Congratulations on taking the proactive step to schedule your colonoscopy! At Tryon Endoscopy Center, we genuinely appreciate your commitment to your health and the well-being of your family. We are dedicated to ensuring your procedure is safe, efficient, and effective.
To help you achieve a successful colonoscopy, here are six important steps to follow:
1. Arrange reliable transportation
For your peace of mind and safety, we require patients receiving anesthesia to have a dedicated driver or escort available throughout their stay. Although the expected duration of the procedure is around 2 hours, it may take longer. If you are unable to secure a driver or escort, please contact COMFORCARE at 704-543-0630 three days before your procedure. Keep in mind that there is a fee for this service, and ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft are not acceptable alternatives.
2. Ensure proper bowel prep
The quality and safety of your colonoscopy depend on a thorough bowel cleanse. Inadequate prep can lead to test cancellations and the need for a repeat examination. Remember, when you have completed the prep correctly, you should be able to see the bottom of the toilet bowl clearly.
3. Manage blood thinner use
If you are taking any form of blood thinner medication, you should have received specific instructions on when to stop taking it before your procedure. These timelines may vary, ranging from 24 hours to 7 days, depending on the medication. Failure to withhold the medication can significantly increase the risk of bleeding, potentially leading to the cancellation of your procedure.
4. Manage specialty medication use
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.
5. Follow fasting guidelines
Eating or drinking within certain time frames before your procedure is not permitted to reduce the risk of serious complications. Non-compliance with these guidelines may raise the anesthetic risk to an unacceptable level, resulting in a delay or cancellation of your procedure.
6. Prioritize your health
Elective procedures are not advised if you have a significant respiratory infection or fever. Additionally, individuals with uninvestigated cardiac or pulmonary symptoms, an elevated BMI, or severe chronic medical conditions may require a higher level of anesthetic care that our outpatient center cannot provide. In such cases, your healthcare provider will work with you to ensure a safe and suitable procedure environment.
By following these steps, you can help guarantee a successful and efficient colonoscopy procedure that will contribute to your overall health and well-being. Thank you for choosing Tryon Endoscopy Center for your care.