Osmoprep & colonoscopy & upper GI too

[LuvOrlando]

Family is eating, I can't... instead I am having some lovely chicken broth and 40 Osmoprep. The pills taste nasty, but I am grateful I don't need to drink the bucket of yuck, that stuff is ghastly... still if I had no other choice I'd do it.

Every time I hear about someone with colon cancer I am reminded why I need to do this, I hate it but I do it.

4 pills down only 36 to go

 

[snapppyd]

40 pills at one time?!

 

[TaraPA]

Hang in there honey! Is this your first time? I've had 4 colonoscopies already & always had the drink for prep. Ugh.

Please stay near the bathroom! You'll know why shortly!

And keep us posted, it will distract you by coming on here to type (IF you can get out of the bathroom!)

 

[LuvOrlando]

Not quite, 20 broken down into 2 regimens of 20 each spaces two hours apart, sort of...

Starting at 6 I need to take 4 pills with 8 oz water every 15 minutes 5 times in a row = 20. Two hours later the same thing

 

[snapppyd]

I'm overdue for my first one; is it tomorrow? Will you be unconscious?

 

[LuvOrlando]

Yes, tomorrow am the Dr promises me I will be out cold. There are meds that put you in a twilight, they work for everyone else, but not me.

I've had about 6 already but none in the last 11 years which is dangerous since I have Ulcerative Colitis which puts me at a higher risk for cancer. I didn't realize how long it had been and when the Dr told me I was stunned I had let it lapse so long.

In all this time no-one ever gave me an upper GI, she thinks I may have Chrohns.

Everything was stirred up by my Thyroid surgery, the thyroid is fine but it seems surgery stirs up my immune system and not in a good way

 

[Christine]

I had the OsmoPrep a few years ago. Much preferable to the jug of stuff and doesn't cause as much severe cramping, in my opinion.

I had an upper endoscopy yesterday and still recovering from it. Easy procedure but I worked myself up too much.

 

[LuvOrlando]

Does the upper hurt after, I never had one of those before?

 

[Christine]

Does the upper hurt after, I never had one of those before?

Well....yesterday was the third one I have had. The first two never caused me a problem. This year, I have a new doctor because mine retired. Maybe she was a bit rough? Actually, I think she just did a LOT more. Anyway, I have a mild sore throat and I actually had some discomfort in my upper esophagus this morning when I had my cereal. When I have to burp, it kind of feels funny. I never had this happen before but, all over the internet, it appears to be very common.

In 2007 when I had my colonoscopy and upper GI, the gastro doc was doing the sedation. I had Versed and Demerol. They could not get me to go under. The doc told me he used more drugs on me then most patients. I was sick for 5 days after that.

This time, there was an anesthesiologist there and I got Versed/Fentynyl/Propofol. I was OUT like a light and woke up very quickly. I had no real adverse effects for the drugs this time so it was great combo.

 

[phorsenuf]

I had to get a little bottle of something and mix it with juice. I have to have another one, this time with a different Dr. so I don't know what I'll be using.

I've had an endoscopy before and it was fine. maybe a bit of a sore throat after but not much. They sprayed some numbing stuff on the back of my throat and that was worse then the procedure. It was nasty tasting!

Hoping for good results for you!

 

[TaraPA]

Oh good, then you're not new to this, you're a pro! I have colitis as well, so I need to schedule another one soon too. I should go every 3 years but it always seems to be longer than that in between.

I never had an upper GI, you'll have to tell me all about it tomorrow.

 

[Christine]

For you colitis sufferers, can I ask some questions???? Okay, I will.

My cousin started with frequent bowel movements (5 a day), blood mixed in, back pain. He was tested for all sorts of parasites as well as blood work to check for autoimmune disorders, inflammation, etc. All negative.

He had a colonoscopy 2 weeks ago and they found ulcers in his small intestines, pre-ulcers in his sigmoid colon and all kinds of irritation with the mid colon being normal. After the procedure, the doctor said it looked like he had two types of colitis: ulcerative and Crohn's. But they would wait for the pathology to come back before giving him a label. He doesn't see the doctor until next week. Meantime, he's been on Asacol and not improving and having bad days in between. Still bleeding. They called the doctor who seemed non-plussed and told him to continue with the meds and that "his type of colitis" was not affected by food. He still doesn't know what his type is but he is MISERABLE. His frequency, fortunately, has decreased but he feels unwell.

