The Day Of Your Colonoscopy
- You may continue with CLEAR LIQUIDS until 12 midnight prior to your colonoscopy. After this time, you cannot eat or drink anything .
- Please take any heart or blood pressure medications with a sip of water when they are due and use your inhaler per usual .
- Take your regular medications with a sip of water, except as advised previously.
- If you are insulin dependent, please let the surgery staff know upon check in.
Location
Talk With Your Endoscopy Nurse
A few days before your procedure, youll get a call from an endoscopy nurse. They will review the instructions in this guide with you and ask you questions about your medical history. The nurse will also review your medications and tell you which to take the morning of your procedure.
Use the space below to write them down.
Important Information About Miralax
You should not use MiraLAX if you have a bowel obstruction or intestinal blockage. If you have any of these conditions, you could have dangerous or life-threatening side effects from MiraLAX.
People with eating disorders should not use MiraLAX without the advice of a doctor.
Before taking MiraLAX, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, kidney disease, nausea or vomiting with severe stomach pain, or if you have had a sudden change in bowel habits that has lasted 2 weeks or longer.
MiraLAX should produce a bowel movement within 1 to 3 days of using the medication. Polyethylene glycol 3350 normally causes loose or even watery stools.
Do not use MiraLAX more than once per day. Call your doctor if you are still constipated or irregular after using this medication for 7 days in a row.
Recommended Reading: Clean & Clear Night Relaxing Deep Cleansing Face Wash
Start Your Bowel Preparation
Step 1: At 4:00 pm on the day before your procedure, take 2 bisacodyl tablets by mouth with a glass of water.
Step 2: At 4:15 pm, start drinking the MiraLAX mixture.
You will drink 4 glasses of the mixture in total.
- When youre finished, half of the MiraLAX mixture will be left. Save the rest of it in the refrigerator for the second half of your preparation.
- Bowel movements usually begin within 1 hour of drinking the first dose, but it may take longer for some people.
- Dont worry if you dont start having bowel movements after drinking the first half of the MiraLAX. Continue to drink liquids and start the second half of the MiraLAX as instructed.
Step 3 :
If you were told to arrive for your procedure before 11:00 am, follow these instructions the night before your procedure:
At 11:00 pm, take 2 bisacodyl tablets by mouth with a glass of water. Then, start drinking the second half of the MiraLAX mixture.
Take Your Miralax Bowel Preparation
The MiraLAX bowel preparation will cause frequent bowel movements, so be sure to be near a bathroom the evening before your surgery or procedure.
At 5:00 p.m. on the day before your surgery or procedure, start drinking the MiraLAX bowel preparation. Drink 1 of the mixture every 15 minutes until the container is empty.
- When youre finished drinking the MiraLAX bowel preparation, drink 4 to 6 glasses of clear liquids. You can continue to drink clear liquids until midnight or until you go to bed, but it isnt required.
- Apply petroleum jelly or A & D® ointment to the skin around your anus after every bowel movement. This helps prevent irritation.
Read Also: Juice Cleanse Delivery Los Angeles
Get A Letter From Your Doctor If Needed
- If you have an automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator , you will need to get a clearance letter from your cardiologist before your procedure. A clearance letter is a letter that says you can safely have the procedure.
- If youve had chest pain, dizziness, trouble breathing thats new or worse, or have fainted in the last 6 weeks, you need to be examined by your doctor, and get a clearance letter from your doctor before your procedure.
Your MSK doctors office must have your clearance letter at least 1 day before your procedure.
Three Days Before Your Colonoscopy
FOLLOW A LOW FIBER DIET
- Avoid such foods as popcorn, nuts, fresh fruits, raw vegetables or products containing whole wheat or bran. Stop all fiber supplements . Avoid products containing Olestra for one week.
- A few examples of foods you may eat are:Dairy products, meats, poultry, fish, pasta, white rice, white bread, eggs, mashed potatoes, cooked carrots or squash.
