not be cleaned out enough to do a full colonoscopy. If you eat the day before, you will need to reschedule. The food will not have enough time to pass through your system before the procedure. If you fail to finish drinking the prep, there is a possibility that you will not be cleaned out all the way. Please contact us if you have any problems. - What's the best way to drink prep?
Cold and through a straw to be more palatable.