Gatorade, which comes in many flavors, is an excellent choice as it contains electrolytes such as potassium. Avoid red liquids.
The red color can persist in the colon and potentially look like blood.
Medications for blood pressure, heart conditions, and seizures should be taken the morning of your exam regardless of the color.
You can try sucking on hard candy. You can rinse your mouth with water or a mouthwash. Do not eat or drink anything while you are drinking this solution.
It is important that you take your entire prep, if at all possible. Remember that without a clean bowel, the doctor will not be able to adequately see the inside of your colon to complete the examination. If you feel like vomiting while taking the prep, slow down. Pause for about 30-45 minutes to allow your stomach to empty, and then try to resume the prep at a slower rate. If you do vomit and are unable to continue, call us and have a phone number of a pharmacy that is open, in case we need to call in a prescription.
Yes, you must take the prep as directed by your doctor. Your colon is approximately 6 feet long. The entire colon must be emptied for your physician to see the colon clearly.
Yes, you may have solid stool higher in the colon that needs to be eliminated.
Bowel movements usually start 2-3 hours after taking the prep but can take longer.
If your last bowel movements were clear enough that you were able to see the bottom of the toilet, you are should be fine. It is OK if you may have some flecks of material. The yellow color is a result of bile that normally colors the feces. This shouldn’t interfere with the examination.
To clean the area, avoid rubbing. Gently pat with a wet washcloth. Apply Vaseline™, Preparation H™, or Desitin liberally.
We strongly suggest you do not drink any alcoholic beverages prior to your procedure since they can cause dehydration and some wines may thin your blood.
Yes, but nothing with soft centers or red color.
Take a tap water enema until you run clear. If this does not work, call the office.
Please do.
Yes, you may wear your dentures to the endoscopy suite. However, you may be asked to remove them prior to the procedure.
You may take Tylenol as directed.
You can only have the broth. No noodles, chicken, or vegetables allowed.
Yes, the procedure can still be performed. We ask that you use a tampon if possible (not absolutely necessary).
It depends on the preparation instructions you were given. Fleet’s Phosphosoda does not require a prescription.
