Wellness

[tends2dogs]

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

[m0rgan]

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!

[Love my grandkids]

@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.

[GenXmuse]

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

[millieshops]

@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.

[Sage04]

@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.

[I am still oxox]

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

[bobby5]

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.

[Lisa Y]

@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. 

[vsm]

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@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.

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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.