PURCHASE THE FOLLOWING
- 238 gram bottle of Miralax 64 ounces of Gatorade, Powerade, Pedialyte or G2 low sugar Gatorade NO RED, ORANGE AND PURPLE LIQUIDS!
- Dulcolax Laxative 5mg
Also Check: Clean And Clear Cream Cleanser
Uses That Are Not Recommended
Not all potential uses for MiraLAX are recommended.
MiraLAX for weight loss
Some people take laxatives, including MiraLAX, with the hope of losing weight. However, MiraLAX and other laxatives are not effective for weight loss. In addition, they may cause harmful side effects if theyre used inappropriately. These can include diarrhea, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances.
If you would like to lose weight, dont use MiraLAX for that purpose. Instead, talk to your doctor about weight-loss approaches that can work well for you.
Take MiraLAX according to the instructions on the package or according to the directions youve received from your doctor.
Also Check: Differin Daily Deep Cleanser Ingredients
Day Of Your Colonoscopy
- Four hours prior to your colonoscopy start time: Begin drinking the remainder of the Gatorade-Miralax mixture. Drink one 8-ounce glass every 10-15 minutes until the remainder of container is finished. You must be finished drinking three hours prior to your scheduled procedure start time.
- Three hours prior to your scheduled start time, stop all liquids. You must be finished drinking any other clear fluids three hours prior to your scheduled appointment time.
- If you are diabetic, do not take your daily diabetic medication this morning.
- Wear loose comfortable clothing and a short-sleeved shirt.
Also Check: Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water Cloths
Gatorade Miralax Colon Prep Instructions
The purpose of this prep is to clean your colon. The cleaner your colon is prior to your exam, the more likely we are to locate any abnormalities.
Ensure a safe and effective colon prep by following these instructions exactly as directed below.
- At first appointment tell your doctor if you are taking any blood thinner/coagulant medications other than aspirin.
Is Miralax + Gatorade A Good Choice For Bowel Prep Before Colonoscopy
the MPR take:
A new study published in The American Journal of Gastroenterology investigates the use of Miralax and Gatorade for use as a bowel preparation before colonoscopy. While polyethylene glycol is considered a popular bowel cleanser prior to colonoscopy, large volume PEG preparations could potentially reduce patient compliance. A search of multiple databases produced five studies where Miralax/Gatorade , a lower volume and more palatable preparation, was compared to other PEG preparations before colonoscopy. Results showed statistically significantly fewer satisfactory bowel preparations associated with M/G compared with PEG however, patients were willing to repeat M/G more so than PEG. In terms of polyp detection, no statistically significant differences were seen between the two bowel preparations. Based on this data, researchers conclude that for bowel preparation prior to colonoscopy, PEG appears to be superior to M/G.
OBJECTIVES: Polyethylene glycol is a very popular bowel preparation for colonoscopy. However, its large volume may reduce patient compliance, resulting in suboptimal preparation. Recently, a combination of Miralax and Gatorade has been studied in various randomized controlled trials as a lower volume and more palatable bowel preparation.
Also Check: Renew Life 3 Day Liver Cleanse
What To Expect After A Colonoscopy
- You must arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home. Going home in a taxi is not allowed.
- The effects of the anesthesia can persist for 24 hours. After receiving the sedation, you must exercise extreme caution before engaging in any activity that could be harmful to yourself or others . Do not make any important decisions and do not drink any alcoholic beverages during this time period.
- Take only the medication that is prescribed by your doctor.
- After your procedure, you may have anything youd like to eat or drink. You will probably want to start with something light. Please include plenty of fluids. Avoid items that cause gas, such as sodas and salads.
- If your procedure required the placement of a metal clip, you cannot have an MRI for 30 days.
Note The Time Of Your Procedure
A staff member will call you after noon the day before your procedure. The staff member will tell you what time you should arrive for your procedure. If youre scheduled for your procedure on a Monday, you will be called on the Friday before. If you dont receive a call, call your doctors office.
