FAQ

Where do I go for my appointment?
All office visits will continue to be at our 2093 Health Drive SW location. Beginning January 2016, all procedures will be performed at East Valley Endoscopy at 1179 East Paris Ave S.E. Suite 200.

Will I be put to sleep for my procedure?
You will receive a “conscious sedation” which means you are awake during your procedure, but you will not remember it.

Why do I need a driver?
Due to the sedation you will receive, you will need a driver at your procedure appointment. It is the policy of East Valley Endoscopy that your driver remains in the waiting room during your entire procedure. They cannot administer medication until your driver is present.

MEDICATIONS:

Can I take my usual medications the morning of the procedure?
Coumadin (warfarin), Brilinta (ticagrelor), Plavix (clopidogrel), Effient (prasugrel) must be discontinued 5-7 days prior to your procedure. Don’t take Pradaxa (dabigatran) starting 2 days before procedure (so you are off the medicine for 2 days) if you have abnormal kidney function. Otherwise don’t take Xarelto (rivaroxaban), Pradaxa (dabigatran) or Eliquis (apixaban) starting 1 day before the procedure (so you are off the medicine for 1 day before the day of the procedure). Also, do not take any of the above medicines the day of the procedure. Continue your daily aspirin. You do not need to stop your aspirin. Medications allowed the morning of the procedure are blood pressure, heart, seizure and breathing medications. If you are on inhalers, PLEASE bring them with you. Please talk to your primary care physician about discontinuing your other medications, including diabetic medications.

Can I take my diabetes/weight loss medicines?
If you are taking Dulaglutide (Trulicity) or Exenatide-ER (Bydureon BCise) for weight loss, stop the medicine 1 week before the procedure. If you are taking one of these medicines for diabetes, talk with your prescribing doctor/family physician for alternative treatment.

If you are taking Exenatide-IR (Byetta), Liraglutide (Saxenda or Victoza), Lixisenatide (Adlyxin), Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus, others) for weight loss, stop the medicine 1 day before the procedure. If you are taking one of these medicines for diabetes, talk with your prescribing doctor/family physician for alternative treatment.

One of the medications I was instructed to take the morning of my procedure is red. Can I still take it?
Yes. Medications for blood pressure, heart, seizure and breathing should be taken the morning of your procedure regardless of the color. Please wait to take your remaining medications until after your procedure.

What can I take for headaches and pain relief?
You may take Tylenol as directed on the bottle.

Is there any way that I can make this taste any better?
You can try sucking on hard candy (not red or purple). You can rinse your mouth with water or mouth wash. You may mix your prep powder with any clear liquid instead of water if you choose as long as it is not red or purple.

What do you mean by “clear liquids”?
Fluids are considered clear only if they can be seen through when held up to a light. The following are allowed: Jell-O, popsicles, coffee (no cream), tea, beef or chicken broth, and any juices or pops you can see through. Do not consume anything red or purple since they can mimic blood and may affect test results.

What if I am having problems with vomiting the prep?
Wait one to two hours and the nausea and vomiting should subside. Then restart the bowel prep as directed. If you are unable to continue with the bowel prep, you should go to the pharmacy and pick up a bottle of magnesium citrate (sold over the counter) and two Fleets enemas. Drink the entire 10 oz bottle or magnesium citrate. You will need to give yourself a Fleets enema per rectum one hour before you leave for your appointment. If the stool is solid or difficult to see to the bottom of the toilet, use the second Fleets enema. Be sure to inform the endoscopy nurse of your prep results when you arrive. If not clear, additional enemas may be given and/or the doctor will decide if your procedure needs to be delayed or rescheduled.

I drank a lot of the solution and haven’t had a bowel movement yet. What should I do?
Keep drinking the solution. Most patients have a bowel movement after an hour; some patients may take 2 hours or longer.

How do I know if I am cleaned out enough for the procedure? It is watery, yellowish or greenish liquid, or there is sediment in the bottom of the toilet bowl.
If you have completed the bowel prep as directed and the results are as described above, additional preparation is not needed. Inform the endoscopy nurse of your results when you arrive. If you are still having solid brown stool and/or cannot see through to the bottom of the toilet, you will need to do an additional prep (see below).

I completed the bowel prep as directed and I am still having solid brown stool. What should I do?
Go to your nearest pharmacy and pick up a bottle of Citrate of Magnesium and two Fleets enemas. You will need to drink the bottle when you get home. Give yourself a Fleets enema per rectum in the morning one hour before you leave for your appointment. If results are not clear, give yourself a second Fleets enema per rectum. Contact your physician if results from the second Fleets enema still have not resulted in a watery liquid.

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

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

I just read my instructions and I have had red jell-o or popsicles.
Do not take any additional red liquids.

I wasn’t able to start the prep at the time it stated.
Start the prep immediately.

Can I drink alcoholic beverages?
No. You should not drink any alcoholic beverages prior to your procedure since they can interfere with sedation and cause dehydration.

How long will my procedure take?
Most patients are in the procedure center between 3 and 4 hours.

How will I feel the next day?
You should be able to resume normal activity.

When can I return to work?
Unless otherwise directed, you may return to work the day following your procedure.

How long will I have to wait for my results of my procedure?
You may call the office 2 weeks after your procedure if you have not heard from us.

What are your office hours and phone number?
We are open Monday thru Friday 9am to 4:30pm. Our main line is 616.828.5727. Leave a message and we will get back with you as quickly as we can.

**If you cannot do the prep despite the above suggestions, please call in the morning.  Do the best you can and arrive on time for your appointment, even if you aren’t sure whether you’re cleaned out enough.  Many times the prep can be completed in endoscopy with enemas.