Is this typical? How does one stop a flare? Is there any helpful tips? Also, this is his first episode at age 47.

 

[LuvOrlando]

Well....yesterday was the third one I have had. The first two never caused me a problem. This year, I have a new doctor because mine retired. Maybe she was a bit rough? Actually, I think she just did a LOT more. Anyway, I have a mild sore throat and I actually had some discomfort in my upper esophagus this morning when I had my cereal. When I have to burp, it kind of feels funny. I never had this happen before but, all over the internet, it appears to be very common.

In 2007 when I had my colonoscopy and upper GI, the gastro doc was doing the sedation. I had Versed and Demerol. They could not get me to go under. The doc told me he used more drugs on me then most patients. I was sick for 5 days after that.

This time, there was an anesthesiologist there and I got Versed/Fentynyl/Propofol. I was OUT like a light and woke up very quickly. I had no real adverse effects for the drugs this time so it was great combo.

I think the Versed alone is the stuff that doesn't work for me

I had to get a little bottle of something and mix it with juice. I have to have another one, this time with a different Dr. so I don't know what I'll be using.

I've had an endoscopy before and it was fine. maybe a bit of a sore throat after but not much. They sprayed some numbing stuff on the back of my throat and that was worse then the procedure. It was nasty tasting!

Hoping for good results for you!

I have done that liquid stuff too, I am not a fan. If it's just a sore throat I think I can stand it... it makes me feel better to think that'll be it.

Oh good, then you're not new to this, you're a pro! I have colitis as well, so I need to schedule another one soon too. I should go every 3 years but it always seems to be longer than that in between.

I never had an upper GI, you'll have to tell me all about it tomorrow.

I don't know if I'd call me a pro, LOL... more of a chicken. My original Dr was amazing but when I moved here to PA I had a series of quacks, so now I'm a bit skittish. This new Dr I like very much, it's my first she and I think she is gentle and comforting... 2 things useful in her profession

 

[LuvOrlando]

For you colitis sufferers, can I ask some questions???? Okay, I will.

My cousin started with frequent bowel movements (5 a day), blood mixed in, back pain. He was tested for all sorts of parasites as well as blood work to check for autoimmune disorders, inflammation, etc. All negative.

He had a colonoscopy 2 weeks ago and they found ulcers in his small intestines, pre-ulcers in his sigmoid colon and all kinds of irritation with the mid colon being normal. After the procedure, the doctor said it looked like he had two types of colitis: ulcerative and Crohn's. But they would wait for the pathology to come back before giving him a label. He doesn't see the doctor until next week. Meantime, he's been on Asacol and not improving and having bad days in between. Still bleeding. They called the doctor who seemed non-plussed and told him to continue with the meds and that "his type of colitis" was not affected by food. He still doesn't know what his type is but he is MISERABLE. His frequency, fortunately, has decreased but he feels unwell.

Is this typical? How does one stop a flare? Is there any helpful tips? Also, this is his first episode at age 47.

I am on Lialda, which is like the Asacol and it usually works along with Canasa, but right after my DD was born nothing worked and I needed high doses of prednisone. Eventually I went back into remission. No-one connected the surgery/pregnancies to the illness but this time around I knew and blew the whistle. They are now looking at some weird kind of arthritis too... it's all very up in the air right now

To be perfectly honest, I do seriously notice a decrease in symptoms when I would go on Atkins. There are times when I'm too far gone for anything to help but it's not the norm. I'd give the Dr a chance to iron things out but if he keeps singing the same song then I say find someone else. The anemia and all my antibodies going out of wack made me, make me, feel all over sick

 

[TaraPA]

For you colitis sufferers, can I ask some questions???? Okay, I will.

My cousin started with frequent bowel movements (5 a day), blood mixed in, back pain. He was tested for all sorts of parasites as well as blood work to check for autoimmune disorders, inflammation, etc. All negative.

