HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR COLONOSCOPY
Because this procedure requires your doctor to look directly at the lining of your intestine, it is very important that all fecal material be removed. Even small amounts of feces can prevent a clear view of the colon. In order to achieve a reasonably clean colon it will be necessary for you to follow dietary and medication guidelines:
1. Five (5) days prior to your colonoscopy you must stop taking medications that contain Iron. It is very important for you to discontinue these medications because they may cause excessive bleeding during the procedure and/or give the appearance that you have blood in your stool. ***Please try to avoid foods containing nuts or seeds 3 days prior to your procedure***
2. Because you will be given sedation during your colonoscopy, it is hospital policy that you make arrangements to have someone take you home after the procedure. The procedure is 30 minutes long. Allow 30 minutes-1 hour after your test for recovery. We suggest that the person picking you up call to find out the exact time you will be discharged.
The San Francisco Endoscopy Center at (415) 345-0100
3. If you normally take antibiotics prior to undergoing dental procedures, then you may need antibiotics prior to the colonoscopy. Be sure to notify your doctor or the secretary before scheduling the procedure. In addition, if you are taking anticoagulants (blood thinning medications) please inform us immediately. Take your normal medications in the morning of your procedure unless instructed otherwise.
Instructions for the Clear Liquid Diet
- The day before your scheduled procedure make sure you start a clear liquid diet, such as water, tea, broth, Jell-O, 7-Up, gingerale, Gatorade or clear fruit juices such as apple or cranberry juice (Note: NO RED Jell-O). A clear liquid is one that you can see through. You may even have coffee, but please do not add any milk, creamer, or soy milk. Do not eat breakfast, lunch, or dinner, the day prior to your procedure (substitute your meals with clear liquids). It is very important that you follow these instructions so your procedure will not have to be rescheduled.
- Follow the COLON CLEANSING INSTRUCTIONS WITH SUPREP. There is either a valid prescription attached on the front (which can be filled at any local pharmacy) OR you can let the secretary know which pharmacy you’d like the prescription filled. ***It is important to double up on your liquid intake to avoid dehydration while taking SUPREP.*** You may continue to consume clear liquids until 3 hours before the time of your exam. Please take nothing by mouth for 3 hours prior to your test, including water!
3. Taking the first dose of SUPREP the evening before your exam at 5:00PM and the second dose 5 hours prior to the exam gives the best prep results.
You must arrive one (1) hour prior to your scheduled procedure to pre-register at:
The San Francisco Endoscopy Center
3468 California Street (between Laurel/Locust)
San Francisco, CA 94115
***Note: If you are going to be late, please call the facility
Phone (415) 345-0100
If you have any questions regarding the scheduled procedure, please do not hesitate to give us a call. We can be reached at:
Dr. Susan Ripper (Assistant: Lori) Phone (415) 923-3548