Frequently Asked Questions
1. What if I feel like I am going to vomit while drinking my prep?
Allow more time between each glass of solution.
2. What happens if I drink the preparation and get no results?
If you don't have frequent and progressively looser bowel movements with in 3 hours of taking the preparation you will likely need something else to help it work properly. Call the office at 661-324-1203
3. Why do I have to have someone drive me home?
After the procedure is over you may be sleepy, uncomfortable, nauseated, or simply not yourself. This is the effect of the medications used for sedation and the procedure itself. Your reflexes will be slowed until the following day and you might injure yourself or others if you try to drive or operate machinery. Whenever possible you should be around someone that you know until the following day or at least until you arrive safely at home.
4. Can I take aspirin, anticoagulants, or blood thinners before the procedure?
It is recommended that you discuss with your GI doctor or the prescribing to find out if you should stop taking aspirin, arthritis medications, anticoagulants, and blood thinners about 3 days before the procedure to reduce the risk of bleeding if polyps need to be removed.
5. 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.
6. When can I eat after the procedure is done?
In general, you can eat immediately after the procedure as long as you avoid greasy or spicy foods. Please be aware that the sedation medication may cause mild nausea and you may not have a full appetite until the following day.
7. What is a clear liquid diet?
Gatorade, Pedialyte, or Power Ade, Clear broth or bouillon, coffee or tea (no milk or cream) carbonated and non-carbonated soft drinks, Kool- Aid or other fruit flavored drinks, clear fruit juices. Jell-O, popsicles,
NOT A CLEAR LIQUID DIET:
NO RED, BLUE, OR PURPLE ITEMS OF ANY KIND, NO ALCOHOL, NO MILK, MILK BASED DRINKS, OR PROTEIN DRINKS, NO NOODLES OR VEGETABLES IN SOUP, NO JUICE WITH PULP, INCLUDING ORANGE JUICE OR TOMATO JUICE.
8. Can I brush my teeth before an endoscopy?
Sure, as long as you don’t swallow anything for 6-8 hours before your procedure.. Kern Gastroenterology Medical Group understands the compulsion to brush your teeth before a medical professional works in the vicinity of your mouth. It’s why you always want to brush your teeth before you have your semiannual dental checkup. If you feel the need to brush your teeth, go for it! Just be sure to spit
9. How do I feel after the procedure?
After your procedure, you will probably have a slightly dry mouth and feel drowsy, gassy and hungry. The dry mouth and drowsiness are from the sedation. They will gradually wear off. The gassiness is from the puffs of air that are put into the digestive tract during the endoscopic procedure. This helps your doctor see inside your stomach or colon. Most of the air is removed before the procedure ends, but some of it just has to pass naturally.