Thank you for choosing to have your procedure with Gastroenterology Associates of Rochester, LLP. Patients often have questions as they prepare for their colonoscopy or upper endoscopy. Below are answers to some frequently asked questions.
Information on preparing for your procedure can also be found in the bowel preparation packet that you received. If you still have questions after reviewing your bowel preparation packet and the information below, please call our office at 585-720-1550.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
Are you on MyChart or MyCare? We are a private practice and, therefore, are not on MyChart or MyCare.
Do I need to arrive early for my procedure? The time on your paperwork is the arrival time. Please arrive on time to prevent delays in starting your procedure.
Do I need to bring anything on the day of my procedure? Please bring your completed paperwork, insurance card and photo ID on the day of your procedure.
Do we accept charity or financial assistance? No, we do not accept charity or financial assistance. However, we do accept most other major medical insurances. Please call our billing office at 720-1448 if you have specific questions regarding your insurance.
Can I take a bus or taxi home by myself after my procedure? No. Due to the sedation given during the procedure, you are considered impaired. The sedation medication impairs your judgment and reflexes. A trusted person must be with you to accompany you on public transit.
I ate breakfast the morning of my procedure. Can I still have my procedure? If you ate breakfast the morning of your procedure, your procedure must be rescheduled for a later date. To reschedule your procedure, please call the office at 585-720-1550 as soon as possible. It is important to follow the instructions in your bowel preparation packet carefully to prevent your procedure from getting rescheduled.
Why do I need an escort? You will receive medicine to help you feel relaxed and comfortable during your procedure. It will take some time for the medicine to completely wear off after. For this reason, you will need an escort, an adult aged 18 or over, to come up to the endoscopy unit in person to pick you up. Ride services such as Uber, Lyft, etc. will not suffice as an escort.
When you arrive for your procedure, you must provide the name and phone number of your escort. Before your procedure begins, we will confirm with you, the patient, that your escort will be able to pick you up at the Endoscopy Unit and bring you home. If we cannot confirm that you have an escort, your procedure will be rescheduled for a later date. We follow this policy strictly for the safety of our patients.
How long will my procedure last? Plan on spending about 90 minutes in the Endoscopy Unit. This includes time needed to prepare for the procedure, perform the procedure, and recover after the procedure. Please arrive on time to prevent delays in starting your procedure.
What is conscious (procedural) sedation? Will I be going to sleep? It is a combination of sedatives and narcotics. Our goal is not for you to go to sleep but for you to feel comfortable during the exam. You will feel the effects of the medications for a couple hours after the procedure. Therefore, you cannot drive on the day of your examination.
What if I am having pain after my procedure? Some mild gas pain may be expected following your colonoscopy. Walking can be helpful. If pain is persistent and accompanied by fever, chills, blood in stools, hard abdomen, abdominal swelling or inability to pass gas, you should seek urgent medical attention.
Will I see my physician after the procedure? Your physician will see you before you leave, however since you will be receiving sedatives for your procedures, you may not remember much of the test or the discussions afterwards. You will have the opportunity to see your physician prior to the procedure and your discharge paperwork will inform you if polyps were removed or biopsies taken. The results of the procedure will be given to you in written form. This will help you remember what was found during the procedure. All reports are sent to the referring physician(s) after the procedure.
I am menstruating. Can I still have a colonoscopy? Yes, the procedure can still be performed while you have your period. Tampons can be worn if preferred by the patient.
MEDICINES
Do I need to stop taking my blood thinner? If you take blood thinners, we recommend you take them unless your gastroenterology provider told you to stop taking them. We also encourage you to communicate with your prescribing provider (heart doctor or primary care provider). Blood thinners may include Coumadin, Plavix, Pradaxa, Eliquis and Lovenox.
Can I continue my vitamins, iron pills, or liquid antacids? If you take iron pills, stop taking them 5 days before your procedure. If you are unsure about any supplements, check with your prescribing provider.
Should I take my medicine for diabetes? Diabetic medications should be taken as directed by your gastroenterologist. Please contact the office for instructions if you have not been advised on these medications.
Should I take other medicines prescribed for me? Medications for blood pressure, heart conditions, and seizures should be taken the morning of your exam.
BOWEL PREP
What should I do if my pharmacy hasn’t received the prescription for laxative yet? Please call your pharmacy first. If your pharmacy does not have a prescription for the preparation, please call the office at 585-720-1550 for a prescription.
Do I need to wake up in the middle of the night to finish drinking the laxative? It is very important that you finish the laxative 4 hours before your scheduled arrival time as instructed in your bowel preparation packet. This may require you to wake up in the middle of the night to finish drinking the laxative. The correct timing of drinking the laxative is important in cleaning your bowels completely and allowing your gastroenterology doctor to see inside your colon better.
We understand early appointments and travel time may be difficult however please make every effort to follow the prep instructions, it is to your benefit to avoid having to re-schedule your procedure for poor prep. If your bowels are not clean, your procedure may get postponed, cancelled, or need to be repeated.
Please click here for detailed instructions on when to begin the second portion of the colon preparation.
I seem to be all ‘cleaned out’ but haven’t finished my preparation. Do I need to finish it? Yes. You must follow the preparation instructions provided to you to help ensure an accurate and thorough examination.
Can I drink all the laxative the night before my procedure? No. It is important to follow the schedule in your bowel preparation packet. Drinking the last half of the laxative closer to your procedure time will give better results and a cleaner colon for your procedure. If your bowels are not clean, your procedure may get postponed, cancelled, or need to be repeated. You may also be given a different bowel preparation to clean your bowels better.
What happens if I start drinking the preparation laxative and I become nauseated or start vomiting? Slow down. Try to drink 4 ounces every 15 to 20 minutes after waiting about 30 minutes. Try to drink as much as you can as this will improve the quality of the preparation and the quality of the examination.
What should I do if I already drank the first half of the laxative, but haven’t had a bowel movement yet? If you haven’t had a bowel movement after the first half of the laxative, continue to drink the laxative until you have a bowel movement then stop. In the morning, finish drinking the rest of the laxative as instructed in your bowel preparation packet. Be sure to drink plenty of clear liquids to keep yourself hydrated.
How can I tell if my bowels are clean before my procedure? After finishing your laxative, your stool should be watery (no particles), yellow (not brown) and without significant odor. You can take a picture of your last stool in the toilet to show the nurse if you have a concern about prep quality. If your stool is thick, brown, or has particles in it, call your gastroenterology doctor to discuss if your procedure should be canceled.
My bottom is so sore. What can I do? To clean the area, avoid rubbing. Gently pat with a wet washcloth. Apply Vaseline, Preparation H or Desitin liberally.
Can I drink protein drinks? No, protein drinks, including shakes, are not allowed. One day before your procedure, stop drinking protein drinks. Follow a clear liquid diet as instructed in your bowel preparation packet.