Preparation: You will be undergoing a colonoscopy. A colonoscopy is a test to look at the lining of your large intestine/colon using a flexible tube to check for abnormal areas, including cancer. You will be given IV (intravenous) anesthesia for this procedure.

Two-Day Preparation Instructions

Your physician has prescribed solutions bowel preparation for you to clean your colon for your exam. Solution cleans the body’s waste out of your colon so your doctor can clearly see the inside of your intestines. You must drink the entire solution to ensure the most effective.

Two Days Before Your Colonoscopy

You need to begin your preparation by drinking only clear fluids for two entire days before your procedure.

You cannot eat any solid food.

You may drink unlimited amounts of any type of clear fluid: water, sport drinks, dapple juice, beef or chicken broth. You may also eat Jell-O gelatin and popsicles. No purple or red products.

• 1:00 P.M. – 2 Tablet of Dulcolax
• 3:00 P.M. – 2 tablet of Dulcolax
• At 6:00 p.m. drink one bottle of Magnesium Citrate.

Continue to Drink lots of clear fluids.

Day before your Colonoscopy

• The entire day before your colonoscopy, no solid foods and stay close to a bathroom facility.
• You must follow a clear liquid diet (e.g. water, plain coffee, tea, gelatin, apple juice, white grape juice, chicken broth, beef broth, Gatorade.)
• You mustAVOID any red or purple products
  • Take 2 tablets of Dulcolax at 1:00pm
  • Another 2 tablets of Dulcolax at 3:00pm
  • Then begin drinking the first half of solution starting at 3:00pm. Drink it slowly until you finish half. Drink 8 ounces of solution throughout 10-15 minutes.
  • Start other half at 9:00pm. Drink 8 ounces of solution throughout 10-15 minutes until you finish the entire bottle.
• You may use a small amount of lemon juice or small amount of Crystal Light to flavor the solution if needed. You may suck on lemon slices as well.
• Refrigerate or chill the solution to make it easier to swallow. Sometimes drinking the solution through a straw is helpful.
• Do NOT eat or drink after midnight (minimum of 8 hours before your procedure)
• You will know you have done a good job completing your prep solution once your stools are clear and watery. The stool should not be muddy or thick.
• You may experience some bloating, cramping, nausea, diarrhea, and/or vomiting. This is usually temporary and the symptoms will gradually improve. You may feel weak, especially if you have not taken enough fluid with the prep solution and can be remedied by increasing your fluid intake.
• Wet aloe wipes and a zinc oxide based ointment may relieve any soreness related to stool evacuation.
• No alcohol

Day of your Colonoscopy

• Do NOT eat or drink anything. If you must take your medication, you may take it with a few small sips of water.
• You may brush your teeth.
• If you are DIABETIC , do not take your medication the morning of the procedure. If you must take your medication, take only half of your regular dose. Continue to check your blood sugars as you normally do.
• Please arrive at the facility on time.
• You should not wear jewelry to the procedure.
• You will not be allowed to drive home. You may have a relative or friend drive you home. You may also go home in a taxi or by bus and must be accompanied at all times even upon arrival home.

Please ensure you have a follow up appointment to discuss the test results with our provider. Feel free to call our office with any questions or concerns. Good Luck!

A minimum of 48 hours notice is required for cancellations for procedures and office appointments.