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Colonoscopy Preparation Instructions

If for any reason you are unable to obtain your prescription prep, please use the Miralax prep. Miralax does not require a prescription and is equally effective. Purchase over the counter at your chosen pharmacy.

Bowl Prep Instructions

Time of Procedure: You will be notified of your arrival time by the location the afternoon before your procedure.

Locations of Procedure: Please go to registration upon arrival.

For scheduling, medical, or preparation questions call 239-343-6222. For billing questions, call 239-343-5516.

Daily Medication

If you are taking medication for high blood pressure or seizures, breathing medications, or thyroid medications, you must take your essential medications as prescribed on the day of the procedure with a small sip of water.

DO NOT take NSAIDS (Ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, or Aleve also known as Naproxen).  

Blood Thinners: follow your prescribing doctor’s instructions.  Permission from your prescribing doctor may be needed.

In order to complete a successful colonoscopy, it is important that your colon be carefully cleansed and emptied.  Improper cleansing can hide tumors that may be present making the results of the procedure unreliable and could result in the need to cancel or repeat the procedure.

5-7 Days Before Your Procedure:

  • If you take iron, stop taking for 7 days prior to the procedure.
  • If you currently take a blood thinner or see a cardiologist regularly, please be sure your doctor is aware as clearance may be needed from your cardiologist before the procedure.
  • Purchase the prescription or over the counter medications for preparation for your procedure.

PLEASE MAKE ARRANGEMENTS FOR A RESPONSIBLE ADULT TO DRIVE YOU HOME.  You will not be able to drive for 24 hours after your procedure.

What to Expect:

  • You will meet with your doctor before your procedure.  They will explain the procedure to you and answer any questions you have. 
  • You will meet with the Anesthesiologist.  They will review your medical history with you and talk with you about the kind of anesthesia (medication to make you sleep) you will receive. 
  • You will be placed on your left side with your knees bent.
  • Your doctor will use air and fluid to move the colonoscope along the length of your colon while looking for anything unusual on the video monitor.

After Your Procedure:

  • Discharge instructions will be given to you verbally and in writing.  
  • Please note that many people feel bloated and have stomach cramps after a colonoscopy.  This is normal and goes away by passing gas.

When You Go Home:

  • You may begin eating light foods as soon as you are discharged and feel comfortable.  Work your way up to your normal diet.  If your doctor has recommendations of a more limited diet for a period of time, they will tell you.
  • You can go back to doing your usual activities 24 hours after your procedure.  
  • Don’t consume alcoholic beverages, tranquilizers, sleeping medications, or any non-prescription medication for 24 hours after your procedure.
  • You should have someone at home with you for 24 hours.
  • If you had a biopsy, it is normal to have a small amount of bleeding from your rectum.  There should be no more than a few drops of blood and the bleeding should stop within 24 hours.
  • After a colonoscopy, it is normal for your bowel movements to be irregular.  This may last for up to a week after your procedure.

CALL 911 if you have shortness of breath or any of the below symptoms are severe or cannot be managed at home.

Call Your Doctor or Nurse If You Have:

  • Vomiting of blood
  • Fever over 101 degrees F (38.8 C) by mouth
  • Bleeding from your rectum that soaks through the dressing and lasts more than 24 hours.
  • Increasing and progressive drainage from surgical area or exam site
  • Increased redness, warmth, hardness around the operative/procedure site
  • Redness, swelling, or drainage around the IV site
  • Inability to urinate
  • Chest Pain- any squeezing, pressure, discomfort, tightness, heaviness or bruised feeling
  • Numb, tingling, or cold fingers and toes
  • Severe stomach pain or bloating, weakness, of severe fainting
  • Severe nausea or vomiting
  • Sore Throat with difficulty swallowing fluids 

Thank you for choosing Lee Health for your healthcare needs.  We would love to hear about your experience with the health providers who helped to care for you during your time with us.  You may receive a patient satisfaction survey.  We value your feedback and use comments to assist us in continually improving our services.