There are many reasons why you may need to visit an endoscopy clinic in Singapore. You may have disturbing symptoms affecting your digestive tract or you may be at the time of your life when endoscopy is already a procedure that is required to be done to keep your body healthy. Whatever your reason may be, it is always good to come prepared for your procedure. This article lists down things you should do in preparation for your medical appointment.
What is endoscopy?
Endoscopy is a medical procedure performed by a doctor using a medical device called an endoscope. An endoscope is a long thin flexible tube with a tiny light and camera at one end. This tube is inserted into an incision or an opening in the body. For an upper endoscopy, the endoscope is inserted into the mouth and is carefully navigated through the esophagus, stomach, up until the duodenum or the small intestine’s first part. This procedure is safe and is completed in a day.
Why do you need to be prepared for an endoscopy procedure?
Preparation for endoscopy is important to make sure that the procedure goes smoothly and your safety is prioritized.
How should you prepare for an endoscopy procedure?
The preparation for an endoscopy procedure happens 7 days before your appointment at most. Here are recommendations on how to prepare for your endoscopy procedure:
SEVERAL DAYS BEFORE YOUR PROCEDURE
Organize your schedule
Once you have booked your appointment with an endoscopy clinic in Singapore, take note of the date and time of your procedure. The procedure may usually take around two to three hours to complete. Whatever day your appointment falls on, be sure that you do not schedule any major activities a day or two before and after your procedure. If your procedure happens to fall on a weekday, then you may need to ask to be off from work the following day after your endoscopy to fully recover.
Ask someone to accompany you to the endoscopy clinic
A sedative will be administered so your body will be relaxed and not experience any discomfort while the procedure is ongoing. There may be side effects that you may feel once the sedative wears off, such as drowsiness, headache, or nausea. You may also have some lapses when it comes to judgment, hence it is wise to ask someone you trust to come with you on the day of your treatment to assist you and bring you home after the procedure is done.
Stop taking certain medications
There are certain medications that can impede an endoscopy procedure, such as:
- Aspirin
- Anti-anxiety medications
- Antidepressants
- Blood thinners
- Pepto Bismol
- Iron
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
If you are taking these, let your doctor know and ask for an alternative. Patients who are taking these medications are usually asked to stop at least five to seven days prior to their endoscopy, but it is highly advised that you do not make any changes to the doses that you take without proper guidance from your doctor.
Avoid drinking alcohol
Alcoholic beverages can cause dehydration and some liquors may cause the blood to thin, so it is best to avoid them days or at least 48 hours before your endoscopy procedure.
TWO DAYS BEFORE YOUR PROCEDURE
Stock your pantry with the right food and beverage for your recovery period
You will be tweaking your diet a day before and a day after your scheduled appointment in preparation for your endoscopy. You may still eat solid food up until midnight before your endoscopy procedure. However, after that time or before 8 hours of the endoscopy procedure, only clear liquids are allowed, so it is good to have the following items ready:
- Apple juice
- Broth
- Coconut water
- Coffee (without creamer or sugar)
- Jell-o (plain)
- Popsicles
It is important to remember not to buy any food or liquid that is orange, purple, or red in color as consuming these can affect your endoscopy results.
Soft diet is recommended after your endoscopy. Here are items that you should include on your grocery list:
- Applesauce
- Bone broth
- Eggs
- Juice
- Jell-o
- Mashed potatoes
- Pudding
- Soup
- Smoothies
- Yogurt
ONE DAY BEFORE YOUR PROCEDURE
Prepare your clothes
Choose an outfit that will make you feel comfortable, especially after your endoscopy. It is best not to wear any accessories or jewelry on the day of your appointment. The room where your endoscopy procedure is done may be cold, so you may want to bring a pair of socks with you.
Organize any necessary documents
Be sure that you have completed any paperwork that your doctor asked for and also do not forget to bring any diagnostic test results or past medical documentation that may be necessary for your treatment. Place them in your bag to avoid leaving them at home once you leave for the endoscopy clinic.
Do not eat solid food after midnight
Only clear liquids are allowed for you to consume after midnight and until 8 hours before your endoscopy procedure.
ON THE DAY OF YOUR PROCEDURE
Wear comfortable clothes
There is no need to stress out on what to wear if you have prepared this the night before. Remember not to wear any accessories or jewelry.
Do not ear or drink at least 8 hours before the procedure
Your upper digestive tract should be completely empty during the endoscopy, so your doctor will ask you to fast for 8 hours to ensure that nothing will obstruct the procedure.
Arrive at the endoscopy clinic at least 30 minutes before your procedure
Arriving early for your procedure will give you enough time to complete any last minute paperworks, ask any questions you may have, or attend any briefing from clinic staff about your procedure. It will also allow you sometime to get in the zone of mentally preparing yourself to remain calm while the procedure is done.
Gastrohealth is an endoscopy clinic in Singapore that offers endoscopy and other services relating to the digestive tract. Visit their website to know more information.
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Gastrohealth Clinic – Dr Bhavesh Doshi | Gastroenterologist | Colonoscopy Singapore
6A Napier Rd, #03-370 Gleneagles Hospital Annexe Block, Singapore 258500
+65 6355 5773
enquiries@gastrohealth.com.sg