Getting Ready for Colonoscopy using PEG Solution
A colonoscopy is an exam of your colon (large bowel). Your doctor uses a long, thin, flexible tube with a built in camera and light. This tube lets the doctor see the lining of your colon very clearly. If needed, the doctor can remove growths in the colon called polyps or take tiny samples of tissue to detect different conditions.
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Important – Review instructions right away. Procedure may be cancelled if instructions are not followed.
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Getting Ready
1. 5 days before the procedure you should stop taking:
- Iron.
- Blood thinners or anti-platelet medicines such as Coumadin® (warfarin) or Plavix® (clopidigrel). There are many more. You must speak with the doctor who prescribes the medicine for you. The doctor will give you instructions on how to safely do this. Contact us if you have questions.
- Aspirin and anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medicines. Ask your pharmacist if you’re unsure of what you take.
2. Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) is O.K. to take.
3. Diabetic medicines (oral and insulin) will need to be adjusted for the time you’re not eating as normal. Please discuss this with your primary doctor.
4. You must have an adult to drive you home or your exam will be cancelled. You may take a cab or bus home only if you have a responsible adult with you other than the driver.
5. Three days before your exam, avoid these foods (corn, peas, popcorn, nuts and fruits with skins or seeds) which are digested slowly. They interfere with your prep and our ability to see your colon.
6. You will need to purchase bowel prep supplies. You will be given a prescription to fill at your local drugstore.
7. Plan ahead. For your exam you will be given sedatives which can greatly affect your judgment. On the day of your exam, you will not be able to drive or return to work.
8. Our staff will need to review your health history, prior surgeries, allergies, and medicines taken. Please bring this information with you, including a list of your medicines or your labeled medicine bottles.
9. If you use CPAP or BiPAP for sleep apnea, please bring it with you. We will need your machine in order to sedate you safely.
10. If you have an implanted pacemaker or defibrillator, we will need specific information about it before your procedure day. If you haven't already given us this information, please call us during business hours (8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday) at (608) 263-8097. Ask to speak to the Procedure Coordinator.
Day before Your Exam
Follow your bowel prep instructions carefully. A clean colon is needed for your test to be accurate.
Prepare the Bowel Prep
1. In the morning, mix the PEG Solution by adding lukewarm water to the fill line. Cap the bottle tightly and shake to dissolve contents.
2. You may add 2 packets of lemon Crystal Light® or a flavor pack if one is provided. Do not add any other liquid or flavors. Lemon Crystal Light® can be added by the glass, if you prefer.
3. Refrigerate. It will taste better if it is chilled.
Diet
1. You may have your normal breakfast before 10:00 am. After 10:00 am, do not eat solid foods, milk, or dairy products.
2. After breakfast you may drink clear liquids until bedtime. Avoid red liquids (i.e. cranberry juice or red Jell-O®).
3. Clear liquids include
- Water
- Apple or white grape juice (no tomato, grapefruit, or orange juice)
- Soda
- Gatorade® (not red)
- Jell-O®(do not add fruit, no red or purple)
- Popsicles
- Broth
- Tea or coffee (no cream or milk; sugar is okay)
Medicines
If you take medicines, take them 1 hour before drinking the bowel prep or 1 hour after you are done. Do not take them while you are drinking the prep.
Bowel Prep
Plan on your bowel prep taking about 4 to 8 hours. The times below can be changed for your convenience. Some patients prefer to start drinking early in order to finish early. Stay near a rest room during this time.
1. At 3:00 – 5:00 PM, start to drink the PEG Solution at a rate of 8 ounces (1 cup) every 10 minutes. It works best when taken rapidly. You should begin to have some abdominal cramping and liquid bowel movements within 1 to 6 hours. You may feel cold while drinking the chilled solution.
2. Stop drinking if you feel sick to your stomach and resume, as soon as you are able, at a slower rate. Your prep is complete when you’ve finished the entire gallon.
3. When finished with the prep, your bowel movements should be watery, free of solids, and appear clear to tan.
4. Keep drinking clear liquids until 4 hours before your exam to prevent dehydration.
For problems with your bowel prep you can reach us at the contact numbers listed below. If severe, steady stomach pain occurs or you don't expel any of the bowel prep, call the paging operator at (608) 262-0486 or toll free at 1-800-323-8942. Ask for the Gastroenterology (GI) doctor on call.
Day of the Exam
1. No solid food, milk, or dairy products until after your exam.
2. Keep drinking clear liquids to prevent dehydration (see previous list). You may drink until 4 hours before you arrive. You must stop for sedation to be given safely. It is OK to rinse your mouth. Avoid red liquids.
3. Take your normal medicines with a small amount of clear liquid up to 1 hour before you arrive. Do not take medicines mentioned under “Getting Ready”.
4. Follow the arrival and registration instructions in your cover letter. If you are delayed, call us at (608) 263-8094 to let us know you are going to be late. If you are over 30 minutes late, we may have to cancel and reschedule. We do our best to stay on time.
5. Plan to be with us about 2-3 hours. Your driver will need to be available in our waiting room or by phone during this time. You may not leave the recovery room without a responsible adult.
The Colonoscopy
A nurse will review your health history and place an IV. The IV is used to give you medicines which make you feel drowsy and relaxed during your test. The procedure will take 45 – 60 minutes. You will then go to our Recovery Room for about an hour. Your driver may sit with you there. Once awake, you will be given something to drink. Your doctor will discuss results with you before discharge. You and the doctor who referred you will receive a copy of the report. If you have a colostomy, please bring extra supplies for after the test.
After the Colonoscopy and for the Rest of the Day
- Do not return to work.
- Do not use hazardous machinery.
- Do not make any important decisions.
- Plan to rest.
- Do not drink alcohol.
- Do not drive.
You should be able to resume normal daily tasks on the day after your test.
You may feel bloated for a few hours. This is caused by air that was put into your colon during the exam. It’s best to wear loose fitting clothes.
Most often, you may eat and drink what you wish after the exam. Plan on starting with something light.
How to Contact Us
GI Endoscopy Clinic: (608) 263-8097 between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM weekdays.
After clinic hours, this number will give you the paging operator. Ask for the Gastroenterology (GI) doctor on call. Leave your name and phone number with the area code. The doctor will call you back.
If you live out of the area, call 1-800-323-8942.
If you are not able to keep your appointment, please let us know 5 days in advance.
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University of Wisconsin Hospital & Clinics |
Madison Surgery Center |
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600 Highland Avenue |
1 South Park Street |
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C5/2 Gastroenterology Clinic |
3rd Floor |
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Madison WI 53792 |
Madison WI 53715 |
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608-263-8094 |
608-287-2200 |
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800-323-8942 |
800-921-3444 |
The Spanish version of this Health Facts for You is #5822.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 07/29/2009
Copyright © 09/26/2008 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. UWH #4275
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