Q. Why do I need an office visit before my procedure?

A. Some patients have medical conditions that should be addressed prior to a procedure. Examples include diabetes mellitus, atrial fibrillation, pacemakers, defibrillators and obesity.

Q. I am taking a blood thinner such as Plavix, Coumadin or Warfarin. What should I do?

A. You should be seen in the office prior to your procedure to discuss risks and benefits of holding your blood thinners.

Q. How important is the low fiber diet?

A. The low fiber diet reduces stool bulk and improves the quality of your bowel preparation, but it is not a requirement.

Q. What if I forget and take my oil based vitamins?

A. You do not need to cancel your procedure. Please notify the Endoscopy Center when you check in. The scope that is used for your procedure will require special cleaning.

Q. I forgot and have been taking my Aspirin and/or Ibuprofen. Will this be okay?

A.  Discontinue these products as soon as possible. These are blood thinners and may cause excess bleeding if biopsies are taken or polyps are removed during your procedure.

Q. The instructions say to avoid red dye in Jell-O. But when I look at the ingredients, they all have red dye. What should I do?

A. You may have Jell-O flavors such as Lemon, Lime, Orange, Peach, Pineapple and Apricot, even if the ingredients mention a red dye.

Q. Can I chew gum the day before my procedure?

A. Yes.

Q. Why do I have to use Trilyte/Nulytely instead of one of the newer preps?

A. For some patients, a larger volume is needed to ensure an adequate bowel preparation.

Q. Why can’t I use the Fleets Phospha Soda Prep like I did last time?

A. The FDA has withdrawn Fleets Phospha Soda from the market due to case reports of renal (kidney) failure.

Q. Your instructions say clear liquid diet one day prior to the procedure. Does this mean 24 hours?

A. A clear liquid diet starts one day prior to your procedure. This does include a clear liquid breakfast, so the clear liquid diet may be longer than 24 hours. This is part of the bowel preparation process.

Q. I am not able to start the bowel preparation at the exact times. What should I do?

A. You may start the bowel preparation 1-2 hours before or after the given times to accommodate your schedule.

Q. I have completed most of the prep and nothing is happening, what should I do?

A. Most patients start to see results within 1-4 hours of starting your bowel preparation, but this can vary depending on the patient. Continue drinking plenty of clear liquids. If your stool does not look like urine or you are still having solid bowel movements on the morning of your procedure, please contact our office.

Q. I am having nausea with drinking the prep, what should I do?

A. Some patients experience nausea during the cleanout process. You may choose to drink a smaller volume at each 15 minute interval. Or, you may choose to extend the intervals to every 20-25 minutes. The goal is to complete all of the prep in order to achieve the best cleanout for your procedure. It is OK to slow down. It is more important to complete the entire volume.

Q. Why do I need an escort to drive me home? Why can’t I take a taxi service by myself?

A. Because you are sedated for your procedure, it is important to have an escort that can ensure that you arrive home safely. It is not safe for you to go home alone, because the effects of the sedation can last up to 12 hours.

Q. I am having symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain or rectal bleeding after my procedure. What should I do?

A. Contact our office if you develop any of these symptoms following your procedure.