TIPS FOR A SAFE & SUCCESSFUL COLONOSCOPY

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For a successful colonoscopy, your colon must be clear of any stool. This allows your doctor to see your entire colon.  It is extremely important to follow these preparation instructions to clear your colon of any stool, otherwise the procedure may need to be repeated.

If you are unsure of any aspects of the preparation or you are having an adverse reaction ring 9312 1888 (Monday to Thursday 9:00-16:30) or the Hospital that you will be having your procedure at (after hours).

One Week Before Your Colonoscopy 

• Arrange for a driver for your procedure.
• Purchase GLYCOPREP-O kit plus an additional sachet of GLYCOPREP ORANGE 70g from pharmacy. 
• GLYCOPREP-O kit itself contains 1 blister pack containing 3 Bisacodyl 5mg tablets, 1 sachet of Magnesium Citrate 21.5g, and 3 sachets of GLYCOPREP ORANGE 70g
• Yes, this means that you end up with a total of 4  sachets of GLYCOPREP ORANGE 70g 
• Purchase any clear fluids and low residue foods you might want leading up to the procedure (see list below). Also consider purchasing baby wipes and hard candies.
• Stop taking iron supplements
• Avoid foods with seeds. 
• Make sure you know what to do with your blood thinning and diabetes medications (refer to below).

What if I have a tendency towards constipation? 

• Avoid high residue foods for 1 week prior to procedure. 
• Start a clear fluids diet for 2 days prior to procedure.
• If your constipation is significant, have 2 sachets of Movicol daily starting 2 days prior to procedure (no prescription needed). 

TWO Days Before Your Colonoscopy 

Avoid high residue foods, generally any foods that ‘crunches’ in your mouth.  

AVOID High Residue Foods

• Nuts
• Popcorn
• Seeds: chia, fennel, flax, poppy
• Whole grains or high fibre grains: brown or wild rice; whole grain bread, rolls, pasta or crackers; whole grain or high fibre cereal (granola, raisin bran, oatmeal); bread or cereal with nuts or seeds 
• Legumes: beans; lentils; dried beans, peas or lentils
• Fruits: raw fruit with seeds or skins; cooked or canned fruit with seeds or skin; raisins or other dried fruits 
• Vegetables: brussel sprouts; cabbage; corn; cucumbers; green peas; onions; potatoes with skin; tomatoes
• Other: coconut; fibre supplements; olives; pickles; salad dressing with seeds or nuts; soups with vegetables or legumes 

ALLOWED Low Residue Foods 

• Dairy: cheese; milk; yoghurt 
• Protein: chicken; eggs; fish; pork; shrimp; tofu; turkey
• Bread & grains: white bread or bagels (NO whole grain or any seeds); White rice (NO brown or wild rice); white pasta (NO whole grain)
• Condiments: peanut or almond butter (NO crunch); butter or margarine; vegetable oil; mayonnaise or sour cream
• Dessert: ice-cream; pudding; sorbet (NO pieces of fruit or seeds); cookies or cake made with white flour & NO seeds, fruit or nuts 

Drink as much clear fluids as you can before, during and after having the preparation solution to prevent dehydration. 

ALLOWED Clear Fluids 

Clear fluids is any fluid you can see through. Avoid red or purple liquids as the remaining liquid in your colon can be tinted red or purple and be confused for bleeding. 

• Water, including coconut water 
• Black tea or coffee (NO milk or cream)
• Carbonated beverages (soda or sparkling water)
• Clear soup
• Cordial
• Fruit juice without pulp (apple, lemonade, orange)
• Jelly
• Sports drinks (Gatorade, Powerade)
• Popsicles