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MiraLax Preparation

Colonoscopy Bowel Preparation Instructions
 

About Colonoscopy    What to Bring    Patient Checklist    What to Wear    Directions and Parking    Prep Instruction Calendar    Clear Liquid Diet

Your procedure is scheduled on ___________________ at ____________________AM / PM.
Please arrive 30 minutes early for registration.
                         
PLEASE READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS ON THE DAY YOU RECEIVE THEM
                         
About Colonoscopy                        
Bowel preparation (cleansing) is needed to perform effective colonoscopy.  Any stool remaining in the colon can hide lesions and result in the need to repeat the
colonoscopy.  You should plan to be at the hospital 2-4 hours.  It is critical that you follow the instructions as directed.      
                         
The physician will discuss your procedure with you when you are in the recovery room.  If you had any biopsies taken, you will receive a letter   
with those results, usually 2-3 weeks after the procedure.  If there are serious findings on the biopsy, your physician will contact you.  
                         
Every effort will be made to keep your appointment at the scheduled time, but in medicine, unexpected delays and emergencies may occur and your wait 
time may be prolonged.  We give each patient the attention needed for his or her procedure.          
                         
If you have questions or must cancel, please call 317-963-4040 or 1-877-962-4040 as soon as possible.        
 

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What to Bring

                        
                         
1.  The completed enclosed forms.                  
2.  The first and last name and address of all doctors you want to receive a copy of your procedure report.      
3.  Someone to drive you home.  Sedation is usually given during your procedure.  If you have not arranged for someone to drive you 
     home your procedure may be cancelled.  The person who signs you out must be with you on the unit before you can be released.
     You will not be able to drive, operate machinery, make important decisions or return to work for the rest of the day.  You may   
     resume normal activities the next day unless the doctor states otherwise.            
4.  A copy of relevant medical records from your referring physician.            
5.  Your insurance cards.  If your insurance has changed since your appointment was scheduled, please contact us immediately.  Many insurance 
     carriers (not Medicare) and managed care organizations require preauthorization or precertification.  To obtain coverage for these procedures, we
     recommend you contact your insurance company.  The phone number is usually on the back of your insurance card.  If you   
     need assistance, please call our authorization coordinator at 317-278-8660.          
6.  If you need an interpreter provided please contact the Gastroenterology Department at  317-963-4040 or 1-877-962-4040.  
 

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Patient Checklist
If you are affected by any of the conditions listed below, please follow these instructions.
Diabetes Check with your physician regarding your dose of insulin and other diabetic medications needed the day before and the day of your procedure.  Inform your doctor that you will be on clear liquids the day prior to your procedure.  Typically, we recommend that you do not take your oral hypoglycemic or insulin before your procedure.  Bring it with you to take after your procedure.  Check your blood sugar frequently while taking the prep solution and the morning of your procedure.
Hip or knee replacement in the past six months, vascular graft in past year, coronary stent in past 6 weeks You may need antibiotics before your procedure.  Please arrive two hours before your scheduled procedure time.  Do not schedule your procedure before 8:00am.  Please inform the nurse and your physician.
Aspirin If you are taking aspirin, please check with your referring or primary physician as to if or when you should stop taking the aspirin.  If you are taking aspirin due to a doctor's order to prevent stroke or heart attack, we generally recommend you continue to take it.
Coumadin, Plavix, Heparin, Lovenox, or other anticoagulants Ask the physician who prescribed your medicine how to take it before and after your procedure.  If you cannot contact your physician, call us several days before your exam.  If you take Coumadin, you may need a blood test two hours before your exam.
 

What To Wear
                         
Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing that is easy to step into.  Wear flat shoes or tennis shoes.  Do not wear jewelry or bring valuables.  
                         
Directions and Parking
                         
The endoscopy unit is located on the fourth floor of the Indiana University Hospital Outpatient Center, connected to Indiana University Hospital at   
550 N. University Boulevard, Indianapolis, IN.  Take the gold elevator from the main lobby in the outpatient center (under the glass canopy) to the  
fourth floor.  Turn left as you exit the elevator to the GI registration desk and waiting area.  Parking is available in the attached self-pay garage located 
on the north side of the entrance to the out patient center.  Clarian does not pay for patient parking.  Garages and parking lots are owned by IUPUI.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.  Valet parking is available at the entrance of the Outpatient Center for $5.00 (no tipping, please).  
 

