FAQs
What constitutes a clear liquid diet?
Please see examples below
- Beverages: Soft drinks (orange, ginger ale, cola, sprite, 7 up, etc., Gatorade and koolaid, Strained fruit juices without pulps (apples, white grapes, oranges, lemonade, etc), Water, tea, coffee, no milk or nondairy creamer
- Soups: Fat free low sodium chicken or beef bouillon/broth
- Desserts: Hard candies, jello (lemon, lime, orange, no fruit or toppings and no red jello) Popsicles, Italian Ice, no sherbets or fruit bars
Can I take my medications before my procedure?
You may take all of your normal prescription medications unless otherwise directed. If you are taking Coumadin or insulin call for the special instructions before you begin your preparation. Do not take any aspirin or anti-inflammatory agents for 7 days prior to the examination.
Monitored Anesthesia Care
We generally use deep sedation that is actively monitored by a certified nurse anesthetist under the direction of a physician anesthesiologist. You will be very comfortable during the procedure. Regulations for this type of anesthesia require you to have an escort at the time of discharge from the facility.
What information do I need to bring to my appointment?
Please bring a photo ID, your insurance card, referral and co-payment if your plan requires.
Why do I have to drink so much fluid when I prepare for a colonoscopy?
The bowel is like a drain. In order to flush it clean it requires you to drink a lot of fluid
Why do I have to get up in the middle of the night to do my bowel prep?
Studies have shown that doing a split dose bowel prep and doing a second dose a few hours prior to your arrival time ensures for a better prepped bowel.
I heard there was a pill you can take as a bowel prep?
It’s not just one pill, it is 32 pills. You still have to drink plenty of fluid and the prep can cause adverse side effects.
What do I do if I am having a problem with my bowel prep?
If you are having a problem doing your prep, please call the office at (508) 588-6700 and a staff member can help you. If the office is closed, please leave a message with the answering service so the on call doctor can call you.
What do I do if I lost my preparation instructions?
Visit our Colonoscopy Prep page and choose the prep you were given. If you don’t remember the times for the preparation, please call the office at (508) 588-6700 for assistance.
Can I work the day after my procedure?
Yes. You may resume your regular schedule the day after your procedure.
Can I eat after my procedure?
Yes. You can resume your regular diet after your procedure. We recommend starting with a light meal and resuming your regular diet as tolerated.
Can I return to work after my procedure?
No. Do not work on the day of your scheduled procedure. You may return to work the day after your procedure unless your physician states otherwise. We can provide you with a work note, if needed.
Why can’t I drive myself home after my procedure?
You will be sedated for your procedure and your judgement and reflexes will be impaired. Therefore, it is unsafe for you to operate a vehicle or machinery until the day after your procedure.
Can I take a taxi or walk home?
No. By state law, you cannot take a taxi or walk home from a procedure where you have been sedated
When will I get the results of my procedure?
The doctor will speak with you and/or a family member after the procedure. Due to the sedation you may not recall your conversation with the doctor and may call the office with any questions. For biopsy results, please call the office 3-5 days following your procedure.
Why do I need to arrive 60 minutes prior to my procedure?
This allows for the necessary paperwork to be completed at check-in and for the nursing staff to get you ready for your procedure.
I am a diabetic. Should I check my blood sugar at home?
Yes. We want to have a baseline to anticipate any needs you may have during or after the procedure.
I take a blood thinner and was advised to discontinue it prior to the procedure. Is this harmful?
Your doctor has determined it is safe to discontinue your blood thinner prior to your procedure. This is necessary so if a polyp is found or a biopsy is needed, it can be safely removed. If you have any questions or are uncomfortable with this you may call the prescribing physician.