HF 8118

Getting Ready for Your GI Procedure (Special Prep)

Read this entire document at least 1 week before your test.


Please Follow Prep Instructions Outlined Below:


EGD (non-colon procedure)

  • Stop all food ___________ before the test.

  • Start a clear liquid diet ________________ before the test. See “Getting Ready for Your GI Procedure” handout for more information. Stop all clear liquids 4 hours before arrival.

  • Day of test, take daily medicines at least 1 hour before your arrival with no more than ½ cup (4 ounces) of water.

  • Special instructions: ______________________________________


Colonoscopy/Flex Sigmoidoscopy (colon procedure)

  • Start a low fiber diet ______ days before the test. See “Getting Ready for Your GI Procedure” handout for more information.

  • Stop all food _______________ before the test.

  • Start a clear liquid diet ___________ before the test. See “Getting Ready for Your GI Procedure” handout for more information. Stop all clear liquids 4 hours before arrival.

  • Day before test, take daily medicines, except those you were told to stop. Take your medicines at
    least one hour before or one hour
    after drinking your prep.

  • Day of test, take daily medicines at least 1 hour before your arrival with no more than ½ cup (4 ounces) of water.

  • Special instructions: ______________________________________


Tips for a Successful Colon Prep

Plan on each dose taking several hours. Stay near a bathroom. Stock up on soft toilet paper and reading materials.

After you mix the prep, we suggest you put it in the fridge. Take it out of the fridge at least 2 hours before you start drinking it, so you won’t feel too cold.

If you don’t like the taste of the prep, you may add yellow Crystal Light® lemonade powder to the mixture. We suggest mixing it 1 glass at a time.

Drinking the prep through a straw may help the taste. Between glasses, you can chew gum or suck on slices of lime or lemon or hard candies (avoid red or purple candy, as these can stain your colon).

If you get chilled, try putting a blanket in the dryer to warm it up before using.


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 1-2 weeks later. 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.

To learn more about colon polyps visit: patient.uwhealth.org/healthfacts/7917.


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