Several days before the Procedure
- Click on the PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS to download it.
- PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS include the name of the over the counter laxative PICO SALAX that you should buy in a pharmacy.
- Please fill out the INTAKE FORM and bring a list of your medications.
- If you had any significant heart, lung or brain problems ensure to obtain a recent consult report of your current condition that permits you to undergo an endoscopic procedure.
- Two working days notice is required for cancellation of scheduled appointment. $200 fee will be charged for missed procedure appointment.
Preparation for Colonoscopy
Three Days before your Colonoscopy
You should remain on lighter diet, avoid any leafy vegetable or fruits, berries, cereals, bagels with any seeds for three days before procedure.
A strong laxative must be taken before your procedure. You should buy PICO-SALAX your local pharmacy without a prescription.
The day before the Colonoscopy
After you take this PICO-SALAX you should remain on Chicken broth only and be near a toilet as it can start working within 1 to 3 hours.
STEP 1: take the 1st Sachet of PICO-SALAX at 4pm. Fill a mug with 150mL (5oz) cold water. Empty contents of sachet in the mug (mixture may heat up - allow to cool before drinking). Stir for 2-3 minutes until completely dissolved. AFTER EACH SACHET YOU MUST DRINK TWO LITERS OF WARM NORMALLY SALTED CLEAR CHICKEN, VEGETABLE OR BEEF BROTH.
STEP 2: take the 2nd Sachet of PICO-SALAX at 9pm. Repeat instructions from STEP 1.
STEP 3: take the 3rd Sachet of PICO-SALAX 5 hours prior to your appointment. Repeat instructions from STEP 1.
You can drink up to 4 hours before the procedure.
The colon needs to be very clean. ONLY clear YELLOW fluids will be coming out by the time you will come for the procedure.
Preparation instructions for Gastroscopy
DO NOT eat for 8 HOURS and last drink 4 hours before the procedure.
IF BOTH GASTROSCOPY AND COLONOSCOPY ARE SCHEDULED FOR THE SAME DAY THEN FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS FOR COLONOSCOPY ONLY.
What about the medications?
- Your regular medications take as usual except for:
- Blood thinners such as Plavix® (clopidogrel), Ticlid® (ticlopidine), Coumadin® (warfarin), Dabigatran® (Pradaxa) (DON’T take for 5 days before & on the day of procedure)
- Iron pills or a multivitamin containing iron (DON’T take for 3 days before & on the day of procedure)
- Blood thinners such as Elequis, Xralto, Brilianta (DON’T take for 1 day before & on the day of procedure)
- Diabetic pills (DON’T take 1 day before & on the day of procedure)
- Insulin (Take a half of a normal dose 1 day before and don’t take on the day of the procedure) monitor blood glucose level it needs to remain over 10 for the procedure.
- If you have an artificial heart valve or pacemaker please consult with your family doctor regarding a need of Heparin treatment before and during the procedure.
On the day of the procedure
- Arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled time.
- Bring your OHIP card.
- Responsible adult needs to accompany you and to take you home.
- You are not permitted to drive after procedure.
- You will register at the clinic then change into clinic gown and leave your socks on.
- Then a nurse will ask you a few questions and take your blood pressure and pulse.
- An intravenous line will be set up to give you medication to relax and some people will sleep during the procedure.
- After procedure: air that was added into your colon during the procedure may cause abdominal pressure or cramping. This will pass once you pass ‘gas’ in the recovery area.
- Procedure takes 30 minutes, but please be prepared to spend up to 3 hours at the clinic.
Post Colonoscopy and Gastroscopy Instructions:
- DO NOT: Drive a car, operate machinery, drink alcohol, make any legal or financial decisions for 24 hours after the procedure. YOU MUST HAVE SOMEONE ACCOMPANY YOU HOME.
- Adverse effects: A little discomfort is normal after colonoscopy. Bloating and abdominal discomfort are caused by the air that was pumped into your bowel. It can be relieved by drinking warm fluids, walking, trying to pass gas.
- You may notice small amount of bleeding when you go to the washroom, either in the toilet or on the tissue. This is normal.
- If it continues or increases after 24 hours or you have any severe abdominal pain, fever or chills, or passage of red blood or black stools, or any other unusual symptoms, go to the nearest Emergency Department immediately and call our office at (905)751-2930 to notify us.
- Diet: Increase your diet gradually over a few days.