How To Prepare For Your Colonoscopy

Preparation Guide For Your Colonoscopy Procedure in Pennsylvania

Colon Prep Instruction — Colon Cancer Screening PA

A colonoscopy is a visual examination that uses a long, flexible tube (a colonoscope) to view the inside of the colon. The examination centers around investigating intestinal signs and symptoms, screening for colon cancer, and looking for polyps. Symptoms such as anal itch, abdominal, chronic diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and others may be a sign of something that calls for treatment within your digestive system. If you are near Honesdale, Blakey, or Dingmans Ferry and would like to schedule a colonoscopy, contact Northeastern Gastroenterology Associates today!

Learn More Contact Us

Doctor at desk

Who Should Get A Colonoscopy?

  • Everyone over the age of 50, for colorectal cancer screening
  • People who get a positive result on another colorectal screening test
  • Anyone with symptoms of colorectal cancer, such as:
    • Blood in stool
    • Abdominal pain or cramping
    • Unintended weight loss
    • Dark-colored stool
    • Rectal bleeding
    • Constipation and/or diarrhea that lasts for several days

FAQ — Colon Prep Instruction

A colonoscopy is a safe, common exam that is potentially life-saving. Many GI societies recommend anyone over the age of 50 to get examined regularly. If no polyps are found during a procedure, the exam doesn’t need to be redone for another 10 years, in most cases. If polyps are found, however, your doctor will recommend more frequent check-ups.

If you are currently scheduled for a colonoscopy or about to schedule one, you should know what to do to prepare for it.

7 Things To Know About Colonoscopies.jpg

Taking The Colon Prep Medication

Before the colonoscopy begins, it is required for you to take laxatives and restrict your diet to help clear your colon of stool so they are less likely to miss any abnormalities. If this is not done adequately, you may have to repeat the procedure. When you take your bowel prep medication, it is usually to be administered in two doses:

  1. At between 3 PM and 6 PM the night before your procedure

  2. 6 to 8 hours before the procedure is to begin

You can expect to experience significant diarrhea after taking the laxative medication, so stay near the bathroom. Most people tend to feel mild bloating and cramping, which is also normal and, if you have had problems with this in the past, the medication can be spread out over a longer period of time to reduce symptoms.

Avoid high fiber foods

Avoid eating the following foods that are high in fiber:

  • Bread

  • Oatmeal

  • Granola

  • Orange Juice

  • Corn

  • Nuts

  • Etc.

Eat foods such as

Eat foods such as:

  • Cream of wheat

  • Vegetables without seeds

  • Bananas

  • Chicken

  • Fish

  • Pork

  • Eggs

  • Yogurt

Clear liquids the day before

One day before your procedure is scheduled, you should change to a diet of ONLY clear liquids. Things you are good to consume during this period include:

  • Water

  • Broth

  • Popsicles

  • Coffee

  • Tea

  • Jell-O (but nothing with red, blue, or purple dye)

Fast for 4 hours beforehand

You should not eat or drink anything for at least four hours before your procedure is to begin. After your procedure is complete, you should be able to return to your normal diet, unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.

Schedule Your Colonoscopy Today

Colonoscopy Medication Guidelines

Are you on certain medications and are wondering if you can still keep taking them? In most cases, you can continue taking your prescription and non-prescription medication up until the day of the colonoscopy procedure.

  • Discontinue taking any medications that are diuretic, such as Imodium, or that contain iron, a week before your procedure

  • If you are on blood thinners, you will usually need to temporarily discontinue use prior to your procedure. Consult with your doctor for specific directions

  • Aspirin at low doses may be continued

  • If you take insulin or other diabetes medication, doses may need to be adjusted. Consult with your doctor before your colonoscopy for specifications

  • Take your morning medicine at least 4 hours before your procedure, with a small amount of water

Post-Colonoscopy Transportation Guidelines

Because you will usually be mildly sedated for a colonoscopy, it is necessary that you have someone accompany you home on the day of the procedure. A family member or a cab service to escort you home is essential for your safety. You should also avoid operating machinery, driving a car, drinking alcohol, or making any legal decisions after your procedure as well. Have further questions about post-colonoscopy transportation? Contact Northeastern Gastroenterology Associates now!

Be Proactive About Colorectal Cancer

Doctor showing patient the room

What to Expect on the Day of Your Colonoscopy?

When the day of your appointment arrives, you will be asked to change into a medical gown. After that, a nurse will place an I.V. for administering a sedating medication. Once the procedure room is ready, the whole colonoscopy will most likely take less than a half-hour. Most patients feel minimal or no discomfort or pain whatsoever during the examination. After the colonoscopy is complete, you will be observed until the anesthetics’ effects diminish, and then released to be driven home. You can usually expect a letter within 1 to 2 weeks after the exam with your results. Expect the whole appointment to last approximately 2 to 3 hours.

Learn More

The Best Gastroenterologists in Pennsylvania

Our ASGE physicians are highly-specialized in endoscopic procedures of the digestive tract, including upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS).

For high-quality colonoscopies by leading physicians in the field, schedule an appointment with Northeastern Gastroenterology Associates today. We have offices in both Hondesdale and Blakey. Call now!

Honesdale: (570) 253-3391 Blakely: (570) 291-4936