FAQ

Most frequent questions and answers

Answer: If you are  required to pay a co-pay according to your insurance coverage, be prepared to pay at the time of registration. Please bring your insurance card only if there has been changes. We suggest you bring a book, magazine, kindle, cell phone, or something to help pass the time. MVEC is equipped with Wi-fi and cable  television in the waiting room. 

Answer: Comfortable clothing-Please leave jewelry and valuables at home.

Answer: It is the policy of MVEC that every patient have a responsible adult to accompany/drive them home. If this is not possible, please contact your doctor at 315-624-7000.

Due to the sedation given during the procedure, you are considered legally impaired. The sedation medication impairs your judgment and reflexes. You will not be permitted to drive for 12 hours following your procedure.

 Answer: It is not uncommon to be unable to remove rings, such as a wedding band. For colonoscopy procedures, we will ask you to remove your belly button ring. For gastroscopy procedures, you will be asked to remove your tongue ring.

Answer: If you can sleep with your contact lenses in at home then they can be left in during the procedure. Otherwise, please wear your glasses or bring your contact lens case/solution.

Answer: You may use your usual supplies (tampon/pad). It will not interfere with your exam.

  Answer: You may breastfeed immediately after discharge according to the guidelines of the American Society of Anesthesiology. Please ask your pediatrician if you have any other concerns.

Answer: You will be given written prep instructions prior to your procedure. If you do not receive these instructions, please call Digestive Disease Medicine at 315-624-7000.

Answer: If you usually take prescribed medications including high blood pressure medication, you must take it in the morning of your procedure with a small sip of clear liquid. You must continue to take your medications for blood pressure, heart, and respiratory problems (including inhalers) as you usually do. DO NOT take any diabetic medications on the morning of the procedure .If you are on any medication that may affect your bleeding (coumadin, pradaxa, xarelto, plavix, eliquis) you will receive special instructions prior to your exam. You do not need to stop taking your Aspirin 81mg (Baby aspirin) before your exam. If you are taking Aspirin 325mg, usually you will be instructed to lower the dose to 81mg one week prior to your exam.
You must discontinue the use of Phentermine (Adipex-P, Suprexa, or other weight control medications) for two weeks prior to your procedure.

Answer: The nausea usually occurs because the stomach is still full and the laxative is slow to work. Take a break from drinking liquids and prep. Get up and walk around. Rinse your mouth and then continue drinking your prep. If you throw up your bowel prep, just try your best to drink as much of it as you can tolerate.

Answer: If you can’t finish the bowel prep, let the doctor’s office know.


Do not worry. Even though it seems like it, you most likely did not vomit all of your prep. It will most likely begin to work. If you feel that you did not “clean out” well, enemas or additional oral prep can be given at the center. Please try to arrive one hour earlier than scheduled.

Answer: Finish the prep. It may be tempting to stop drinking all of the colonoscopy prep if your stools are running clear, but it is important to complete all the steps.


Unfortunately, this is a common side effect of all colonoscopy preps. The cramping will pass as the prep begins to work and your colon begins to empty. If you have a larger volume prep (MiraLax, Colyte, MoviPrep) you may feel nauseated and full. This will pass as well as the stomach empties. It is better to stop the prep and rest for a while. You can restart the prep when you feel better.

Answer: The bowel movement coming out should look like the fluids you are drinking–clear without many particles. You know you are done when the bowel movement coming out is yellow, light liquid and clear, like urine.

Answer: Reasons for incomplete colonoscopy include redundant or tortuous colon, severe diverticular disease, obstructing masses and strictures, angulation fixation of colonic loops, adhesions due to previous surgery, spasm or poor preparation.

Please review your procedure instructions to make sure you followed the directions you were given by your physician about managing diabetic medications.  If your blood glucose is low you may take apple or orange juice with some table sugar to raise your blood glucose.

Answer: Your body is covered during the exam. You don’t have to be embarrassed or exposed during a colonoscopy ( just the small area that is needed for the exam). You will wear a hospital gown, and a blanket provides extra covering.

Answer: You will receive sedation so you will be asleep during the exam. You usually don’t feel or remember anything of the procedure.

Immediately. As soon as you awaken in our recovery room, you will be offered a soft drink, coffee or water along with a small snack. Once you go home you can have a normal breakfast or lunch. Eat whatever you like. Just use common sense. Don’t try to make up for 3 missed meals at once.

Due to the sedation given during the procedure, you should plan to rest at home for the remainder of the day. You may resume your usual activities the day after your procedure.