He had a colonoscopy 2 weeks ago and they found ulcers in his small intestines, pre-ulcers in his sigmoid colon and all kinds of irritation with the mid colon being normal. After the procedure, the doctor said it looked like he had two types of colitis: ulcerative and Crohn's. But they would wait for the pathology to come back before giving him a label. He doesn't see the doctor until next week. Meantime, he's been on Asacol and not improving and having bad days in between. Still bleeding. They called the doctor who seemed non-plussed and told him to continue with the meds and that "his type of colitis" was not affected by food. He still doesn't know what his type is but he is MISERABLE. His frequency, fortunately, has decreased but he feels unwell.

Is this typical? How does one stop a flare? Is there any helpful tips? Also, this is his first episode at age 47.

I don't know if that's normal or not. I'm not even convinced I have colitis (1st GI doc said IBS, 2nd said colitis) because I've never needed an RX. I get flare-ups (with the same exact symptoms your cousin is having - and then I'll be fine for months or years, then have the exact opposite flare-up - extreme constipation that I need daily OTC meds) Right now I've had no syptoms for about 3 months.

My colonoscopies have always revelaed inflammation, irritation & polyps. My doc just says to control mine with diet - so if it really is colitis it's mild!

 

[OhMari]

For you colitis sufferers, can I ask some questions???? Okay, I will.

My cousin started with frequent bowel movements (5 a day), blood mixed in, back pain. He was tested for all sorts of parasites as well as blood work to check for autoimmune disorders, inflammation, etc. All negative.

He had a colonoscopy 2 weeks ago and they found ulcers in his small intestines, pre-ulcers in his sigmoid colon and all kinds of irritation with the mid colon being normal. After the procedure, the doctor said it looked like he had two types of colitis: ulcerative and Crohn's. But they would wait for the pathology to come back before giving him a label. He doesn't see the doctor until next week. Meantime, he's been on Asacol and not improving and having bad days in between. Still bleeding. They called the doctor who seemed non-plussed and told him to continue with the meds and that "his type of colitis" was not affected by food. He still doesn't know what his type is but he is MISERABLE. His frequency, fortunately, has decreased but he feels unwell.

Is this typical? How does one stop a flare? Is there any helpful tips? Also, this is his first episode at age 47.

I know there is medicine to help.
But your cousin should stay away from all fried food, alcohol, chocolate, Miracle Whip, spicy foods. This helps with flare ups.
Did your cousin start any new medicine. I know when I start Nexium it changed a few things for me.

 

[TaraPA]

Food used to really trigger my flare-ups like your cousin is having...lettuce, fruit with skin (grapes, plums, blueberries, etc) and tomato sauce were big triggers for me. There were meals I couldn't even finish without running for the bathroom!

LuvOrlando - it's 8pm - everything going ok over there? I'm looking out my window now (towards Lehigh) thinking you're right there somewhere LOL!

 

[Christine]

Thanks for all the tips, I will pass them on.

As far as we know, my cousin started with what appeared to be a viral/gastro bug. Three days of fever, vomiting, diarrhea--what one might call a "stomach flu." He got over that as expected and then the colitis stuff started. Frequent bowel movements, blood, pain in his back.

Before his colonoscopy, he went on a fairly strict, low residue diet. Nothing helped. He and his wife are at their wit's end about now and it is starting to impact his job. Hopefully next week the gastro will have some better news for them.

 

[LuvOrlando]

Food used to really trigger my flare-ups like your cousin is having...lettuce, fruit with skin (grapes, plums, blueberries, etc) and tomato sauce were big triggers for me. There were meals I couldn't even finish without running for the bathroom!

LuvOrlando - it's 8pm - everything going ok over there? I'm looking out my window now (towards Lehigh) thinking you're right there somewhere LOL!

Yep, I'm here, from where you are look due East

I am on my second dose of the 2nd round and feeling a lot like I want to hurl. I just keep reminding myself as icky as this is the liquid was worse... counting my blessings.

A spoonful of sugar

 

[dallastxcpa]

I had a bad experience with a Dr who told me that diet had nothing to do with my condition. I sufferred for a year with him before I switched Dr's.

Come to find out he had me on a pediatric dose of lialda and the first thing the new Dr did was give me a list of do and don't foods. The first doctor also failed to mention that even though my colonoscopy indicated ulceritive colitis my blood work indicated crohns.