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Half-Lytely Prep
Colonoscopy Preparation Planner and Instructions
If you have a history of congestive heart failure
or kidney failure, this is the safest prep for you.
You are scheduled for a colonoscopy, an
examination of the colon (large intestine) with a lighted flexible scope. During
the colonoscopy, if an abnormality is seen, it is usually biopsied at that time.
This involves removing a portion or all of the abnormal area for processing and
subsequent examination under a microscope.
Plan to be with us for a total of two to three
hours. When you arrive, you will need to
complete your paperwork and then change into a patient gown. The nursing staff
will perform a brief assessment, place an I.V.,
and take you into the procedure room where you will be sedated and
undergo the colonoscopy. The colonoscopy itself takes about 15 to 30 minutes.
After the colonoscopy you will rest in the
recovery area while the sedative wears off. Due
to the sedation, you may not remember your conversation with the doctor after
the colonoscopy. Please have a family member or friend stay with you that can
speak with the doctor and nurses after the procedure.
By law, you cannot drive the rest of the day of the colonoscopy.
We advise you to take the entire day off work.
A thorough cleansing of the
colon is essential and the examination is most successful if you follow the
directions for preparation completely, as outlined below.
If you have any questions about the test or preparation, please do not hesitate
to call our office.
It is important to bring a list of all prescription medications and
non-prescription products
(over-the-counter, anti-inflammatory, herbal, vitamins, etc) you are taking and a list of any medications you are allergic to.
Purchase these items ahead of time:
1. Half-Lytely Prep Kit (per your prescription from our office)
2.
Gatorade (no red flavors)
3. Tuck’s pads or Vaseline can be used to protect the anal area especially
if you have hemorrhoids.
Colonoscopy Preparation Timeline
Five
or more days prior to your colonoscopy:
-
Check with your insurance carrier if you need
pre-approval and that you understand your financial responsibility for the
procedure. If you are having a colonoscopy
for screening purposes (having no problems, but having the exam for preventative
purposes), verify with your insurance company that “Screening Colonoscopy” is a
covered benefit. There should be a number
on the back of your insurance card to call.
Three
days prior to your colonoscopy:
Two days
prior to your colonoscopy:
-
Eat well-balanced meals but try to avoid nuts,
popcorn, raw fruit, raw vegetables, and salads.
-
List any allergies and all
prescription medications and non-prescription products (over-the-counter,
anti-inflammatory, herbal, vitamins, etc.) you are taking.
Bring these lists with you on the day of the colonoscopy.
One day prior to your colonoscopy:
-
Start a Clear Liquid Diet when you get up and continue all day.
Clear Liquid Diet
Soups: Clear bouillon,
chicken broth, vegetable broth, beef broth, or
consommé.
Beverages: Tea,
coffee, Kool-Aid, carbonated beverages,
Gatorade.
You may add sugar to coffee and tea but
not milk or creamer (non-dairy creamers are okay).
Juices: Cranberry, apple, grape, strained lemonade, limeade, and orange
drink.
Any juice that you can see through and has no pulp is acceptable.
Dessert: Italian
ices, popsicles, Jell-O and hard candy.
-
Throughout
the day, make sure to drink at least eight glasses (two quarts) or more of fluids
such as Gatorade, or a similar product, preferably not just plain water.
-
Diabetic
Patients: You may have your
usual breakfast today and should take your diabetic medications. The prep
solution does not contain glucose sugar. Throughout the day, you should drink
sugar containing clear liquids, as needed to maintain your blood sugar level. Monitor
your blood sugar at your usual times.
8
a.m.
Mix Half-Lytely with water and
place in refrigerator.
5 p.m. Take all four
Bisacodyl tablets with water. Do not crush or chew.
Between
7 p.m.
and
8 p.m.
Begin to drink the Half-Lytely preparation.
-
You
will consume several glassfuls before you have the first loose watery bowel
movement, and this may make you feel slightly bloated. You will become more
comfortable as you start to have bowel movements. You may experience nausea,
abdominal fullness, and bloating. If this occurs, stop drinking temporarily or
drink each portion at longer intervals until these symptoms disappear. If you
start to have severe abdominal pain and vomiting—stop drinking and call our
office.
Remember to remain close to toilet
facilities!
The day of your colonoscopy:
-
Diabetic Patients: Do not take your diabetes
pills today, but do bring a dose with you to take after
your colonoscopy. If you are on Insulin, take ½
of usual NPH and no regular insulin. Bring the remaining doses with you to take after
your colonoscopy.
