INTERVIEWER: Thank you for choosing
OHSU for your colonoscopy.
And congratulations on taking an important first step
in preventing colon cancer.
Colonoscopy is the best way to screen for and prevent
colon cancer.
During the procedure, the doctor will pass a flexible scope
with a light and camera through your rectum
to the beginning of your colon.
Polyps are abnormal tissue in your colon
that may turn to colon cancer.
If any polyps are found, your doctor
will remove them during the procedure preventing them
from being able to turn into cancer.
Your colon must be very clean on the day of your procedure
so the doctor has a clear view of the walls of your colon.
Researchers have found that the best way to clean your colon
is with two doses of an oral liquid laxative.
The first dose is taken the evening
before your colonoscopy.
The second dose has taken the morning
of your scheduled colonoscopy.
It may appear that your colon is clean after drinking
the first dose, but your stomach is still
making fluids that can make it difficult for your doctor
to see the walls of your colon.
The second dose removes the fluids
your body produced overnight to completely clear all material
from your colon.
It's very important you don't miss the second dose.
Many patients who don't drink the second dose
of the liquid laxative have to be
rescheduled because their colon is not clean enough.
You will receive sedation medicine through an IV
to make you sleepy and comfortable
during the procedure.
Patients who receive sedation are not
able to drive after the procedure.
You must have a responsible person
drive you home or accompany you home
in a taxi or public transportation.
You will receive instructions and a paper prescription
mailed to your address on file approximately one month
before your procedure.
If you have not received this within two
weeks of your procedure, please contact our office.
Keep an eye out for the instructions and prescription
in your mailbox.
Two things to do as soon as you receive your instructions,
one take your paper prescription to the pharmacy
to get your liquid laxative.
Two, coordinate for someone to go with you
to the endoscopy center, remain on site,
and drive you home or accompany you home
in a taxi or public transportation.
You should plan to be at the endoscopy center
for two to two and half hours.
Haven't gotten your instructions yet?
Call our office 503-494-4373.
Avoid foods with nuts or seeds.
They can plug up the scope.
Stop taking iron today.
Review the medication section in your instruction letter,
and create a plan for adjusting blood thinners,
diabetic medications, or anti-diarrhea medicines.
Check with your prescribing doctor
before you make changes to blood thinners.
Still have questions?
Call our office.
Begin a low residue diet.
You should avoid foods high in fiber,
such as fresh fruits and fresh vegetables,
and whole grain breads and beans,
and choose foods such as white bread, white rice, pasta, meat,
fish, eggs, and tofu.
You can have canned vegetables or fruits
without skins or seeds.
If in doubt, check the label.
And avoid all foods with fiber content greater than 1 gram.
Starting at midnight the day before your procedure,
no solid food.
You may drink clear liquids only.
Acceptable clear liquids are apple juice, white cranberry,
or white grape juice, clear sports drinks,
like Gatorade, soda pop, black coffee, and tea
without milk, clear broth, like beef, chicken, or vegetable,
jello, and popsicles.
No red or purple colored items.
Avoid juices that you cannot see through,
like tomato or orange juice, kombucha, milk, coffee,
or tea with cream, ice cream, cream soups, or protein drinks.
In the morning, mix your prep with water as
indicated in the instructions.
Once the powder is completely dissolved,
you may place the liquid in the refrigerator.
Many patients prefer the laxative cold.
4:00 PM, between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM
the night before your appointment,
drink the first half of your liquid laxative.
If you are diabetic, take half your dose of evening insulin
tonight.
You will start feeling the effect
of the laxative within an hour.
You'll want to be near a restroom
once you begin drinking the solution.
Continue drinking clear liquids the remainder of the evening.
The goal is to 1 gallon of clear liquids throughout the day.
If you have not had a ball movement by 10:00 PM,
call the hospital and ask to speak with a GI fellow on call.
Four hours prior to leaving the house,
drink the remaining half of your liquid laxative.
Once your colon is properly cleaned,
you should not see any solids in the toilet.
Your liquid bowel movements should look like urine.
If your liquid bowel movements look like images one, two,
or three two hours before leaving the house,
please call our office.
Two hours before your arrival time, do not eat or anything.
We're looking forward to seeing you on your scheduled
colonoscopy day.
Thank you for choosing OHSU for your health care.
Funding for this video provided by Colon Cancer Coalition.