If you need to cancel your procedure, call the doctor who scheduled it for you.
Recommended Reading: Mary Kay Volu Firm Cleanser
Prepare Your Miralax Bowel Preparation
On the morning of the day before your procedure, mix all 238 grams of the MiraLAX powder with 64 ounces of a room temperature clear liquid until the MiraLAX powder dissolves.
Once the MiraLAX is dissolved, you can put the mixture in the refrigerator. Many people find it tastes better when its chilled.
Dont mix the MiraLAX earlier than the morning of the day before your procedure.
How To Use Miralax As A Detox
Fact Checked
Detoxification cleans out the body by removing wastes, debris and other harmful substances. One way to detoxify the body is to clean out the colon . The Mayo Clinic recommends taking laxatives as one way to treat constipation 1. Miralax is an over-the-counter laxative that loosens fecal matter, relieving constipation and promoting more frequent bowel movements 1. As a short-term remedy, Miralax can function as a detox.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Choose a beverage to use with the Miralax. Some possibities are water, fruit or vegetable juices, soda, tea or coffee.
Pour 4 to 8 ounces of your beverage choice into a glass.
Fill the cap of the Miralax bottle with the powder to the white pre-measured line within the cap.
Read Also: Healthiest Cleanse For Weight Loss
And 2 Days Before Your Colonoscopy:
DRINK at least 64 of water or any sports drink.
AVOID a high roughage diet whole-grain bread and pasta, cereals, brown rice, dried fruits, raw fruits with skin & membranes , pears, raw vegetables, dried peas or beans, baked beans, seeds, nuts, popcorn, red meat, and fiber supplements
EAT foods which make less stool enriched white bread, white rice, plain pasta, most canned or cooked fruits without skins, seeds or membranes, fluid & vegetable juice with no pulp, tender meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk, yogurt, cheese, cookies, ice cream, custard, pudding
What Are The Other Alternatives For Severe Constipation
To relieve severe constipation, you have to stick to the standard diet and lifestyle modifications. This will help to improve your bowel movements without the need to increase your laxative doses or using a more powerful alternative.
Before your search for more powerful alternatives for severe constipation, you should:
- Take more fibers from your diet.
- Take a fiber supplement.
- Review your list of medications.
Stronger alternatives to discuss with your doctor for severe constipation:
- A combination of low dose MiraLAX . .
- Using suppositories such as Glycerin.
- Using an enema for severe constipation. Learn more.
- Working with your doctor to use the newer anti-constipation medications such as Lubiprostone and Prucalopride.
Read Also: Dr Barbara Sturm Foam Cleanser
How Much Prune Juice Should I Drink If I’m Constipated
Prune juice is an effective remedy for constipation in both children and adults. When giving prune juice to an infant, the Mayo Clinic recommends trying 2 to 4 ounces at a time and adjusting the amount as needed. For adults, drink 4 to 8 ounces of prune juice each morning to stimulate a bowel movement.
How Can I Clear My Bowels Every Morning
10 ways to make yourself poop first thing in the morning
Recommended Reading: Face Cleanser For Acne And Oily Skin
Days Before Your Procedure
Dont start your clear liquid diet until the day before your procedure if you:
- Arent usually constipated
- Dont take narcotic medications
- Havent had a colonoscopy with poor prep in the past
Avoid raw fruits and vegetables, whole kernel corn, grains, seeds, and nuts. Skip to the next section The Day Before Your Procedure.
If youre usually constipated, take narcotic medications, or have had a colonoscopy with a poor prep in the past:
- Take 1 capful of MiraLAX mixed with 8 ounces of liquid at breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Follow a full liquid diet. On a full liquid diet, you may eat and drink the following:
- Yogurt
- Fruit juices without pulp
- Broth or cream soups that have been strained so there are no vegetable pieces
- Nutritional supplements
- Ice cream and fruit ices
Common Gatorade And Miralax Mixture Side Effects
- Chills, bloating, cramping, nausea and vomiting may occur. If so, take a break from drinking the prep for 30 minutes. Resume drinking, taking breaks as needed.
