Your doctor has scheduled you to have a colonoscopy which is a diagnostic and potentially therapeutic test that allows the doctor to directly examine the inside of the colon (large bowel) and the end of the small bowel (ileum) with a narrow flexible instrument called a colonoscope. When performed by a specially trained physician, this is a safe and accurate way to determine the condition of your colon and ileum.

After preparing for your colonoscopy by cleansing your bowel, you will report to the designated area, as discussed by your physician. Because you will be given intravenous (IV) sedation, you may not drive for 24 hours after your colonoscopy.

Please arrange another means of transportation.

Your colonoscopy will be done in an outpatient examination area or in our office where a nurse will explain the procedure and give you an opportunity to ask questions before signing the consent form.

An intravenous (IV) will be started prior to your colonoscopy so that sedation may be given prior to and during the exam to keep you comfortable.

You will be lying on your left side and after a rectal examination and you are relaxed and drowsy from the sedation, the doctor will gently insert the colonoscope into your rectum and guide it up into the colon During the procedure, you may be asked to move to different positions to assist the doctor in examining a particular area. You may feel some cramping during the exam. This is normal, as small amounts of air are inserted through the scope into your bowel to allow your doctor to see better. It is important for you to let the doctor or nurse know if you have discomfort so additional medication may be given to you. It is important for you to listen to any instructions given by the doctor or nurse during the exam, as they will help keep you comfortable.

Biopsies may be taken during the exam, therapies may be performed, and if a polyp is found it may be removed using special equipment attached to cautery. You should not feel this.

After your colonoscopy is completed, you will be taken to a room where the IV will be removed and you will rest for about one half to one hour as the effects of the medication wear off.

Before you are discharged, you will be given instructions regarding problems to be aware of after the procedure, results of the exam, treatment, diet, and follow up appointments if needed.

After the colonoscopy, you should not expect to be uncomfortable but:

1. You may have some discomfort in the hand or arm into which the IV was inserted, as the medication may be irritating to your veins. If this persists longer than 48 hours or you have swelling or redness at the IV site, call your doctor.
2. You may have abdominal discomfort. This is most likely due to air put in during the colonoscopy and should not last long.
3. If you experience these symptoms: persistent abdominal pain, abdominal bloating, rectal bleeding, fever, nausea, or vomiting - you should contact your doctor immediately.

Feel free to discuss these and other questions with the doctor or nurse before your examination. Please call us at 845-331-8222.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR COLONOSCOPY

Because the colonoscopy involves looking inside of the intestine, all body waste must be flushed out of your system so that your doctor can have a clear view. If your colon is not completely clean, your doctor may not be able to safely complete the examination. Your cooperation is important.

Your doctor is recommending the use of GOLYTE to cleanse the bowel because it is safer and typically more effective than other methods.

PLEASE FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS:

1. For an AM procedure, starting at noon the day before the examination: clear liquids only (click here for clear liquid diet).
2. For a PM procedure starting at 5pm the day before the examination: clear liquids only (click here for clear liquid diet).
3. For an AM procedure, between 3pm and 5pm the day before the examination: begin drinking the Golyte - 1 glass every 15 to 20 minutes until you have completed the Golyte container. (Golyte may be refrigerated overnight before using, and if you got plain flavor, you may flavor with 2 packages of lemon flavor Crystal Light drink mix.) If you get nausea, vomiting or abdominal bloating, you may slowdown the rate at which you are drinking the Golyte.
4. For a PM procedure, at 7am the day of the examination, begin drinking the Golyte - 1 glass every 15 to 20 minutes until you have completed the Golyte container. (Golyte may be refrigerated overnight before using, and if you got plain flavor, you may flavor with 2 packages of lemon flavor Crystal Light drink mix.) If you get nausea, vomiting or abdominal bloating, you may slowdown the rate at which you are drinking the Golyte.
5. You may continue the clear liquid diet after finishing the Golyte. You must have nothing by mouth for 3 hours prior to the examination.
6. No aspirin or anti-inflammation medications (e.g. Advil, Motrin, Aleve) 7 days before.
7. If you are taking insulin, diabetes medication, blood pressure medication, tranquilizers, coumadin, or other blood thinners, you will receive special instructions.