Preparation for your Colonoscopy with NuLytely

Physician:  _____Abbassi_____Hameed _____Moglowsky

 

Procedure Date________ Time________ Arrival Time________

 

Preparation

Colonoscopy is an examination of the colon (large bowel) with a flexible tube about the thickness of your pinkie finger, which transmits a live color image onto a television screen. There are many things a person would rather do than undergo a bowel prep for a colonoscopy, but your efforts at cleansing your colon are essential for an accurate procedure. These instructions are designed to maximize the ease, safety and success of your preparation.

 

Purchase at the Pharmacy/Grocery Store

· NuLYTELY (Prescription from your doctor)

· One-half gallon (64 oz) bottle water

· oral dulcolax tablets

· Drinking straws

· Clear liquids: 7-Up, broth, etc.

· Plain or aloe Baby wipes (prevents a sore bottom)

· Desitin or A&D ointment (prevents a sore bottom)

 

One Week Prior to the Procedure

· Your doctor will let you know if you have to hold some medications prior to your procedure. These medications may include:Coumadin, aspirin, Percodan, Alka-Selzer.

· TYLENOL and other brands which contain ACETAMINOPHEN are safe to use prior to this procedure.

 

One Day before the procedure:

· Have a clear liquid diet throughout the day. Avoid juices with pulp such as orange or grapefruit juice. Examples of clear liquids include broth, clear juices (white grape or apple), sodas such as Sprite, 7-Up, or ginger ale, lemonade, popsicles and of course water. It is important that you drink as much fluid as you can throughout the day.

Hold your evening dose of insulin, as you will not be eating the next day until after your procedure

 

· At 10am mix all of the NuLYTELY in the 64oz (1/2 gallon) bottle of water. Cap and shake the solution until the NuLYTELY is dissolved. Place in the refrigerator to chill.

· Take FOUR oral dulcolax tablets at 10 am

· At 12am Drink an 8 oz. glass every 10-15 minutes until the solution is gone (drinking with a straw helps). It usually takes about an hour to begin to notice the diarrhea affect. You may notice some bloating or cramping at the beginning of the prep, but this usually gradually improves once the diarrhea begins.

 

Occasionally, some may develop nausea with vomiting. The best remedy for this is to take a break from the NuLYTELY for about an hour to allow it to move downstream, and then to resume drinking at a slower rate. It usually takes three hours to complete the entire container, and diarrhea generally continues for about an hour or two after completing the prep. Many have found that drinking the prep through a straw and chilling the solution improves tolerance.

 

Day of Procedure:

· DO NOT EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING THAT DAY!

· If you take medication, you may have it the morning of the procedure with a small amount of water. This means  NO MORE than a few SMALL sips of water. You may brush your teeth.

· Arrive at the Endoscopy Center ONE HOUR BEFORE your procedure is scheduled.

· You may want to leave your valuables at home (jewelry, watches, etc) and limit make-up & fancy hair-do’s.

 

Please arrive at _____________ AM / PM

 

· You must be accompanied by a friend or relative to drive you home. You MAY NOT drive, go home in a taxi or by bus. If this procedure is not followed, your procedure may be cancelled.

· Special Instructions:

· Hold morning dose of insulin the day of the procedure.

· If you have an artificial heart valve, or have a previous history of endocarditis, or other specific indication, your doctor may prescribe pre-procedure antibiotics.

· Bring a list of the medications (including the dosages) and any allergies to medications

Other_____________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

 

Commonly asked Questions:

How do I know if my prep is adequate?

The stool should be watery in consistency. It does not have to be clear in color like water since digestive juices will continue to tint the stool yellow and small flecks of debris are not a problem as long as the stool is not muddy or thick. If there is any question, you can self administer a tap water or fleet enema prior to leaving home for the procedure.

What side effects may I expect?

Since the prep works by flooding the intestinal tract with fluid, abdominal bloating and cramping may occur, as well as some nausea and vomiting. This is usually temporary, and as the diarrhea develops, symptoms will gradually improve. Weakness can also occur, especially if you have not taken enough fluid with the prep, and can be remedied by increasing fluid intake.

Will the prep interfere with my other medications?

Medications taken at least an hour before beginning the prep should be adequately absorbed, but thereafter, they are likely to be washed away by the prep.

Remember, stay close to the bathroom facilities and warn family members that the room belongs to you!!!

It is also worthwhile to get a supply of aloe wet wipes and Desitin ointment to ward off a sore bottom.

 

Good Luck! This is the hardest part of the procedure.

Please call us if you have any questions at 388-8686

Digestive Disease Consultants