Treatment & Procedures

Upper Endoscopy Preparation
1. Diabetics taking insulin will need dose adjustment the day before the exam. Please ask for advice from the physician that prescribes your insulin. For diabetics only taking diabetic pills simply do not take the pills on the day of the procedure (see below).

2. Blood thinners include Coumadin, aspirin, and Plavix type medicines. These can increase the risk of bleeding during endoscopic procedures to a varying degree. We recommend stopping Coumadin five days before the procedure, if possible. Please ask for advice from the physician that prescribes your Coumadin. If aspirin is used for preventative reasons and not for active cardiac or stroke prevention then it should be stopped for 5-7 days before the procedure. Stop Plavix 5-7 days before the procedure., with the permission of your Cardiologist or Primary MD.

The Morning of the Procedure

1. Nothing to eat after midnight the day of your procedure. You should take any necessary medications you normally use on the morning of the procedure with sips of water.

2. Take your regular medications (except diabetic pills) on the morning of the procedure with sips of water.

3. If you have diabetes and take insulin, take one half of your usual morning dose of NPH, Lente or Novolin 70/30 or Lantus insulin. DO NOT TAKE Regular or Humalog insulin the morning of your test.

4. Arrive at your scheduled appointment. Bring a list of your medications, insurance cards and photo ID.

After the procedure you must have a responsible adult drive you home. It is best if your driver waits for you at the endoscopy center. You may be dropped off and picked up by a responsible person approximately one and a half hours later. Taking a cab home is not an option. You may not drive or work until the next day. Questions or Problems Phone number is 407-843-0443 Internet website address is www.tummydoctor.org

Important Information About Sedation

Sedatives used for endoscopy include Propofol. These medications provide amnesia and pain relief. You are breathing on your own. It is not considered general anesthesia. The only reasons not to receive Propofol are pregnancy, egg allergy and soy allergy.
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