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Preparing for your visit
Everything you need before your appointment, in one place. If you are looking for your bowel prep instructions the night before, they are right below.
Downloads
Forms and instructions
When we booked your appointment we told you which bowel preparation to follow. If you are not sure which one, call 905-856-2626 before you start rather than guessing.
Searches the full text of all 27 documents, not just their titles. Try “clear fluids”, “driving” or “lactose”.
Bowel preparation, colonoscopy
Diet sheets
Gastroscopy
Consent, history and referral
How the preparation works
The single most important thing you can do for your procedure is to follow the preparation exactly. The endoscopist can only see what the bowel preparation reveals. Where the bowel is not clear, polyps get missed and the examination may have to be repeated.
Two days before
Begin the dietary restrictions set out in your instruction package. In general this means moving to low-fibre foods and avoiding seeds, nuts, skins and whole grains.
The day before
Move to clear liquids and start the laxative preparation at the time given in your instructions. This is the part that empties the bowel, and the timing matters. Stay near a toilet and keep drinking clear fluids so you do not become dehydrated.
The day of your procedure
Follow the timing in your package for the second dose, if your preparation has one, and for when to stop drinking. Arrange your ride home before you leave the house.
You cannot drive yourself home
You will be sedated, and you must not drive for 12 hours afterwards. Arrange for someone to collect you. If you plan to travel by bus or taxi, somebody has to accompany you. Without a ride arranged, your procedure cannot go ahead.
What to bring
- Your health card
- Your completed medical history form, if you have not already sent it
- A list of your medications, including doses
- Your signed consent form
- Someone to drive you home
- An interpreter, if you have difficulty with English
Medications
Tell us about everything you take, including blood thinners, diabetes medication and supplements, when you book. Some medications need to be adjusted before an endoscopic procedure and that has to be planned in advance with your own doctor. Do not stop any prescribed medication on your own initiative.
The fee for uninsured services
The procedure itself is covered by OHIP for insured Ontario patients. Separately, there is a voluntary fee for uninsured services, which can be paid either as a single block fee of $60 valid for twelve months, or for each service individually at the time it is provided. Your booking sheet sets out what this covers.
If you need to change or cancel
Call us at 905-856-2626 as early as you can. Appointment slots are limited and giving us notice lets us offer your time to someone else who is waiting.
Still not sure about something?
Call the clinic. We would far rather answer a question the day before than cancel your procedure on the morning.