Preparation instructions (pdf document)
Proper bowel preparation is essential to a safe and successful colonoscopy. You will need to purchase an oral bowel cleanser and stool softeners (listed below) two days before your procedure. These items can be found at your local pharmacy. Failure to properly prepare will result in cancellation of your appointment. Please call us if you have any questions regarding the following instructions:
- Food containing seeds, nuts or corn should be stopped 48 hours (3 days) before the procedure. No solid food for the entire day the day before your procedure. Clear fluids only! Clear fluids includes: water, pop, clear juices such as: apple juice, white grape juice, white cranberry juice (no orange juice), Gatorade and Jell-o (no red or purple), consommé or clear broth soups, black coffee or tea (No congee!). Drink at least 2 liters (about 12 large glasses) of water throughout the day to help flush out your bowel.
You will need to:
- 1) Purchase one box (contains two sachets) of Pico-Salax.
- 2) Purchase 2 tablets of Dulcolax.
- Take 2 tablets of Dulcolax two nights before your procedure. Take the tablets after dinner (this is your last solid meal). These tablets are stool softeners and will not prevent you from going to work the next day. Drink plenty of fluids after taking the two tablets
- The Pico-Salax is to be taken one day before your procedure. The first sachet is to be taken at 5:00pm and the second sachet at 9:00pm that evening. Drink plenty of fluids after each sachet
- To prepare the Pico-Salax, add one sachet to 150mL (5oz) of cold water and stir for 2-3 minutes. The mixture may heat up while stirring. If so, let it cool and drink the entire contents. This is to be done once at 5:00pm and again at 9:00pm.
*Please note that the instructions on the box of Pico-Salax are different from our instructions. Please follow the instructions we give you!
Through out the preparation make sure to drink plenty of fluids (as mentioned above) !
ATTENTION
STOP all liquids 4 hours before your appointment time.
For example: If your appointment is at 1:00pm, STOP all liquids 9:00am
MEDICATIONS
If you are on any of the following medications, you will need to stop taking them for a period of time. Please refer to the list below:
Medication that needs to be Stopped
- Aspirin and Entrophen 7 days before procedure
- Anti-inflammatory 7 days before procedure
- Iron Pills 7 days before procedure
- Clopidogrel (Plavix) 3 days before procedure
- Ticlopidine (Ticlid) 3 days before procedure
If you are taking Coumadin (Warfarin), please inform the receptionist upon booking your appointment. Our Surgeons will review your medical history and we will provide you with further instructions if needed.
High Blood Pressure medication is to be taken the morning of your appointment with a sip of water, enought to take down the medication.
ATTENTION DIABETICS
- Take only HALF of your regular diabetic medication the day before the procedure. This includes oral medications and Insulin.
- On the day of the procedure do not take your diabetic medication until after your procedure is completed and you have had something to eat. You may then return to your regular dose of diabetic medication.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Please arrive 15-30 minutes before your scheduled procedure with your valid Ontario health card. Our staff needs to admit and prepare you for the procedure.
- Due to the nature of the medication you will be receiving, you will NOT be able to drive for 24 hours. You MUST have someone (friend or family member) here at the clinic during your procedure to accompany you and to drive you home after the procedure. You are legally impaired! There will be no driving for 24 hours. Any form of public transportation is not permitted.
- For non-English speaking patients, please bring an interpreter with you (we do have Cantonese and Mandarin speaking staff available).
- There is NO additional charge for your procedure or parking here at Atlas Endoscopy. However, there is a $150.00 fine for cancellations less than 48 hours prior to appointment time.
Our Commitment is simple:
To provide the highest quality care, in a welcoming and comfortable environment