- A bowel movement will usually occur within an hour after the first glass of the Gatorade-Miralax mixture. Dont worry if this doesnt happen for three or four hours. Everyone is different.
- Bowel movements will occur that are watery and frequent until the bowel is fully cleansed. The end result should be clear or pale yellow liquid.
Don’t Miss: Olay Face Cleanser For Dry Skin
How Should I Take Miralax
Use MiraLAX exactly as directed on the label, or as it has been prescribed by your doctor. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
To use MiraLAX powder, measure your dose with the medicine cap on the bottle. This cap should contain dose marks on the inside of it. Pour the powder into 4 to 8 ounces of a cold or hot beverage such as water, juice, soda, coffee, or tea. Stir this mixture and drink it right away. Do not save for later use.
MiraLAX should produce a bowel movement within 1 to 3 days of using the medication. Polyethylene glycol 3350 normally causes loose or even watery stools.
Do not use MiraLAX more than once per day. Call your doctor if you are still constipated or irregular after using this medication for 7 days in a row.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
When Should You Take Miralax For Constipation
MiraLAX is an osmotic laxative that is minimally absorbed from your intestine. It is safe, effective, and generally well tolerated.
Use Miralax of constipation only after a trial of:
- Increasing your daily fluid intake.
- Increasing your dietary fiber intake.
- Taking a bulk-forming fiber laxative such as Psyllium .
- Taking the fiber-rich Prunes or prune juice. Prunes are found to be the same or more effective than Metamucil in some trials.
- If the above measures fail to provide you with relief from severe constipation, then MiraLAX will be a reasonable choice.
However, you shouldnt take Miralax for severe constipation if:
- You are not responding to a daily dose of 34 gm of MiraLAX for more than 4 days.
You May Like: Wet Nap Hands & Face Cleansing Wipes
Recommended Reading: 7 Day Apple Cider Vinegar Cleanse Shopping List
Day Before / 24 Hours Before Procedure:
- After waking in the morning, start a clear liquid diet, drinking at least 1 large glass of clear liquids every hour until you go to bed. You may not have any solid foods until after your colonoscopy. No liquids with red, blue, purple or orange food coloring. No alcohol.Consume only:
- Italian Ice / Popsicles
- Jell-O
- Black Tea/Coffee
- Soda
Cost Barriers To Getting A Colonoscopy Are Very Real
The cost barriers to healthcare are very real. I can’t imagine what this would have cost if I didn’t have insurance. Even with insurance, I could have bought a used car for what it cost me to have a colonoscopy. And I do this every year.
It’s not cheap to stay healthy , and especially if there’s a genetic disease, pre-existing condition or other situation threatening it. It doesn’t take away the need for screening, but the reasons many don’t get screened are very real. I felt it on a whole new level this year.
Recommended Reading: Healthy Skin Boosters Facial Cleanser
Miralax Weight Loss: The Harmful Dangerous Effects
Laxatives of many kinds are available on the shelves of drug stores, grocery stores, and convenience stores. They are an easy to obtain item that people turn to for a wide variety of reasons. Some people need the assistance of a laxative product to alleviate occasional constipation due to medical treatments, age-related functional change, or as a side effect of pain-relieving medication. Although laxatives are beneficial when used appropriately, not all who turn to laxative products do so for medically necessary reasons. A growing number of people who struggle with symptoms related to disordered eating reach for laxative products like Miralax as a way to maintain control over food intake, calories, and weight. Laxatives are also used frequently by individuals who are required to maintain a specific weight, such as athletes or models. When used in a way that is inconsistent with labeling, the use of laxative products can lead to harmful, even dangerous effects, including addiction.
Read Also:
Also Check: Does Colon Cleanse Make You Lose Weight