Frequently Asked Questions
Colonoscopy Prep Instructions (SUPREP)
Why do I have to drink so much?
This is a large amount to drink but it works by flushing out your system of waste material over several hours. The solution gently “washes” the bowel clean. Do not just sip the solution. It is important you drink eight ounces every 15 minutes. It does not absorb into your body, nor does it cause you to become dehydrated.
Is there any way that I can make this taste any bette
You can try sucking on hard candy or rinse your mouth with water or
mouthwash. Do not eat or drink anything while you are drinking this solution.
Why avoid red liquids?
The red color can persist in the colon and potentially look like blood.
One of the medications I was instructed to take the morning of my procedure is red. Can I take it?
Medication for blood pressure, heart conditions, and seizures should be taken the morning of your exam regardless of the color, with small sips of water.
I feel like vomiting and do not think I can drink any more. What should I do?
It is important that you continue drinking the solution if possible. Remember, it
is the large volume that helps to empty your bowel. Without a clean bowel, the doctor will not be able to see the inside of your colon to complete the examination. If you do vomit, wait 30 minutes, and begin drinking the solution
again. You might try taking six ounces at a time, rather than eight ounces.
If not improved, call us and have a phone number of an open pharmacy in
case we need to call in a prescription.
I am taking the prep and having loose, watery stools. Do I still need the rest of the prep?
Yes, you may have solid stool higher in the colon that needs to be eliminated
I already have diarrhea before taking the prep, do I still have to take the laxative
Yes, you must take the prep as directed by your doctor. Your colon is approximately six feet long. The entire colon must be emptied for your physician to see the colon clearly.
I see yellow color in the toilet bowl and a few flecks. What do I do
If you drank the entire solution or if your last bowel movements were clear enough that you were able to see the bottom of the toilet, you should be fine.
It is okay if you have some flecks of material. The yellow color is a result of bile that normally colors the feces. This should not interfere with the
examination.
My bottom is so sore. What can I do?
To clean the area, avoid rubbing. Gently pat with a wet washcloth. Apply Vaseline, Preparation H, or Desitin liberally.
Can I drink alcoholic beverages?
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.
Can I chew gum or suck candy
Yes, but nothing with soft centers or red color.
What if I am still passing stool the morning of my test?
Take a tap water enema until you run clear, or a Fleets Enema. If this does not work, call the office.
Can I brush my teeth?
Please do.
Can I wear my dentures
Yes, you may wear your dentures to the endoscopy suite. However, you may be asked to remove them prior to the procedure.
I have been instructed not to take anti-inflammatories or blood thinners several days before the procedure. What can I take for headaches and pain relief
You may take Tylenol as directed.
Can I have chicken soup?
You can only have the broth; no noodles, chicken, or vegetables allowed.
Can I have the colonoscopy if I am on my menstrual period?
Yes, the procedure can still be performed. We ask that you use a tampon if possible (not absolutely necessary).
Can my ride drop me off and come back later to pick me up?
Your driver needs to remain at the center for the entire time you are there. No
exceptions.
Tri-Lytely Prep Instructions
What’s the difference between Golytely, Nulytely, and Colyte?
All solutions are similar forms of this prep.
Why do I have to drink so much?
This is a large amount to drink but it works by flushing out your system of waste material over several hours. The solution gently “washes” the bowel clean. Do not just sip the solution. It is important you drink eight ounces every 15 minutes. It does not absorb into your body, nor does it cause you to become dehydrated.
Is there any way that I can make this taste any better?
You can try sucking on hard candy or rinse your mouth with water or
mouthwash. Do not eat or drink anything while you are drinking this solution
Why avoid red liquids?
The red color can persist in the colon and potentially look like blood.
One of the medications I was instructed to take the morning of my procedure is red. Can I take it?
Medication for blood pressure, heart conditions, and seizures should be taken the morning of your exam regardless of the color, with small sips of water.
I feel like vomiting and do not think I can drink any more. What should I do?
It is important that you continue drinking the solution if possible. Remember, it
is the large volume that helps to empty your bowel. Without a clean bowel, the doctor will not be able to see the inside of your colon to complete the examination. If you do vomit, wait 30 minutes, and begin drinking the solution again. You might try taking six ounces at a time, rather than eight ounces. If not improved, call us and have a phone number of an open pharmacy in case we need to call in a prescription.
I drank a lot of the solution and have not gone to the bathroom yet. What should I do?
