I have to have a colonoscopy, now what?Whether you have just turned 50 and need a screening colonoscopy, or whether you are having Gastrointestinal problems and your Primary Care Physician has determined that you need a colonoscopy ... we will take good care of you here at Digestive Health Specialists.
In order to help you manage the process, here is some information you can use as a guideline for the next few visits in our office. Pre-Procedure VisitAfter you, or your primary care physician, have scheduled your appointment, you will most likely come in for a Pre Procedure Visit (PPV) with one of our nurses. During the visit, you will be asked to fill out important paper work about your current and past medical history. If you would like to fill out the forms at home and bring them with you, download the forms here. It will be necessary for you to bring a list of all your current medications (and dosage) with you to this visit. A nurse will review the forms with you and discuss the procedure, the prep and the medications with you. You can get all your questions answered during this visit.This visit is a standard part of your procedure and will not be billed separately, unless your medical history requires a physician visit prior to your procedure. What do I bring?
How long will it take?
Prepping for a ColonoscopyThere are several different prep processes, and a nurse will help determine which one is best for you during the PPV visit. To find out the details behind each of the prep methods, click the links below. It is important that you follow the prep instructions completely as we will not be able to complete the exam thoroughly if your colon is not properly prepped.
Procedure On the day of your procedure, you may have clear liquids up to 3 hours before your procedure. Once you and your driver arrive for your appointment, you will be called back into the procedure area where a nurse will get your vital signs, ask you about your prep and ask you change into a gown. Once you are ready, the nurse will roll your bed into the procedure room and the doctor will come in to talk with you. You will be administered some medication to make you as comfortable as possible and the procedure will begin. In general, most procedures last about 15-30 minutes. Once the procedure is complete you will be rolled into a recovery area. Once you are completely awake, the nurse will help you get dressed and the doctor will come out to speak to you and your driver. Your doctor will send a report of your procedure to your primary care physician. Your Driver You must be accompanied by a driver since we will be administering conscious sedation, after which you may not operate a vehicle. Your driver may leave during your procedure, but must leave a phone number where he/she can be reached, and will generally be asked not to be gone longer than 1 hour. What do I bring?
How long will it take?
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Turning 50 is not so bad!
During your pre-procedure visit, a nurse will record your vital signs and talk to you about your procedure.
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