Read this entire document at least 1 week before your test. For a printable version of your bowel prep instructions and checklist click on download & print. Let’s review how to get ready for your colonoscopy using a 2-day prep with PEG solution split-dose and magnesium citrate.
Constipation
You may need extra prep if you are often constipated or if you have had problems prepping before. Please call to talk about this in more detail.
3 Days Before Test
Start a Low Fiber Diet
See “Getting Ready for Your GI Procedure” handout for more information.
Pick up Bowel Prep
Your bowel prep will be ordered about two weeks before your test. Three days before your test:
Call the pharmacy to tell them you will be picking up your bowel prep.
Pick up your bowel prep. Do not mix the prep until the day before the test.
Pick up a 10 oz. bottle of magnesium citrate, this is bought over the counter.
Buy soft toilet paper.
2 Days Before Test
Start a Clear Liquid Diet
At 12 pm (noon) stop eating solid foodand begin clear liquid diet. See “Getting Ready for Your GI Procedure” handout for more information.
Medicines
Take your daily medicine, except those you were told to stop. Take your medicines at least one hour before or one hour after drinking your prep.
Bowel Prep
Between 3 pm-5 pm, drink a full bottle of magnesium citrate.
This may give you loose stools and mild cramping.
It could take from 30 minutes to 8 hours to start working.
1 Day Before Test
Mix the Prep
Mix prep as instructed on the jug and place in the fridge.
Diet
Continue a clear liquid diet (no red or purple). No solid foods.
Medicines
Take your daily medicine, except those you were told to stop. Take your medicines at least one hour before or one hour after drinking your prep.
Bowel Prep
Start drinking your prep at the time listed on your Prep Checklist.
Follow the directions on the checklist. Do not follow the directions on the jug. Once you have finished the amount of prep listed on your checklist based on arrival time, put the rest of the prep in the fridge.
Stay near a bathroom. You will have loose, then liquid stools. This is normal.
Nausea
You may have cramping, bloating and/or nausea. If you have a lot of nausea or vomiting, slow down or stop for 30 minutes, then start again.
Test Day
Bowel Prep
Start drinking the rest of the prep 6 hours before you arrive for your test. This may be in the middle of the night.
Drink 1 cup (8oz) every 10-20 minutes.
Medicines
If you need to take medicine during the 4 hours before your arrival, drink no more than 1/2 cup of water (4 ounces). Follow your provider’s directions for your diabetes or blood thinning medicines.
If you are still passing solid or brown stools, please call the procedure center. Your stools should be watery clear or yellow with no solids (flecks of stool are OK). You should finish the entire bowel prep solution, no matter the stool color or consistency.
Before the Test
When you arrive, you can choose if your driver waits in the waiting room or in your private room where they will hear private health information.
The doctor will talk with you, answer questions, and ask you to sign a consent form.
A nurse will review your health history, take your vital signs and attach a heart monitor.
A nurse will place an IV and give you medicines to help you relax and keep you comfortable.
Your visit will take about 2-3 hours.
After the Test
Your doctor will review the results and give you a report. We strongly suggest that you have your driver in the room with you to hear the results.
You may feel tired when you leave.
Spend the day resting at home. You cannot drive or return to work. You can return to your normal routine the next day.
It may take up to a week for your bowel habits to return to your normal.
If you stopped blood thinning medicine before your test, ask when it can be restarted.
Results
If you have biopsies taken or polyps removed, you can expect to get lab results in 1-2 weeks. Your results will be sent to your MyChart account. If you don’t have a MyChart account, someone will call you with results or results will be mailed to you.
When to Call
If you are still passing solid stools or your bowels have not started to empty by the morning of your test.
You have severe cramps.
You feel dizzy or lightheaded.
You have constant pain, rectal bleeding and/or a fever.
If you think you are having an allergic reaction. If you are having trouble breathing or swallowing, call 911.
Who to Call
Patient Resources
(If you need help finding a ride to and from your test)
608-821-4144
UW Health Digestive Health Center
(608) 890-5010
UW Health Ambulatory Procedure Center
(608) 263-8094
Meriter/Unity Point
(608) 417-6389