topic Re: COLONOSCOPY PREP SUGGESTIONS in Wellness

COLONOSCOPY PREP SUGGESTIONS

tends2dogs — Sun, 09 Aug 2020 16:49:57 GMT

Well, I see that my other thread was taken down about Cologuard. I don't know why, but whatever. I had my yearly check up and asked my PA about a colonoscopy. It has been 10 years since my last one and it is supposedly time. I have no family cancer history or personal gastro problems. When I asked if I should have one, he said absolutely yes. He said they are seeing a rise in younger people being diagnosed with colon cancer and he blames it on the additives and pesticides in food. He also said that the day is coming when the screening will most likely begin at an earlier age. I go to a preventive clinic. I really doubt if you would hear this from your average doc. Anyway, I am scheduled to have one a week from Monday.

I am asking for suggestions to "ease" the prep process. I have read a few things online and wonder if anyone would share what they found helpful.

TIA

Re: COLONOSCOPY PREP SUGGESTIONS

m0rgan — Sun, 09 Aug 2020 16:56:50 GMT

I got my prep package from Walmart and didn't have any issues. It didn't taste bad and the room where I watch tv is very close to my bathroom. I read where it's awful etc. but I just didn't have any issues, just follow instructions that come with the kit. Good luck!

Re: COLONOSCOPY PREP SUGGESTIONS

Love my grandkids — Sun, 09 Aug 2020 18:33:22 GMT

@tends2dogs Glad you are having the procedure. There is/was NO history anywhere in my family and I was diagnosed in 2017, all is well after surgery, chemo and radiation.

One tip that I got from the paperwork given to me is that you might want to buy a pack of hard candies, NO chocolate or anything red, to suck on after drinking the prep.

My first time I was given the unflavored and the hard candy was helpful. The second time I was given the "lemon" flavored (but it wasn't) but it wasn't too bad.

Re: COLONOSCOPY PREP SUGGESTIONS

GenXmuse — Sun, 09 Aug 2020 17:16:49 GMT

I was fortunate my doctor used miralax to prep rather than the usual solution. Much easier to stomach.

Re: COLONOSCOPY PREP SUGGESTIONS

millieshops — Sun, 09 Aug 2020 17:18:59 GMT

@tends2dogs I had what my gastro called my final routine colonoscopy last fall. He and I spent at least 15 minutes discussing the pros and cons of the test because I was 78 at the time and had no symptoms. But my mother had colon cancer at 81 and the doctor and I both think I could live longer than that, so we scheduled the procedure.

I believe what I did by beginning to eat light 48 hours ahead made the prep go faster. First day I ate light and white (chicken, rice, canned tuna, etc.), then the day before just clear broth, jello (not red), lemonade and lots of water. When I took the prep as direction, it worked so well and fast enough that I was able to sleep through the night. No urgent awakenings!

The doctor actually thanked me for coming in so clean! I was shocked. That was my 5th test but the first time I remember any such comment.

Glad to know you're taking care. Wishing you another 10 years before another test.

Re: COLONOSCOPY PREP SUGGESTIONS

Sage04 — Sun, 09 Aug 2020 17:27:53 GMT

@tends2dogs it all depends on the type of prep you get. Mine was the powder and I mixed it with water, then add the Crystal light flavor pack. I asked the Pharmacist how many packs can i add and he said to keep adding until I liked the taste. I used 4 and it was ok.

My sister had hers done a month ago and they gave her 4 bottles with 4oz liquid. I don´t remember if it was every four hours but she had to drink a glass of water after drinking the 4oz liquid.

As @millieshops suggested for the few days before starting the prep eat as lightly as possible.

Re: COLONOSCOPY PREP SUGGESTIONS

I am still oxox — Sun, 09 Aug 2020 17:35:13 GMT

My hubby was told to limit raw foods the week before and do light food two days before and the usual liquid diet the day before and he was give SuPrep, I would love to know about the use of Miralax

Re: COLONOSCOPY PREP SUGGESTIONS

bobby5 — Sun, 09 Aug 2020 17:38:22 GMT

As soon as I get done drinking a glass of the stuff, I immediately put a butterscotch hard candy in my mouth & suck on it. It really helps me.

Re: COLONOSCOPY PREP SUGGESTIONS

Lisa Y — Sun, 09 Aug 2020 17:38:39 GMT

@tends2dogs I am having my first colonoscopy tomorrow and I'm nervous. Nervous about the prep, being sedated, and "what if" they find something.
I was reading about the prep and I have been eating light as others have recommendedand am hopeful this evening goes well.

Good luck to both you and me.

Re: COLONOSCOPY PREP SUGGESTIONS

vsm — Sun, 09 Aug 2020 17:41:26 GMT

@millieshops wrote:
@tends2dogs I had what my gastro called my final routine colonoscopy last fall. He and I spent at least 15 minutes discussing the pros and cons of the test because I was 78 at the time and had no symptoms. But my mother had colon cancer at 81 and the doctor and I both think I could live longer than that, so we scheduled the procedure.

I believe what I did by beginning to eat light 48 hours ahead made the prep go faster. First day I ate light and white (chicken, rice, canned tuna, etc.), then the day before just clear broth, jello (not red), lemonade and lots of water. When I took the prep as direction, it worked so well and fast enough that I was able to sleep through the night. No urgent awakenings!

The doctor actually thanked me for coming in so clean! I was shocked. That was my 5th test but the first time I remember any such comment.

