A colonoscopy is an incredible way to care for yourself, prevent disease and stay healthy. Still, it’s understandable if you’re nervous about the procedure. Understanding how colonoscopies work and taking some simple steps to prepare can help make sure your screening runs smoothly.
Before Your Colonoscopy
A key part of getting ready for a colonoscopy is taking bowel prep to clear out your bowel. Bowel prep directions vary depending on whether you’re taking the Gatorade® and Miralax® split dose, Suprep® or a different prep. The week of your procedure, you’ll receive a call from your doctor’s office to go over your specific prep instructions, discuss appointment details and answer any questions you have. You may also receive this information in your My Health Online account.
Ahead of your screening, you’ll also want to take these steps:
- Discuss medications and conditions – Tell your doctor if you’re pregnant or if you take blood thinners such as Coumadin® (warfarin), Plavix®, Lovenox®, Aggrenox®, Pradaxa®, Effient®. Your doctor needs to know if you’re taking medication for blood pressure or diabetes, or drugs to help with weight loss. Examples include Wegovy®, Ozempic® and Mounjaro®. If applicable, bring emergency inhalers or migraine medications to your appointment.
- Plan for a ride – You’ll be given a light sedative during your colonoscopy, so plan to have someone drive you home. Your driver must be over 18. Public transportation or a rideshare service like Lyft or Uber are allowed only if you have an adult over 18 accompanying you. Someone should stay with you for at least four hours after your procedure. If you anticipate issues finding a ride or a person to stay with you, talk to your doctor. There may be options available through your doctor’s office or hospital.
- Stop taking NSAID pain relievers – Four days before your procedure, stop taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, Motrin®, Advil®, Naprosyn®, Aleve® and Relafen®. You may continue to take a single aspirin (81 mg tablet) daily or Tylenol®.
- Complete bowel prep – Follow your doctor’s instructions for bowel prep. In general, you’ll be on an all-liquid diet that can include water, tea, coffee, apple juice, white grape juice, white cranberry juice, sports drinks, vitamin waters, Jell-O®, broth and soda. Don’t drink creamers, dairy or any red, blue or purple products. Your prep instructions will also be in My Health Online. Call your doctor’s office if you have questions.
- Call your doctor if you’re sick – Let your doctor know if you feel sick or if you develop a rash or open wound before the procedure. In some cases, the screening might need to be postponed.
Get Procedure Ready
There are a few things to do the day of your appointment:
- Shower or bathe the night before or morning of your appointment.
- Wear comfortable, loose clothing and flat shoes.
- Avoid contact lenses (bring glasses instead), lotions, makeup, nail polish and scented products.
- Bring photo ID and your insurance card.
During a Colonoscopy
You’ve done the prep and you’re all ready to go. So, what happens during your colonoscopy appointment?
A nurse will check you in and write down the name and phone number of the person who is taking you home. For patients under 18, a parent or guardian must wait in the lobby during the procedure.
Your doctor will discuss sedation or anesthesia with you before your procedure, and then they’ll complete the screening. Afterward, a nurse will stay with you in a recovery area until you meet the criteria to go home. This usually takes about 30 minutes.
After a Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is a safe, effective procedure, but it can sometimes cause side effects such as temporary dizziness, nausea or vomiting, or abdominal pain. These should decrease over time. In rare cases, you can have some bleeding or develop an infection. Call your doctor if you develop a fever or experience heavy bleeding.
It’s normal to feel drowsy after the procedure. Take the rest of the day to relax and avoid driving, operating machinery, drinking alcohol or using drugs.
A nurse will call you the next business day to check on how you are doing and see if you have any questions. You should be feeling normal and be back in the swing of things in about a day.