Thank you for allowing Salem Gastroenterology to be a part of your health care team.
Hello, we are going to walk you through the Colonoscopy preparation prescribed by your doctor.
Relax, it’s easier than you think!
First—purchase the supplies to prep for your procedure.
These supplies may vary depending upon the instructions given to you by our office, so please read them carefully!
Just a reminder, in the week before your procedure you should have stopped eating popcorn or anything with seeds, nuts, or berries. If you did, please contact our office to discuss at 503-399-7520
You should have also stopped taking your vitamins, herbal supplements, or iron pills.
If you are a diabetic or on a blood thinner, refer to your special instructions.
The day before your procedure when you wake up, STOP!
DO NOT EAT breakfast. No solid foods. No soft foods. No dairy products. DRINK CLEAR LIQUIDS ONLY.
Plan to drink 8 glasses (or 64 ounces) of clear liquids throughout the day and evening in addition to your bowel prep mixture.
Hint: Be sure to stock up on a variety of options, as this will make your prep time a bit easier
Clear liquid choices may include:
- Water…
- Sports drinks…
- Black coffee or tea…
- Light or dark soda…
- Clear Chicken or beef broth…
- Jell-O…
- Popsicles…
- And juice without pulp, such as apple juice or white grape juice.
Be sure to avoid any red and purple liquids! They can look like blood in the colon. And no alcoholic beverages.
The more you drink the better your prep works, and you won’t feel as hungry or become dehydrated.
At noon, refer to your prep instructions from our office (NOT FROM THE PHARMACY AND NOT ON THE BOX), and follow SALEM GASTRO’S instructions to begin the prep. If you cannot locate your instructions, please call us! 503-399-7520
As you begin the prep for your procedure, you’ll want to stick pretty close to the restroom. Trust us!
When it’s time, mix up and start drinking your bowel prep.
Continue to follow the instructions.
Each time you drink the solution, be sure to stir or shake well. This helps to ensure that you’re drinking a series of even doses.
Remember to drink water or other clear liquids every hour you are awake.
Then, two hours before your arrival time, take your regularly prescribed medications, except diabetic medications and blood thinners.
If you are diabetic, please DO NOT take your insulin the morning of the procedure. But DO bring it to your appointment.
if you use an inhaler, please also bring that to your appointment.
Ok… It’s time for a big sigh of relief— don’t drink or eat anything else for 2-hours before your arrival time.
No water or ice…
No gum…
No tobacco products…
Nothing!
Now it’s time to just relax. Please be sure you arrive on time per your prep instructions, and we’ll take it from there.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us at (503) 399-7520.
Now, let’s talk about what to expect after your procedure:
Carefully read your post-operative instruction sheet that came with your procedure report.
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms after your procedure, contact our office immediately at 503-399-7520 and ask to speak with a nurse or the after-hours doctor on call.
Thank you again for choosing Salem Gastroenterology.