Community Chat

[smoochy]

I had a colonoscopy + upper endoscopy this morning. The prep was way worse than I remembered. I'm never doing it again. You can't just take prep suggestions from a chat forum. Your GI specialist will have a very specific protocol for preparation, right down to brand names of products that you will use. Yes you certainly can ask about alternatives but I wouldn't get my hopes up. Your colon has to be totally cleaned out and the only way to do that is to prep the way your doctor tells you. Mine was 10 oz bottle of mag citrate, then 64 oz of Gatorade with a jar of Miralax mixed in, followed by three Dulcolax pills. I was horribly nauseated all day. On top of the laxative action. One thing that helped a little was drinking with a straw. Fortunately nothing of major significance was found during my colon exam. 

[Estellee]

It just depends on the doctor's preference for prep.

[Shelbelle]

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@Meowingkitty wrote:

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@mollymaggie wrote:

I am 74 and just cant drink the colonoscpy drinks  If there isnt another way I just have to take my chances  Is there another prep that doesnt require drinks

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Don't feel bad. I can't drink that stuff either. I just throw it back up. 

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I have had 2 and both times used pills only, nothing to drink except plain water or a different drink to get the pills down. My gastro doc supplied me with the pills both time. No pharmacy involved. 

[icezeus]

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@Sage04 wrote:

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@mollymaggie wrote:

I am 74 and just cant drink the colonoscpy drinks  If there isnt another way I just have to take my chances  Is there another prep that doesnt require drinks

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@mollymaggie  yes there are other alternatives. If you haven't seen your Dr yet you can always talk to him and let him know. You never know what the Dr will give you until you see him but explain to him how you feel about the drink.

For me, I don't mind the prep because I use Crystal light lemonade and I like it.

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I had a Colonoscopy in September. I  used the Crystal Light lemonade mix  and chilled the jug overnight. I have to say it was not a problem drinking the mix. Towards the end of my window that I was supposed to have the mix finished I did have to slow down because I was starting to feel water logged, but that was it.

[Sage04]

@icezeus  so glad I found someone who tried Crystal Lite. I remember the Pharmacist saying to use as much as I wanted but I think I stopped at 4 packs.

I prefer to do the Colonoscopy prep than doing a mammogram which I do every year but end up with Cervical Spine Pain up to a week later just from having to turn my head. Will check with my Dr to see if there is another way out. My head can only turn so far.

[VanSleepy]

@Sage04 yes they do expect you to be a contortionist,  don't they? Getting in position is the worst part!

[Sage04]

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@VanSleepy wrote:

@Sage04 yes they do expect you to be a contortionist,  don't they? Getting in position is the worst part!

@VanSleepy  oh yes. Mine comes up in December. I have screws and plates in my neck area from two Cervical Spine Fusions and I always hope they don't pop out. This week I will make a call to see what else could be done.

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[Shelbelle]

My gastro doc is very laid back, if you have a preference of prep that you read about or heard about he will agree to it, if you choose pills he gives them to you. If you choose citrate masgnesium drink which is 2 small bottles you mix with ginger ale, he gives you those too. 

[Shelbelle]

I had my first test in 2005 and took pills then too so they are not a new way to prep. 

[Goodie2shoes]

I just had a follow up colonoscopy a week ago and at 73 I have to have another one in 3 yrs.  I do have a hx of colon cancer and thank the Lord everything was fine. My GI MD gave me a list of pre test colon cleanse options including pills and Go-Lightly. I chose the drink and although it was horrible I got it down then had to do a enema the morning of the test prior to going to the surgery center. You should check with your doctor regarding a choice of preps. Good luck to you, hope your results are negative