Thank you for choosing Tryon Endoscopy Center. If you’re reading this, a colonoscopy or endoscopy has been recommended by either your primary care clinician or gastroenterologist for the betterment of your health.
Your appointment has been made well in advance for your upcoming procedure for good reason. Preparing for your procedure starts one week before your appointment!
Here’s what you should do at every step of your preparation to ensure a successful procedure. If you have questions, contact Tryon Endoscopy Center and we’ll help you.
One week prior to your appointment
- Please AVOID corn, nuts, seeds and popcorn. Eating a low fiber diet the week leading up to a colonoscopy helps improve the effectiveness of the cleanse, especially for those with chronic constipation.
- Plan your transportation: You MUST have a ride home after the procedure if receiving anesthesia; these medications make you groggy. We cannot perform your colonoscopy if you do not have a ride home. This will be confirmed prior to your procedure.
- The new policy for all patients scheduled for upper endoscopy and colonoscopy procedures is to stop taking GLP- 1 agonists { (Dulaglutide (Trulicity) Exenatide (Byetta) Exenatide Extended Release (Bydureon BCise) Liraglutide (Victoza) Lixisenatide (Adlyxin) Semaglutide subcutaneous, tablet (Ozempic, Rybelsus) Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) } 7 days prior to the procedure, and for you to be on clear liquids the day before the procedure. A nurse will reach out to you before your procedure to discuss if you are taking these meds.
- If you are on insulin or diabetes medications, a nurse will call you at least one week prior. Please alert us if you are on an insulin pump.
- If you take any blood thinners, please notify our office. You do not need to stop a low dose of 81 mg or 325 mg of Aspirin.
48 hours prior to your appointment
- You will receive a call from Tryon Medical Partners 48 hours prior to confirm the scheduled procedure(s).
- You must take the day off work for your procedure.
- Please refrain from alcoholic beverages 48 hours prior to your appointment.
- If you are diabetic, please review the nurse instructions regarding how to adjust your diabetes medications. Typically, oral diabetes medicines are held the day of your procedure.
- If you are repeating your exam due to prior inadequate prep, please begin a clear liquid diet and continue for 2 days prior.
24 hours prior to your appointment
- AVOID solid foods. If you can chew it, DON’T do it!
- Starting with breakfast, please begin a clear liquid diet and remember to stay hydrated throughout the day before the start of your prep. The more hydrated you are, the lower your chance of experiencing symptoms of dehydration. These symptoms can include headache/migraine, nausea and small/difficult to access veins. Additionally, staying hydrated will also make the bowel cleanse more effective.
- You may use disposable wet wipes and A&D ointment or Desitin products to reduce irritation of the anal area during the preparation. Please pat the area; do not wipe!
- If you experience pain, please take Tylenol ONLY. If you have been prescribed migraine medication, you MAY take that.
- If instructed to do so, please modify your home medications as directed.
- Begin your bowel prep. Remember, if you have done it properly you should see the bottom of the toilet bowl clearly.
The day of your procedure
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing that is easy to put on and remove for your test; bring socks to keep your feet warm.
- The colonoscopy can be performed during your menstrual cycle.
- The colonoscopy takes less than 30 minutes, but plan on being at the facility up to 3 hours from arrival time to discharge.
- Please take blood pressure, anxiety, asthma, allergy, thyroid, seizure, or heart medications the morning of your procedure, ONE HOUR AFTER YOU DRINK YOUR AM DOSE OF BOWEL PREP with a small sip of water.
- Bring your photo ID and insurance cards. Bring your copayment if required.
- Do NOT eat or drink within the specified times the day of your procedure or it will be canceled. No smoking, vaping, chewing tobacco, hard candy, lozenges, or chewing gum.
- The doctor may speak with you and your driver after the exam. You will receive a phone call or letter in 7 to 10 business days with your
- results and findings.
- ON THE DAY OF YOUR PROCEDURE, SOMEONE OVER 18 YEARS OF AGE MUST BE ABLE TO ACCOMPANY YOU AND BE AVAILABLE TO DRIVE YOU HOME. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS REQUEST. THIS IS FOR YOUR SAFETY DUE TO MEDICAL SEDATION PROTOCOL. Taxis and Buses are not permitted UNLESS you have an escort.
- Please do NOT call the FACILITY to cancel/reschedule your procedure. Please contact the scheduler on your paperwork. Failure to do so will count as a no show.
- For the convenience of you and the person driving you, our facilities are equipped with free WIFI, a lobby and plenty of restrooms.
After the procedure
- You SHOULD NOT WORK as you are technically under the influence of sedatives.
- You cannot drive for the rest of the day. Doing so is legally considered “driving under the influence.”
- Some cramping and bloating is normal after and walking around can help move the air out of your colon. If you are having any new or concerning post-procedural symptoms, please contact the GI Nurse or triage line if after hours.
- Avoid alcohol for 24 hours after your procedure.