What to do before a colonoscopy?

Here are some helpful tips that I found at http://www.waynehospital.com/colonoscopy.shtml


Pre-procedure preparation for a colonoscopy

1. The colon must be completely clean for the procedure to be accurate and complete
2. Follow your doctor’s detailed instructions for dietary restrictions and bowel cleansing routine prior to your procedure
3. You may drink small amounts of clear liquids up to two hours before your scheduled procedure
4. Do not drink any alcoholic beverages for 24 hours before or after the procedure
5. Do not use tobacco products for 24 hours before or after the procedure
6. Arrive one hour before your scheduled procedure time. Bring your Medicare/Insurance cards with you
7. Register at the registration desk outside the Emergency Department
8. Bring someone to drive you home and stay with you for 24 hours after the procedure. If you so not have a driver, your procedure may have to be cancelled.
9. A nurse from Ambulatory Care will call you prior to the procedure to review your health history, to review your current medications and advise you on what medication to take on the morning of the procedure and to answer any questions you may have.