OT: Colonoscopy Prep -

[Guest guest]

Hi ,Here is the colonoscopy prep I promised you... Sorry I am late with it, but I did not forget... Just very busy this past week... Jim

***************************************************************************Colonoscopy educationhttp://borland-groover.com/gi-education/procedures/colonoscopy/#preparation

Prep:What to purchase:******Miralax in large bottle (8.3 ounces or 238 grams)

NOTE: You can buy Wal Mart's brand (identical) called Equate ClearLax (compare to MiraLAX)it does come in a larger bottle, 17.9 oz (510 grams).  Miralax at Wal Mart came in the same large size.

If you buy this larger size, you will need a gram scale to measure the exact dose needed of 238 grams.You may be able to find the 238 gram size at a pharmacy other than WalMart or perhaps your Wal Mart

has this correct size.  Expect to pay more for the name brand.*****4 Dulcolax or bisacodyl tablets (5 milligram tablets)    

Note: Wal Mart's Equate brand is identical " Stimulant laxative tablets. "  25 tabs per box

You can't buy just 4 tabs... WM's prices are much lower than brand cost on these.****Gatorade - 64 oz

If you need to buy a gram scale:http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40 & _trksid=p3984.m570.l1313 & _nkw=gram+scale & _sacat=See-All-Categories

This is the exact one I bought, also great for measuring supplements such as powders... Easy to use.http://cgi.ebay.com/600-x-0-1-GRAM-DIGITAL-SCALE-0-01-Ounces-Lab-Balance-/250672823001?cmd=ViewItem & pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0 & hash=item3a5d43bad9#ht_4171wt_1139

Here's what to do:http://www.yafferuden.com/html/colonoscopy_preparation.html

Preparation In detail: Please take all your normal medication. Do not take aspirin for three days before the procedure, as it might increase the risk of bleeding if a polyp is removed. If you take an anticoagulant, or if you have inadvertently taken a few aspirin, call.  In most cases, an aspirin will not make a difference unless a large polyp is removed.  Tylenol, Aleve and Advil are okay.  If you have an artificial valve or a very serious significant heart murmur, please call.  If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please call.

You may have a LIGHT LUNCH the day before the procedure.   After lunch, drink only fluids - anything you can read through. (Water, seltzer, black coffee, tea, vodka, Gatorade are okay.) 

IT SHOULD BE EMPHASIZED THAT ALL FLUID INTAKE, INCLUDING WATER, SHOULD END SIX (6!) HOURS BEFORE THE PROCEDURE. 

In order to prevent hunger, some patients drink liquid Sustacal or Ensure, nutritional supplements available over-the-counter in pharmacies. You can drink up to 4 cans up until midnight.  (Sustacal and Ensure are not clear, but are completely absorbed in the small bowel, and are okay.) –OVER—

DirectionsDIRECTIONS FOR DULCOLAX/MIRALAX/GATORADE PREP:

Mix the entire 238 gram bottle of Miralax with 2 quarts of Gatorade in a large pitcher. Stir, chill, add ice, and let it breathe for at least a few minutes in order to fully appreciate the flavor.

At approximately 4-7PM the evening before the procedure, take all four Dulcolax tablets.  It will probably take about 2-3 hours before the action begins.  If you are a frequent laxative user, please start with double your USUAL effective Dulcolax dose (or call the office if questions).

My instructions were a little different and are in RED... Continue to take meds during prep, but if taking Plavix, Coumadin, Heparin or Iron, let your doctor know. 

1. At 3:00PM, take 2 Ducolax tablets.

Two hours after the Dulcolax, start drinking your chilled Miralax cocktail.  (We are entertaining creative names for this cocktail, so please feel free to jot down your thoughts during your private moments.)  You should pace yourself to drink about eight 8 ounce glasses (64oz.) over a 2-4 hour period, roughly one glass every 15-30 minutes, until finished.

2. At 5:00PM,mix the 238 gram bottle of Miralax in 64 0z Gatorade. (If diabetic, Crystal Light may be used).   Shake the solution until the Miralax is dissolved. Drink an 8 oz glass every 25 minutes

until the solution is gone. I actually mixed each 8 oz glass with 29.75 grams of Miralax. 

At 8:00PM after all the Gatorade is gone, take 2 Ducolax tablets. Continue drinking clear fluids until bedtime.

Remember, if following some group suggestions, back up every time by 1 hr. After midnight you may have no more than 24 oz of tea, water, Propel or Gatorade. 

IT SHOULD BE EMPHASIZED THAT ALL FLUID INTAKE, INCLUDING WATER, SHOULD END SIX (6!) HOURS BEFORE THE PROCEDURE.

Clear liquids allowed:Jello, (no fruit pieces, red, purple coloring)

Plain broth or bouillion (chicken or beef)TeaGatorade

LemonadeKool aid (no 

red, purple coloring)

Clear soft drinks such as 7-UP or Sprite

Ginger Ale

Apple Juice

Popsicles

Do not drink coffee, milk or dark sodas. No Red, orange or Purple flavorings.

Expect to use the facilities at least 10-15 times.  The stool should be clear, lemonade-like, not sludgy or brown.  Expect some cramps.  If you have questions about success, call at 8 am, when the phones get turned on. We can improvise in the morning if necessary.

You can expect to leave approximately 45 minutes after we start the procedure.  Most people do not need anyone to pick them up, as the anesthesia wears off very quickly.  Most patients will want to eat breakfast and are capable of being at work within an hour of leaving the office.  No driving a car or operating heavy machinery (airplanes, backhoes, chainsaws, etc.)  for 4 hours after anesthesia.

It is a good idea to bring an extra pair of underwear. 

Menstrual periods, viral syndromes, or urinary infections do not interfere with the colonoscopy!  Call if questions!!!   Bring any Insurance or Referral Forms.