Why can’t I drive myself home after a procedure?
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answer here.
You are not allowed to drive
at all the rest of the day after being sedated for a procedure.
Even if you think that you feel fine after being sedated for a procedure,
it is impossible to tell how your reflexes and thought processes
have been impaired by the medication you have been given. If
you have an accident, you will test positive for narcotics.
Is beer (or other alcohol) considered a clear liquid?
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answer here.
No, beer and other alcoholic
beverages are not allowed on a clear liquid diet.
Can I drink decaf coffee or tea?
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answer here.
No, these are not considered
‘clear liquids’.
Can I have a taxi take me home?
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answer here.
No, you may not have a taxi take
you home. You will still be under the effects of the sedative and
need someone responsible to care for you. The taxi driver will be
unable to give you the care that you need.
Will I have to come in for a consultation visit before
the colonoscopy? Why?
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answer here.
You will need to come in for
a consultation visit before the colonoscopy so that the doctor can
gather all of your medical history, do a brief physical exam, and
go over the appropriate preparation instructions with you.
How will I feel after the procedure?
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answer here.
Most people feel OK after a colonoscopy.
You may feel a bit drowsy. You'll be watched after the procedure
as you awaken from the sedation. If you’ve had a colonoscopy,
you may have some gas, which could cause mild discomfort.
Will I have a sore throat after the EGD?
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answer here.
You may have some mild discomfort,
or you may not have any discomfort at all. If you have any pain
or fever following any procedure, please call the office immediately.
If I am on my period, can I still have the colonoscopy?
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answer here.
In most cases, yes, you can still
have the colonoscopy as long as you are wearing a tampon. If you
tend to bleed heavily, you may want to reschedule for another date
when you are not menstruating.
Will I be able to resume normal activities the day
after the procedure?
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answer here.
Yes, unless large polyps are
removed, in which case, exercise may be limited.
How soon after the procedure can I eat or drink?
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answer here.
As soon as you are discharged
you may eat and drink, unless you need to be NPO for another test.
We do suggest you eat light for the rest of the day.
Should I take all of my medications on the morning
of the procedure?
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answer here.
If you are on any blood pressure
medication, heart medication, medication for seizures, or psychiatric
medications, you should take it on the morning of the procedure.
ALL other medications please wait until after your procedure to
take.
Am I knocked out completely for the test?
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answer here.
No, you are not completely “knocked
out”; the procedure will be done under conscious sedation.
You will usually receive two medications prior to and during the
procedure. One of the medications is for pain and the other is to
make you feel sleepy and relaxed. You will be conscious for the
procedure although you may not remember all of it afterwards.
What kind of sedation is used?
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answer here.
The type of sedation used is
what is known as “conscious sedation”. You will be awake
and able to talk and watch the procedure on the video screen, although
you may not remember it afterwards.
How long will the procedure take?
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answer here.
Colonoscopy can take from
30-60 minutes. Endoscopy can take from 15-30 minutes. The procedure
can take more or less time and varies from person to person. Even
though the test itself takes about 30 minutes, you will need extra
time for registration, preoperative check-in, the test itself,
and postoperative recovery. The average stay for most patients
is about two hours total.
How long will I have to stay after the procedure
is over?
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answer here.
On average, patients are observed
for 30-60 minutes after their procedure. After you have stable
vital signs, are able to sit up, and are able to ambulate unassisted,
you and your companion will be free to leave.
I am afraid that I will say things that I shouldn’t
while sedated.
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answer here.
This is a normal and common
fear. Most individuals are afraid of losing control, giving away
their secrets, or saying something embarrassing while they are
asleep. While in a state of conscious sedation, it is very unusual
for patients to speak.
If the doctor finds a polyp during my procedure,
will he remove it?
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answer here.
In most cases, the polyp will
be removed and sent to the lab for testing.
Will I mess up the bed while they are doing the procedure?
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answer here.
No, the scope has a suction
to clean out any liquid left in your bowel.
Why should I avoid red liquids during my colonoscopy prep?
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answer here.
The red color can persist in the colon and potentially look like blood.
However, cranberry juice is permitted since it is a natural red color.
Drinking all this liquid makes me feel like vomiting and I don't think that I can drink any more. What do I do?
View
answer here.
It is important that you continue to drink the solution if at all possible.
Without a clean bowel, the doctor will not be able to see the inside of your colon to complete the examination.
If you experience nausea, wait 15 minutes and resume drinking slowly. If you do vomit, wait 45 minutes and begin drinking the solution again.
Try sipping the solution with a straw.
I drank a lot of the solution and I have not gone to the bathroom yet. What should I do?
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answer here.
Keep drinking. Most people have a bowel movement after an hour. Some patients may take 2 hours or longer.
Can I drink alcoholic beverages?
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answer here.
Do not drink any alcoholic beverages prior to your procedure since they can cause dehydration.
What side effects may I expect from the colonoscopy prep?
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answer here.
Since the prep works by flooding the intestinal tract with fluid, abdominal bloating and cramping may occur, as well as some nausea and vomiting.
This is usually temporary, and as the diarrhea develops, symptoms will gradually improve. Weakness can also occur, especially if you have not taken enough fluid with the prep, and can be remedied by increasing fluid intake.
Why does your facility not acknowledge Advance Directives?
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answer here.
This is not as controversial
as it might seem. We are not a long-term care facility nor are we
a hospital, therefore Advance Directives would not apply to the
care received in our office facilities. If something should happen
to you in our facility, we will do everything we can to prevent
loss of life. Once you are transferred to the hospital, your Advance
Directive will then become effective.