Keep drinking eight ounces every 15 minutes. Most people have a bowel movement after an hour; some patients may take two or more hours.
I am taking the prep and having loose, watery stools. Do I still need the rest of the prep?
Yes, you may have solid stool higher in the colon that needs to be eliminated.
I already have diarrhea before taking the prep, do I still have to take the laxative?
Yes, you must take the prep as directed by your doctor. Your colon is approximately six feet long. The entire colon must be emptied for your physician to see the colon clearly.
I see yellow color in the toilet bowl and a few flecks. What do I do?
If you drank the entire solution or if your last bowel movements were clear enough that you were able to see the bottom of the toilet, you should be fine.
It is okay if you have some flecks of material. The yellow color is a result of bile that normally colors the feces. This should not interfere with the
examination.
My bottom is so sore. What can I do?
To clean the area, avoid rubbing. Gently pat with a wet washcloth. Apply Vaseline, Preparation H, or Desitin liberally.
Can I drink alcoholic beverages?
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.
Can I chew gum or suck candy?
Yes, but nothing with soft centers or red color.
What if I am still passing stool the morning of my test?
Take a tap water enema until you run clear, or a Fleets Enema. If this does not work, call the office.
Can I brush my teeth?
Please do.
Can I wear my dentures?
Yes, you may wear your dentures to the endoscopy suite. However, you may be asked to remove them prior to the procedure.
I have been instructed not to take anti-inflammatories or blood thinners several days before the procedure. What can I take for headaches and pain relief?
You may take Tylenol as directed.
Can I have chicken soup?
You can only have the broth; no noodles, chicken, or vegetables allowed.
Can I have the colonoscopy if I am on my menstrual period?
Yes, the procedure can still be performed. We ask that you use a tampon if possible (not absolutely necessary).
Can my ride drop me off and come back later to pick me up?
No. Your driver needs to remain at the center for the entire time you are there. No
exceptions.
I have a history of Congestive Heart Failure or Renal Failure. Is it safe for me to do this prep?
This prep was designed to not break down in your bloodstream. This is the safest prep for you to do.
Colonoscopy Prep Instructions (Gatorade)
Is there any way that I can make this taste any better?
Miralax is colorless, odorless, tasteless and dissolves clear. If you do not like Gatorade, you can use another liquid, crystal light, apple juice, tea and
lemonade.
Why avoid red, blue and purple liquids?
The dyes can be persist in the colon and potentially look like blood.
One of the medications I was instructed to take the morning of my procedure is red. Can I take it?
Medication for blood pressure, heart conditions, and seizures should be taken the morning of your exam regardless of the color, with small sips of water.
I feel like vomiting and do not think I can drink any more. What should I do?
It is important that you continue drinking the solution if possible. Remember, it
is the large volume that helps to empty your bowel. Without a clean bowel, the doctor will not be able to see the inside of your colon to complete the examination. If you do vomit, wait 30 minutes, and begin drinking the solution again. You might try taking six ounces at a time, rather than eight ounces. If not improved, call us and have a phone number of an open pharmacy in case we need to call in a prescription.
I drank a lot of the solution and have not gone to the bathroom yet. What should I do?
Keep drinking eight ounces every 15 minutes. Most people have a bowel movement after an hour; some patients may take two or more hours.
I am taking the prep and having loose, watery stools. Do I still need the rest of the prep?
Yes, you may have solid stool higher in the colon that needs to be eliminated.
I already have diarrhea before taking the prep, do I still have to take the laxative?
Yes, you must take the prep as directed by your doctor. Your colon is approximately six feet long. The entire colon must be emptied for your physician to see the colon clearly.
My bottom is so sore. What can I do?
To clean the area, avoid rubbing. Gently pat with a wet washcloth. Apply Vaseline, Preparation H, or Desitin liberally.
Can I drink alcoholic beverages?
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.
Can I chew gum or suck candy?
No chewing gum only hard candy. No red, blue or purple colors.
Can I brush my teeth?
Please do.
Can I wear my dentures?
Yes, you may wear your dentures to the endoscopy suite. However, you may be asked to remove them prior to the procedure.
Can I have chicken soup?
You can only have the broth; no noodles, chicken, or vegetables allowed.
Can I have the colonoscopy if I am on my menstrual period?
Yes, the procedure can still be performed. We ask that you use a tampon if possible (not absolutely necessary).
Can my ride drop me off and come back later to pick me up?
Your driver needs to remain at the center for the entire time you are there. No
exceptions.
