Do I need colon cancer screening?
Colon cancer screening is best performed by colonoscopy and should begin at age 50 and be performed every ten years.

If a person has a family history of a parent or sibling having colon cancer or a polyp before age 65, then colonoscopy should begin at age 40 or ten years younger than the age of the family member when they were diagnosed with colon cancer or polyps. Subsequent colonoscopies should be at five year intervals.

If a person has a personal history of polyps on a previous colonoscopy, typically colonoscopy should subsequently be performed at three to five year intervals.

What should I do if I take insulin?
Call your primary doctor at least five days before the procedure and ask for instructions.

What should I do if I take Coumadin (warfarin)?
Call your primary doctor or cardiologist and ask if you can stop the Coumadin five days before your procedure. If your doctor tells you that you cannot stop the Coumadin then please call us immediately to make us aware of this. We will then discuss with you the various options available for doing a procedure while on Coumadin.

What should I do if I take Plavix (clopidogrel) or aspirin?
Plavix and aspirin need to be stopped five days prior to undergoing an endoscopic procedure.

What should I do if I take iron?
If you are having a colonoscopy, stop the iron seven(7) days before the procedure. Iron can interfere with the colonoscopy preparation resulting in a poorly cleaned colon. You do not need to stop iron if you are only having an upper endoscopy.

What should I do if I take herbal medicines?
It is best to stop any herbal remedies five days before the procedure as many of them can thin the blood and increase the risk of bleeding during the procedure.

Will I require antibiotics for my procedure?
Most patients do not require antibiotics for either upper endoscopy or colonoscopy. However, if you have had valvular heart disease or a heart murmur, or if you require antibiotics prior to dental work, please call us at least five days before the procedure for instructions as you may need antibiotics prior to the procedure. Of note; artificial joints, pacemakers, and automatic implantable defibrillators do not usually require antibiotics.

What should I do if I have an automatic implantable defibrillator?
Please call at least five days before the procedure for instructions.

Should I take my usual medications on the morning of the procedure?
No, do not take your medications on the morning of the procedure. You may bring them with you to take after the procedure or take them when you go home.

What are the potential complications of upper endoscopy or colonoscopy? Enclosed with the information you will receive about your procedure, there is a review of the potential complications of your specific procedure. Overall, upper endoscopy and colonoscopy are very safe. There is a very small chance of allergic reaction to the medications used for sedation; over sedation that could compromise your breathing, bleeding, or perforation.

Bleeding can occur after a biopsy or removal of a polyp. It is usually minimal though rarely there can be major bleeding that could require hospitalization, blood transfusion, or surgery.

Perforation (causing a tear in the wall of the esophagus, stomach, or intestine) is a very rare complication, though when occurs usually requires surgery.

If you have concerns about the possible complications of your procedure, please discuss this with your doctor.

FAQ regarding a Scheduled Colonoscopy
Dizziness and headache could be signs of low blood sugar. Drinking a regular carbonated beverage (not diet) or apple juice may alleviate these symptoms.

What is the best “clear” liquid to take?
Gatorade, which comes in many flavors, is an excellent choice as it contains electrolytes such as potassium.  Avoid red and blue liquids.

Why avoid red/blue liquids?
The color can persist in the colon and make an accurate diagnosis more difficult.

One of the medications I was instructed to take the morning of my procedure is red. Can I take it?
Medication for blood pressure, heart conditions, and seizure should be taken the morning of your exam regardless of the color.

Is there any way that I can make this taste better?
You can try sucking on hard candy. You can rinse your mouth with water or a mouthwash. Do not eat or drink anything other than approved liquids while you are drinking the solution.

I already have diarrhea before taking the prep, do I still have to take the laxative?
Yes, you must take the prep as directed by your doctor. Your colon is approximately 6 feet long. The entire colon must be emptied for your physician to see the colon clearly.

I am taking the prep and already have loose, watery stool; do I still need the rest of the prep?
Yes, you may have solid stool higher in the colon that needs to be eliminated.

I see yellow color in the toilet bowl and a few flecks, what do I do?
If your last bowel movements were clear enough that you were able to see the bottom of the toilet you should be fine. It is ok if you have some flecks of material. The yellow color is a result of the bile that normally colors the feces. This shouldn’t interfere with the examination.

My bottom is so sore. What can I do?
To clean the area, avoid rubbing. Gently pat with a wet washcloth. Apply Vaseline, Preparation H, or Desitin liberally.

Can I drink alcoholic beverages?
We strongly suggest you do not drink any alcoholic beverages prior to your procedure since they can cause dehydration and some wines may thin your blood.

Can I chew gum or suck candy?
Yes, but nothing with soft centers or red color.

What if I am still passing stool the morning of my test? T
Take a tap water enema until you run clear.

Can I brush my teeth?
Yes.

Can I wear my dentures?
Yes, you may wear your dentures to the Endoscopy suite. However, you may be asked to remove them prior to the procedure.

I have been instructed not to take anti-inflammatories or blood thinners several days before the procedure. What can I take for headaches and pain relief?
You make take Tylenol as directed.

Can I have the colonoscopy done if I am having my menstrual period?
Yes, the procedure can still be performed. We ask that you use a tampon if possible (not absolutely necessary).