PATIENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR COLONOSCOPY
Your procedure is scheduled on .
Location: 5th Floor, K Building, Endoscopy Suite
Please follow these instructions carefully. If you do not follow these instructions, we may need to reschedule your exam.
Please inform the staff if you are on a “blood thinner” (Coumadin or Warfarin), or if you have an artificial heart valve, rheumatic heart disease or a joint replacement.
Day before procedure:
· Clear liquids only starting with breakfast. Clear liquids are any liquids that you can see through. Examples are water, clear juices, tea, black coffee, clear broth, soda, jello. No solid foods all day.
· If you are on insulin, take one half of your usual insulin dose.
· Mix Golytely prep according to pharmacy instructions.
· Beginning at 4 p.m. start drinking 8 ounces every 10 minutes until you finish the whole gallon.
· If you have discomfort or bloating, stop for 1 hour until discomfort resolves, then resume drinking.
· If you are unable to finish the prep for any reason, please notify the GI Lab at the number below.
· Continue to drink clear liquids, but nothing to eat or drink after midnight.
Morning of your procedure:
· Take your regular medicines with a small amount of water.
· If you are on insulin, do not take your morning insulin dose.
· Do your fingerstick blood sugar in the morning. Please notify the nurse at the GI Lab of the result.
· Do not eat breakfast.
· Please do not bring any valuables with you.
When you arrive at Highland Hospital:
· Check in at the visitor’s waiting room on the 5th floor.
· Please plan on staying at the hospital for 2 to 4 hours.
You will be sedated during your procedure and unable to drive yourself home. You must have someone who can take you home. If you do not have someone to take you home, we will not do your procedure. You must have someone with you even if you both take a bus or taxi home. A responsible adult must pick you up at the GI Lab after you have recovered from your procedure.
If you have any questions regarding these instructions, or if you need to reschedule your appointment, please call the clinic at (510) 437-4800 ext. 48667.
Thank you for your cooperation and we look forward to seeing you!
Pt. instructions for colonoscopy/Bernstein/adaly