So you are in the middle of your colonoscopy prep and something does not seem right. When is the right time to reach out to the GI nurse?
1. You feel you are getting sick.
With a significant respiratory infection or fever, having an elective procedure is not advised. If you have an uninvestigated cardiac or pulmonary symptom, elevated BMI, or severe chronic medication conditions, your procedure may require an additional level of anesthetic care not able to be provided at our outpatient center.
2. You have finished your prep, but you cannot see the bottom of the toilet bowl.
Everyone gets the same prep and bowel cleansing instructions, but it does not work the same way on every single person. For example, someone with abdominal surgeries or who is on medication that affects motility who may not have a bowel movement every single day. If you’ve finished your prep but you do not feel like you are totally cleaned out, call the GI nurse for further instructions.
3. You begin vomiting uncontrollably.
If you feel bloated, nauseous or full, stop drinking for 15 minutes and walk around, as it can help move the water through your colon.
If you throw up once or twice, it is possible that we may be able to perform the procedure if you were able to make it through most of your prep. However, if you are vomiting uncontrollably (like you have had food poisoning) and you were not able to make it through most of your prep, it might be wise to reschedule the procedure, but call the GI nurse to check.
4. You feel that you cannot finish the prep.
It is very important to follow your instructions as given but if, for whatever reason, you feel you cannot finish consuming the prep, it is possible that we could proceed with your colonoscopy if you can see the bottom of the toilet. Call the GI nurse and be honest about what you are experiencing.
Remember:
- If you need to talk to the GI nurse after office hours, call 704-489-3410.
- If you need to speak with someone the day of your procedure, call the Tryon Endoscopy Center at 704-275-3256.
- If you are having an emergency, call 911.