Questions about your procedure or prep?
Please find your procedure and specific prep using the drop-down menus above. Please also visit Frequent Asked Questions for additional information.
Procedures
Meet Our Providers
Meet Our Providers Home James A. Mavec
MD
Jeffrey L. Young
MD
Jon C. Nichols
MD
Christian McElhinney
MD
Donald J. Martin
MD
Scott Robert Holmes
MD
James E. Allen
MD
R. Andrew Sutton
MD
Matthew P. Harrison
MD
Matthew B. Moore
MD
Kelci Gillenwater
APRN
Jessica Taylor
PA
FAQ’s
View All FAQ’s- Do I need colon cancer screening? Do I need colon cancer screening? The "gold standard" for colon cancer screening is colonoscopy. It should begin at age 45 and be repeated every 10 years if normal. If a person has an immediate family member diagnosed with colon cancer, then colonoscopy should begin at age 40 or 10 years younger than the age of the family member when they were diagnosed.
- I have heard there are new preparations for a colonoscopy that may be easier to complete. Are there different types of preparations, such as ‘low volume prep’? I have heard there are new preparations for a colonoscopy that may be easier to complete. Are there different types of preparations, such as ‘low volume prep’? Our doctors use a variety of preparations depending on individual patient medical history, risk, factors, personal preference and other factors. If you have specific questions about your options for preparations, ask your scheduler. She will be able to check with your doctor about different options.
- The instructions on the bottle of laxative are different from what I was given by Gastrointestinal Associates. Which instructions should I follow? The instructions on the bottle of laxative are different from what I was given by Gastrointestinal Associates. Which instructions should I follow? If you have printed instructions from Gastrointestinal Associates, you should follow them. If you did not receive printed instructions and are not sure how to use the laxative, please refer to the "Procedure Prep" section of this website or call our office.
- What If I don't have my prep instructions? What If I don't have my prep instructions? Use the drop-down menu under "Procedures" or "Prep" to find your specific colonoscopy prep and follow the written instructions. Read carefully one week before your procedure as preps start with diet changes a few days before your colonoscopy.
- What if I have trouble taking the laxative solution prescribed for my colonoscopy preparation? What if I have trouble taking the laxative solution prescribed for my colonoscopy preparation?
- Vomiting is unfortunately common with the prep. Despite this, you typically ingest enough prep where the bowel is cleaned enough for an adequate exam. Keep trying. Often, nausea will subside if you slow down your intake of the prep solution and/or the water, by using a straw and chilling the liquid. Take a break and wait 15-30 minutes, then try again at a slower rate. For the second prep dose, anticipate at least double the time to ingest the prep.
- If there is concern you may not have consumed enough prep or the prep is not advancing, you can take an additional 2-3 capful doses of Miralax or a bottle of magnesium citrate and continue the prep as instructed.
- Completing the solution is important to guarantee that the preparation of your colon is complete, but you may take more time if needed. If you have only been able to drink one-half of the solution after four hours, you may need to use a different laxative. Once completed, if you are still passing stool, particularly matter or dark colored fluid, call the answering service at 913-495-9600 to reach the doctor on call.