- How long does the test take?
The test itself only takes about 15-30 minutes, but you will be at your appointment for about 1.5 hours on average. Some are a bit quicker, some are a bit longer.
- Will I be sedated?
Yes. Sedatives such as midazolam, fentanyl and propofol may be used, through an intravenous line, to cause relaxation, drowsiness and/or sleep. Most patients sleep through the test. Patients are made comfortable so as not to feel pain during the procedure.
- Do I need to take the day before the test off work?
Typically, no. However, if you work an afternoon or night shift, you may want to discuss your scheduling options with our staff.
- I have been eating seeds up until today. What do I do now?
If you accidentally eat food containing nuts, seeds or skins, stop eating them, and continue with the preparation as instructed. The laxatives should still clean out your colon as required to perform the test.
- I have been eating all day today, and my test is tomorrow. What do I do now?
Stop eating and contact our office. Depending on the time, and when your procedure is scheduled for, we may be able to suggest alternate laxatives that are more aggressive than what was given to you. It is important to be adequately prepared for the procedure, or it may need to be rescheduled.
- I have been drinking water into my 2 hours before my test. What do I do?
Stop drinking as soon as you realize that you should have stopped, and make a note of the time. Notify our staff when you arrive for your appointment. Your procedure may need to be moved back in order for you to be ready for the anesthesia.
- I forgot to take the dulcolax tablets. What do I do now?
Take the dulcolax tablet as soon as you remember to do so. They are an added tool to help prepare your colon, but the powdered laxatives are the main tool to get you and your colon ready for the test.
- I can't stand the taste of the laxatives. Can I make it better?
The laxative is flavored to make it taste better. It is different from the Kleen Prep you may have used before, and is half the amount. Do not add anything to it.
- The laxatives are making me nauseous. What can I do?
You can take Gravol if you feel nauseous after taking the laxatives. After your bowel starts to move this usually gets better. If you suspect you may become nauseous while taking the laxatives, you can take Gravol a half hour before you start drinking the solution.
- I vomited up the first package of laxatives. What do I do now?
You can take Gravol to reduce the nausea, so that you can take the second dose. Pico Salax is an alternate laxative that is lower in volume. Pico Salax is also available at most drug stores. However, you cannot take Pico Salax if you have kidney disease or heart failure.
- I vomited up the second package of laxatives. What do I do now?
Some people are able to adequately prepare for the procedure with just one dose of the laxative. Come in for your appointment and let our staff know what happened.
- Nothing is happening and I have taken all the laxatives as per instructions. What do I do now?
Contact our office. Depending on the time, and when your procedure is scheduled for, we may be able to suggest alternate laxatives that are more aggressive than what was given to you. It is important to be adequately prepared for the procedure, or it may need to be rescheduled.
- Can I still take my medications? Herbs/vitamins?
You can continue to take most medications, herbs and vitamins before your test with the following exceptions:
- Please stop taking any iron pills 5 days before your procedure
- Please do not take your diabetic medications the night before, and the morning of the test. You can resume these after the test is finished.
- I took my diabetic medications by mistake. What do I do now?
Come to your appointment as scheduled, but notify our staff. You should check your blood sugar periodically while you are fasting. If it is very low, you can take glucose tablets or apple juice.
- I have a bad headache. Can I take anything for it?
If you have a headache while preparing for the test, you can take Tylenol. Headaches often get better after the test.
- How soon can I eat after my test? What can I eat?
Once the test is completed, you can usually resume eating normally.
- Why can't I drive after the procedure?
Like some other medications, the sedatives given during the test can cause impaired judgement, slower reaction times, and drowsiness, etc. If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident following the procedure, you can be charged with impaired driving.
- I can't get a ride home after my test. What are my options?
If you cannot get a ride home from a friend or family member, you can take a taxi. You should not drive, take public transit, ride a bike or walk home from the procedure.
- Will I be okay the day after the test?
Yes. You should be fine to go back to work and resume your normal activities the day after the test. It can, however, take a few days for your bowel habits to return to normal, as you increase your food intake.