On the Day of Your Procedure

• Take your medications on the morning of your procedure as directed by your Doctor or Nurse, with just enough water to swallow.
• Bring your insurance card, two forms of identification, and your prescription card. You may also want to bring money for prescription and/or co-payments if you plan to have your prescriptions filled while you are at the Culpeper Surgery Center.
• Bring any special medical equipment from home that you may need (i.e. CPAP machine, crutches, walker, etc.)
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing, and flat shoes.
• Bring your glasses and/or contact lens case.
• Remove all jewelry before arriving at the Culpeper Surgery Center including hair clips, pins, and all body piercings.
• Please remove all makeup and nail polish prior to arrival.
• Do not bring large suitcases, jewelry, or valuables of any kind such as money, credit cards, etc. You may want to have your family member carry any cash necessary for prescriptions if you plan to get them filled while at the Culpeper Surgery Center.

Family and Companion Information

You will need an adult to escort you to and from the Culpeper Surgery Center on the day of your Procedure, so that he or she can be given instructions as well. The person who escorts you will be responsible for your valuables and clothing, and for taking you home after you are discharged. For your safety, you will not be admitted to or discharged from the Culpeper Surgery Center without an adult as your escort. We also recommend that you arrange for someone to stay with you during the first 24 hours after your Procedure.

Arriving at Culpeper Surgery Center

The Person who escorts you to the Culpeper Surgery Center may drop you off at the Patient Entrance located at 541 Sunset Lane, Suite 201. Arrive at the Culpeper Surgery Center on your scheduled time. Upon entering the Patient Entrance, turn left into the main entrance for the CSC. The registration desk is located immediately to the right and the Staff will assist you with the registration process.

Once Registered the Pre-Operative Nurse will take you back to the Pre-Operative area to get you ready and prepared for the Procedure.

In the Preoperative Area

• You will change into a Culpeper Surgery Center gown and we will provide a plastic bag to keep your clothes in.
• A Nurse will speak with you to perform an assessment and check your vital signs.
• An intravenous line (IV) will be started so you can receive fluid and medications during and after your Procedure.
• The Anesthesia Team will perform an assessment, discuss the Anesthetic plan of care for your Procedure, and answer any questions you may have.
• You will be taken from the Preoperative area to the Endoscopy Suite/Procedure Room on a stretcher by one of the Nurses.
• Please let your Pre-op Nurse know of any special needs. Your family will receive instructions on where to wait while you are having your Procedure done.

In the Endoscopic Suite

• You will be connected to The American Society of Anesthesiologist recommended standard of monitors and will be positioned for the Procedure.
• The Anesthesia team will administer you medications for sedation and monitor you through out the procedure.
• Your GI Specialist will do your Colonoscopy.

After the Procedure

You will be taken to a Post Anesthesia Care (Recovery) Unit. On this Unit:

• A Nurse will connect you to a cardiac monitor to check your vital signs. You may receive oxygen until you are awake.
• Warm blankets will be provided to keep you warm, and medication will be given if you are having discomfort or nausea.
• Once you are stable and comfortable, you will be transferred to Stage 2 recovery. While you are in recovery, your GI Specialist will visit you and discuss the findings of the Colonoscopy before discharging you home into the care of your escort.

Before you are discharged you will:

• Be given your choice of water, juice, or a soft drink.
• Get up and walk a short distance, unless your medical condition prevents you from walking.
• Be given a discharge instruction sheet.
• Be given any prescriptions your GI Specialist wants you to take home.
• Be instructed regarding follow-up care.
• Be assisted to your vehicle..
• Leaving for home after the procedure, you must have a responsible adult companion drive you home. You can not drive yourself home after the Procedure. A bus or cab is not acceptable unless someone you know is with you.

Recovering at Home

• Written instructions will be given to you regarding recovery at home. However, here are some general reminders that may apply to you:
• Limit your activity for at least 24 hours after your procedure.
• Do not drive for at least 24 hours after your procedure.
• Take all medications only as prescribed.
• The medication you received during your Procedure may affect your memory and mental judgment for 24 hours following Anesthesia.
• Your GI Specialist will give you specific instructions and restrictions regarding your activities following the Procedure. Be prepared to ask any questions regarding what your limitations may be after the Procedure.

Questions at Home

If you have questions, problems, or concerns related to you Procedure, you may contact your GI SPecialist at their office numbers or the CSC.