Endoscopy/Colonoscopy FAQ

Typically, the procedure lasts about 20-30 minutes, followed by a recovery period of roughly 25 minutes. Plan to spend around 2 hours at our facility, from check-in to discharge.

We highly recommend that all drivers remain on-site and wait for you. If they must leave, we request that they do not travel more than 20 minutes away. The medications can lead to memory issues, so it’s advisable to have someone with you during recovery to listen to discharge instructions and communicate with the doctor.

On the morning of your procedure, take only medications for high blood pressure, asthma, seizures, and heart conditions. These should be taken with a small sip of water at least 3 hours before your procedure. Adhere to your doctor's instructions regarding blood thinners. For diabetes medications, follow the guidelines in your preparation packet.

Yes, you can take all your prescribed medications in the days leading up to the procedure, unless your physician notifies you otherwise.

If you are alone, you CANNOT take a taxi or Uber due to the medications given to you; our priority is your safety. However, if you have a friend or family member who can take responsibility for you, you may use a taxi or Uber. Your ride home should be someone who ensures you arrive safely and are settled in a secure environment. Ideally, it would also be beneficial to have someone stay with you for a little while after you return home.

You can generally return to work the next day. If you need a doctor’s note, please inform the staff upon your arrival for your procedure.

No

We advise you to rest and avoid exercising on the day of the procedure. However, taking a short walk is acceptable as long as you feel stable and have someone with you at all times.

Clear liquids refer to those that contain no solid particles, including noodles, rice, meat, vegetables, or pulp. Some examples of clear liquids are water, tea, chicken broth, beef broth, apple juice, white grape juice, Gatorade, sodas, and black coffee. Do NOT drink coffee with cream, or anything red or purple. A list is also available in your preparation packet.

Yes, we ask you stop your supplements 5 days before, unless it is medically necessary.

No, due to the sedation medications administered for your procedure, you will need to take the night off on the same day as your procedure.

The physician will talk to you after your procedure. You will also receive a letter telling you of the findings approximately 1-2 weeks after your procedure. If you are registered for the portal, your results will also appear there.

It's crucial to drink as much of the prep as possible to clear your bowels and successfully complete the procedure. If you start to feel nauseous while drinking the prep, slow down and continue as best as you can. This feeling should pass once you begin having bowel movements. The main goal is to finish the prep; if it takes longer than the instructions suggest, that's alright. It's important to try to complete the prep, as your procedure may be canceled if your bowels are not fully cleaned out.

Yes, you can add flavoring to Golytely, Trilyte, and Nulytely as long as the flavoring is not colored with red or purple dyes. You cannot add flavoring to Moviprep or Suprep.

You will receive sedation, which will help relax your body. You may fall asleep, but it’s not guaranteed. Every patient responds differently to the sedatives used. You will not be “knocked out” like you would be if undergoing surgery with general anesthesia.

Although a clear, yellow liquid is preferred, if the preparation isn’t effective, please take another dose of MiraLAX. This can be bought at your local pharmacy (Walmart, CVS, etc.). Ensure this is completed at least 4 hours before your procedure. Feel free to call if you have any questions.

The preparation takes effect approximately one hour after you begin drinking it. When it stops working depends on how much stool is in your digestive tract and the speed at which your body expels it. You shouldn't feel the need to “rush” to the bathroom while traveling to your appointment. You should be completely cleared out by the time you reach our facility.

We make every effort to safeguard your dignity and modesty. Throughout the procedure, you will remain covered, except for the specific area where the provider is working.

We kindly request that you arrive early to complete the necessary paperwork as well as have the nurses prep you for your procedure.

You can eat as soon as you recover from your procedure unless your provider advises otherwise.

We administer sedation through an IV. Inserting the IV is a simple process, and we will do our absolute best to ensure your comfort throughout the process. An IV is necessary for the procedure, even if sedation is not administered.

Yes, it is possible to proceed without medication. We provide sedation for your comfort, as this procedure can be quite uncomfortable. Regardless of sedation, an IV is necessary.

Yes, just please inform the doctor and nurses.

Yes, but please do not take all the prep in one go the night before. The prep is divided to ensure thorough cleansing of your entire colon; taking it all at once increases the risk of leaving residual stool behind.

Begin your preparation sooner to ensure you can consume everything; take smaller amounts over a longer duration. You still need to finish all the prep. You can also reach out to our office to find out if there is another prep option available for you.

According to the guidelines set by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) and the American Heart Association (AHA), prophylactic antibiotics are no longer required.

Every person is different, and it can take as long as two days to have a bowel movement. Therefore, there’s no need to worry if you don’t have a bowel movement right after your procedure.

No, you must follow a clear liquid diet the entire day before your colonoscopy to ensure your bowels are fully emptied before the procedure.

Yes, we encourage you to drink clear liquids until 3 hours before your procedure to prevent dehydration.

Creamer is regarded as a solid food due to it being more difficult and slower to digest. If you consume creamer or milk before your procedure, it is likely to be canceled.

Please follow the instructions in the packet we provide, unless otherwise instructed.