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Prep Instruction Calendar

  
5 days before 2 days before The day before  The day of
your colonoscopy your colonoscopy your colonoscopy your colonoscopy
Read all prep Complete forms sent from the  NO SOLID FOOD NO SOLID FOOD
instructions. endoscopy department. List all  NO ALCOHOL NO ALCOHOL
    current medications, find  Clear liquids ALL DAY  
Contact prescribing  insurance cards, get names and   You may take your morning medications.
physician for  addresses of the physicians you   Drink an extra 8 ounces of clear  
instructions on  want to receive a copy  liquid every hour while awake.     4-5 hours before the time your procedure is
dosage of blood  of your procedure report. Gatorade is preferred. scheduled, take the second 32 oz. bottle of 
thinners.       Miralax in Gatorade.  
    Obtain bowel prep products  Mix 1/2 of the MiraLax 238 gram  
Stop herbals, vitamins, from your pharmacy.  One  bottle in EACH 32 ounce If your procedure is scheduled in the early 
and oral iron 255 gram bottle of Miralax  Gatorade bottle until dissolved morning, you'll need to get up in the night
supplements. and 4 Ducolax and keep cold in the refrigerator to take this dose of preparation.  The 
    (biscodly) tablets. Two 32 ounce    correct timing of this dose is essential 
Arrange for a driver  bottles of Gatorade, any flavor. 4PM Take 4 Dulcolax tablets to an effective preparation.
for your procedure. Not red or purple in color. with water and continue clear   
      liquids. You may, and should, drink clear liquids
    Stop any ant inflammatory   until 3 hours before your scheduled
     medications, (Motrin, Advil,  6PM Begin drinking the   procedure time.  Have nothing to eat or 
    Ibuprofen) Celebrex and Gatorade/MiraLax solution at a  drink for 3 hours prior to the procedure.
    Tylenol are ok to use. rate of 8 ounces every 15-30  
      minutes (over 1-2 hours) until  After the procedure you may eat your
      the first bottle is gone. usual diet unless otherwise instructed.
        Drink 8 ounces of liquid at least 6 times 
      You are encouraged to continue  after the procedure and before retiring
      to drink clear liquids until you go  for the night.
      to bed.  
      You may apply a petroleum  Your driver must remain in the waiting
      based product or diaper rash   room during your  procedure.
      ointment to the rectal area if you  
      experience discomfort from   
      frequent stools.  
         
      Confirm that you have a driver for  
      your procedure.  
       
NOTE:  You must take BOTH 32 ounce bottles of the Gatorade/ MiraLax solution as directed to clean your bowel adequately.
If you are passing clear liquid you must still take the entire dose the day before your exam.  
If you think the prep is not working, notify the endoscopy unit at  317-963-4040 or 1-877-962-4040 or call 274-5000 and ask for the GI nurse on call.
Do not take more than 238 gram dose of MiraLax.    
 

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Clear Liquid Diet

As a rule - if you can see through it, you can drink it.

Gatorade is the preferred clear liquid (no red or purple)

Clear fruit juices, white grape juice and apple juice

Water

Kool-Aide, PowerAde (no red or purple)

Clear soup, broth or bouillon

Popsicles (no red or purple)

Tea or coffee without cream

Hard candies

Soda pop, 7-Up, Sprite, regular or diet Pepsi and Coke, ginger ale, orange soda (no red or purple)

Jell-O (no red or purple)
 

Research Studies:  

                        
Some patients who come to the endoscopy unit are asked to participate in a research study.  If you are asked to participate, the study purpose
and procedures will be explained to you.  You have the right to decline participation.  Declining participation will not affect the interest the doctors
have in your case.  The doctors at the endoscopy center are typically involved in research studies on how to improve endoscopy.    

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