Glad to know you're taking care. Wishing you another 10 years before another test.

I heartily endorse your suggestion, @millieshops , to pre-prep the prep! I did that for my third colonoscopy and wish I'd done it for my first two.

Re: COLONOSCOPY PREP SUGGESTIONS

Sage04 — Sun, 09 Aug 2020 17:41:55 GMT

I have mine done every five years because the first time there were 3 polyps, five years later no polyps and last year November, no polyps

The procedure seemed to go by so fast. I remember talking with the Dr in my room and also remember being taken into the operating room. When I opened my eyes I was back in my room and the Dr was standing in the same spot. So I asked him if he changed his mind about doing the procedure and was shocked when he laughed and told me it was done.

Re: COLONOSCOPY PREP SUGGESTIONS

drizzellla — Sun, 09 Aug 2020 17:44:39 GMT

@GenXmuse wrote:
I was fortunate my doctor used miralax to prep rather than the usual solution. Much easier to stomach.

When I had my colonoscopy I also was given instructions for a Miralax prep. Easy.

But my new Doctor doesn't use that prep. I saw what my husband went through for his prep, I am ready to go back to the old Doctor.

Re: COLONOSCOPY PREP SUGGESTIONS

Sage04 — Sun, 09 Aug 2020 17:47:08 GMT

@Lisa Y I know it´s easy for me to say not to be nervous. There are different preps available so it´s up to your Dr.

I can tell you I was never scared and I´ve had it done three times.

Please let us know of your experience once it´s over. Best wishes.

Re: COLONOSCOPY PREP SUGGESTIONS

vsm — Sun, 09 Aug 2020 17:48:32 GMT

@Lisa Y wrote:
@tends2dogs I am having my first colonoscopy tomorrow and I'm nervous. Nervous about the prep, being sedated, and "what if" they find something.
I was reading about the prep and I have been eating light as others have recommendedand am hopeful this evening goes well.
Good luck to both you and me.

Hang in there, @Lisa Y -- you're doing everything right, except for your worrying. The sedation and procedure are easier than the prep. And should the doctor find any polyps, they can usually be removed right during the procedure. Take a deep breath and be relieved and grateful that you're able to have such an important test.

Re: COLONOSCOPY PREP SUGGESTIONS

Still Raining — Sun, 09 Aug 2020 17:48:46 GMT

All this scare talk is just that. I bet you have had worse done to you.

Last time they did MiraLax with some additional instructions. Did not kill me, just had some moments. They did do a couple snips up there that were uncomfortable for a couple of days.

What ever you do, do it very completely. If they get in and see a mess, guess what? You have to start all over.

Just plan a heck of a meal for after.

Re: COLONOSCOPY PREP SUGGESTIONS

Dinaki — Sun, 09 Aug 2020 17:48:53 GMT

Please be nice to me on this one

I am 62 years old and I have never has that procedure before, nor plan to make it in the future and I have my own "reason' if you will , I explain.

Everytime I think of that operation (if you want to call it), memories do come to hunt me from my past life.

I shudder only for the though that something will "poke' me there.

C......... has saved lives and will continue doing, but I may be the only one that doent wish to make it for my own reasons.

Re: COLONOSCOPY PREP SUGGESTIONS

Lisa Y — Sun, 09 Aug 2020 17:53:26 GMT

@Sage04 Thank you for your kind words. I didn't know there were different preps available. I'm supposed to take 4 laxative pills between 5-6:00 tonight, followed by a bottle of Citrate of Magnesia an hour after the tabs. Tomorrow morning, 5 hours before the colonoscopy, I have to drink the other bottle of Citrate and a glass of water. We'll see how it goes. Keeping my fingers crossed. 🤞🏻

Re: COLONOSCOPY PREP SUGGESTIONS

Memebell — Sun, 09 Aug 2020 18:04:40 GMT

I would eat a little healthier a few days before, but I wouldn't go hungry or crazy with my diet. Eat plenty to satisfy you without gorging on pizza or other decadent foods. But don't go crazy stifling your eating so like you feel like you are on those first few days of a diet. You will only increase the days of misery, unnecessarily so.

i had the kind of prep I only had to do starting the night before the procedure so it wasn't the nightmare of weakness and bathroom visits I have heard before. I ate normal until time to start the test but when I started the test I did NO CHEATING. It makes the test go much easier and smoother for you and the doctor cause your system is clear.

Dont overthink it. And please don't starve yourself heading into it. It is not necessary nor helpful. It's only one night and you may find it's not really that bad. They have vastly improved prep from prior years.

As for the test, I never knew a thing and it was over in what seemed like a flash. No side effects afterward for me either. It's really not bad at all. There are a LONG list of things much worse we put our bodies through!

Re: COLONOSCOPY PREP SUGGESTIONS

itsmagic — Sun, 09 Aug 2020 18:14:07 GMT

The last time I had it done I had to drink a gallon of liquid which I added lemon Crystal Light to (half at one time and the other half a couple hours later). I also made sure the liquid prep was cold and used a straw to drink it with so I could get it past the taste buds. The time before that I had the magnesium citrate stuff and I remember that was very salty but I didn’t have to drink as much as the gallon. I actually felt great when it was all done and over with even though I hadn’t gotten much sleep the night before and was only put out for 20 minutes.

Re: COLONOSCOPY PREP SUGGESTIONS

candys mine — Sun, 09 Aug 2020 18:14:44 GMT

@Dinakiask your Doctor about the stool test. No poking involved.