|  | Conditions Treatments | Digestive Health

Douglas Rex Colonoscopy Prep Instructions

Doctors order a colonoscopy to check for diseases of the colon. Colonoscopies allow them to see inside your colon and rectum and diagnose changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding and abdominal pain. Doctors also use the colonoscopy to look for early signs of colorectal cancer.

It's very important to follow all the colonoscopy preparation instructions because your doctor can't see what he needs to see if your colon is not clear.

  1. History of Colonoscopy Preparation Procedures

    • Dr. Douglas Rex is a professor of medicine at Indiana University and one of the top three colonoscopy experts in the world, according to the university. He helped develop the colonoscopy preparation procedures currently in place at many doctors' offices, after his 1987 colonoscopy trial at Indiana University Hospital.

      Undergoing a colonoscopy requires days of preparation. Plan to take the day off for a colonoscopy, and have someone drive you home after the procedure.

    Five Days Before

    • Rex says your preparations for your colonoscopy should begin five days before the procedure. Some medications should be stopped temporarily, while others can be continued. Call your doctor's office to get specific instructions regarding any medications you're taking. Also stop taking herbal supplements, vitamins and oral iron supplements.

    Two Days Before

    • Pick up your colonoscopy preparation products from your pharmacy or doctor's office. Complete all the paperwork your doctor gave you. Be sure to include a list of all the medications you take, and keep your insurance card handy. Also make a list of any other doctors who should receive a copy of your colonoscopy results.

      If you're on any anti-inflammatory medications, stop taking them two days before your procedures. Anti-inflammatory drugs include ibuprofen and some other medications you may have been prescribed by your doctor. Ask your doctor about each medication you're unsure about. You may still take acetaminophen for pain.

    One Day Before

    • The day before your colonoscopy you should stop eating all solid foods. Stick to a clear liquid diet until midnight. You may drink water, Gatorade, Kool-Aid, clear soda and clear soup such as chicken broth. You may also eat Jello. Avoid any red or purple clear liquids. Depending on which colonoscopy preparation regimen your doctor chose, you might have to drink an extra 8 oz. of liquid frequently. For example, if you're using OsmoPrep, you'll need to drink 8 oz. with each set of tablets you take. Follow the instructions included with your colonoscopy preparation package.

    Day of Colonoscopy

    • The day of your colonoscopy you should continue a clear liquid diet. Your doctor might require you to stop drinking liquids at midnight. In some cases you might be able to drink clear liquids until about three hours before your procedure. Continue following the specific instructions for your colonoscopy preparation regimen, including any tablets you should take or liquids you should drink.

Digestive Health - Related Articles