-
When you are ready to leave, your designated
driver will take you home where you can eat and relax the rest of the day. You
will receive specific instructions about eating, activities, and medications
before you leave.
Frequently Asked
Questions
1.
What’s the difference between Golytely, Nulytely, and Colyte?
All solutions are similar forms of this prep.
2. Why do I have to drink so much?
This is a large amount to drink but it works by
flushing out your system of waste material over several hours.
The solution gently "washes" the bowel clean. Do not just sip the solution. It
is important you drink eight ounces every 15 minutes. It does not absorb into
your body, nor does it cause you to become dehydrated.
3. Is there any way that I can make this
taste any better?
You can try sucking on hard candy or rinse
your mouth with water or mouthwash. Do not eat or drink anything while you are
drinking this solution.
4.
Why avoid red liquids?
The red color can persist in the colon and
potentially look like blood.
5.
One of the medications I was instructed to take the morning of my
procedure is red.
Can I take it?
Medication for blood pressure, heart conditions,
and seizures should be taken the morning of your exam regardless of the color.
6. I feel like vomiting and do not think
I can drink any more. What should I do?
It is important that you continue drinking the
solution if possible. Remember, it is the large volume that helps
to empty your bowel. Without a clean bowel, the doctor will not be able to see
the inside of your colon to complete the examination. If you do vomit, wait 30
minutes, and begin drinking the solution again. You might try taking six ounces
at a time, rather than eight ounces. If not improved, call us and have a phone
number of an open pharmacy in case we need to call in a prescription.
7. I drank a lot of the solution and have
not gone to the bathroom yet. What should I
do?
Keep drinking eight ounces every 15 minutes. Most
people have a bowel movement after an hour; some patients may take two or more
hours.
8.
I am taking the prep and having loose, watery stools.
Do I still need the rest of the
prep?
Yes, you may have solid stool higher in the colon
that needs to be eliminated.
9. I
already have diarrhea before taking the prep, do I still have to take the
laxative?
Yes, you must take the prep as directed by your
doctor. Your colon is approximately six
feet long.
The entire colon must be emptied for your physician to see the colon
clearly.
10. I see yellow color in the toilet bowl
and a few flecks. What do I do?
If you drank the entire solution or if your
last bowel movements
were clear enough that you were able to see the bottom of the toilet, you
should be fine. It is okay if you have some flecks of material. The yellow color
is a result of bile that normally colors the feces. This should not interfere
with the examination.
11. My bottom is so sore. What can I do?
To clean the area, avoid rubbing. Gently pat with
a wet washcloth. Apply Vaseline, Preparation H, or Desitin liberally.
12.
Can I drink alcoholic beverages?
We strongly suggest you do not drink any alcoholic
beverages prior to your procedure since they can cause dehydration and some
wines may thin your blood.
13.
Can I drink any nutritional supplements?
You may drink Ensure (chocolate or vanilla) or
Slim-Fast with Soy Protein/Lactose Free.
These drinks are water based, not milk based.
14.
Can I chew gum or suck candy?
Yes, but nothing with soft centers or red color.
15.
What if I am still passing stool the morning of my test?
Take a tap water enema until you run clear.
If this does not work, call the office.
16.
Can I brush my teeth?
Please do.
17.
Can I wear my dentures?
Yes, you may wear your dentures to the endoscopy
suite. However, you may be asked to remove
them prior to the procedure.
18.
I have been instructed not to take anti-inflammatories or blood thinners
several
days before the
procedure. What can I take for headaches
and pain relief?
You may take Tylenol as directed.
19.
Can I have chicken soup?
You can only have the broth; no
noodles, chicken, or vegetables allowed.
20.
Can I have the colonoscopy if I am on my menstrual period?
Yes, the procedure can still be performed. We
ask that you use a tampon if possible (not absolutely necessary).
21.
Do I need a prescription for the laxatives?
It depends on the preparation instructions you
were given. Golytely, Nulytely, and Colyte
require a prescription.
22. I am on a fluid restriction due to
problems with heart failure, is it safe to drink all
this prep?
The fluid in this prep is formulated to flush
through your intestinal tract and not absorb into your blood stream. It is
considered the safest prep for patients with a history of congestive heart
failure.
23. I
am on a fluid restriction due to problems with kidney failure, is it safe to
drink all
this prep?
The fluid in this prep is formulated to flush
through your intestinal tract and not absorb into your blood stream. It is
considered the safest prep for patients with a history of kidney failure.
 
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