Please help me prepare for my colonoscopy.

[PrincessShmoo]

Don’t most places use Propofol now. I don’t know of anyone who is able to out-anxiety propofol but it can certainly happen with the other meds.

I had propofol 9 years ago.

 

[snappy]

I follow a protocol a friend shared with me years ago who had a condition that required her to have colonoscopies on a regular basis. This protocol if for the 2-3 days prior to the prep day. Basically it recommended easily digestible foods that have little fiber and that are processed and eliminated faster than more healthy choices. So lean meats, white bread, soups. So avoid fruits and vegetables, salads, dense whole wheat bread. Also avoid anything spicy. It definitely made the final process easier every time.

 

[Luv Bunnies]

I just had my second colonoscopy in April. I'm on a 5 year plan since my sister had colon cancer about 8 years ago (cured by surgery and no recurrence, thankfully). I had a hard time drinking all the liquid the first time, so this time the doctor had me mix a bottle of Miralax with 64 ounces of Gatorade. I had 32 ounces the night before and 32 the next morning before the procedure. After finishing the stuff the night before, it took over 4 hours for anything to start happening. I was getting worried that it wasn't going to work at all and that I wouldn't be ready for the procedure the next day at noon. It did finally kick in and I was bascially up all night. I think part of the problem was that the instructions for the week before were minimal. It just said no nuts, seeds or fruits with skin (like apples). I may have eaten too much fiber which made the prep process take longer. I'll know for next time to really scale back my diet the week before the procedure.

The doctor did find and remove one polyp. It was the type that can become cancerous, but not always. The most interesting part was waking up in the middle of the procedure! My eyes suddenly popped open and I became aware that the doctor and others in the room were discussing local restaurants. I started watching the screen and could see the inside of my colon. A nurse noticed I was awake and said, "Hi! You're having your colonoscopy! Just close your eyes and go back to sleep!" I think the anesthesiologist slipped me a little more happy drug at that point because I went out and didn't wake up until the recovery room. I wasn't scared at all and didn't feel a bit of pain. It was actually kind of interesting!

 

[kymom99]

I just had my second colonoscopy in April. I'm on a 5 year plan since my sister had colon cancer about 8 years ago (cured by surgery and no recurrence, thankfully). I had a hard time drinking all the liquid the first time, so this time the doctor had me mix a bottle of Miralax with 64 ounces of Gatorade. I had 32 ounces the night before and 32 the next morning before the procedure. After finishing the stuff the night before, it took over 4 hours for anything to start happening. I was getting worried that it wasn't going to work at all and that I wouldn't be ready for the procedure the next day at noon. It did finally kick in and I was bascially up all night. I think part of the problem was that the instructions for the week before were minimal. It just said no nuts, seeds or fruits with skin (like apples). I may have eaten too much fiber which made the prep process take longer. I'll know for next time to really scale back my diet the week before the procedure.

The doctor did find and remove one polyp. It was the type that can become cancerous, but not always. The most interesting part was waking up in the middle of the procedure! My eyes suddenly popped open and I became aware that the doctor and others in the room were discussing local restaurants. I started watching the screen and could see the inside of my colon. A nurse noticed I was awake and said, "Hi! You're having your colonoscopy! Just close your eyes and go back to sleep!" I think the anesthesiologist slipped me a little more happy drug at that point because I went out and didn't wake up until the recovery room. I wasn't scared at all and didn't feel a bit of pain. It was actually kind of interesting!

I didn’t wake up, but my cousin, who is a doctor himself, chose to be awake for his procedure. He said they were all talking about their Priuses

 

[Ning Ning]

Don’t most places use Propofol now. I don’t know of anyone who is able to out-anxiety propofol but it can certainly happen with the other meds.

Best 20 minute nap in the world!

 

[Ning Ning]

For all of you talking about still drinking the liquid prep, there is now a prep in pill form. I can't think of the name right now, but I used that last year and my sister used it yesterday for her procedure today. You still have to drink a lot of water - 8 oz. with each pill - but it goes down a little easier. Check with your doctor if you have a procedure coming up. Mine gave me a sample they had in the office - didn't have to buy anything.

 

[fla4fun]

Definitely this.

I had colon cancer last year at 47. Multiple procedures. Follow your docs instructions and don't go by us. Even though we are super smart ha ha.

Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I hope you are doing well now.

 

[Shoshana]

The diet which will make the prep easier is a low residue diet.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

For all of you talking about still drinking the liquid prep, there is now a prep in pill form. I can't think of the name right now, but I used that last year and my sister used it yesterday for her procedure today. You still have to drink a lot of water - 8 oz. with each pill - but it goes down a little easier. Check with your doctor if you have a procedure coming up. Mine gave me a sample they had in the office - didn't have to buy anything.

Yeah, but not all doctors use that prep. Some still give the one gallon prep solution stuff.

 

[Christine]

For all of you talking about still drinking the liquid prep, there is now a prep in pill form. I can't think of the name right now, but I used that last year and my sister used it yesterday for her procedure today. You still have to drink a lot of water - 8 oz. with each pill - but it goes down a little easier. Check with your doctor if you have a procedure coming up. Mine gave me a sample they had in the office - didn't have to buy anything.

Sutab. Pill form of Suprep.

Definitely check with your insurance as it's pricey now. My Suprep cost me $70 on insurance (but I got it for $35 with GoodRX). The Sutub was going to be $120 (not sure what the good RX coupon is).

 

[holden]

I cut back on eating a few days before mine. The prep wasn't that bad. I had a Norovirus in the winter that was far worse than the prep.

Procedure went smoothly. They found three polyps and removed. All were pre-cancerous. They want me back in 3 years.

I was late getting mine because I was due during Covid and kept putting it off. Now that I know I had three pre-cancerous polyps I wish I went sooner.

If you are putting off getting a colonoscopy, don't. It could save your life.

 

[ottawamom]

No additional food suggestions but here are a few other things you might want to consider.

I drink the liquid then pop a breath mint to take away the taste. Hold your nose while you drink if that helps.

Get some diaper rash cream and put it where the sun don't shine. When things get going, you'll thank me. It will protect your delicate skin.

Once things get moving, I have set up a little work station in the bathroom so that I could sit on on throne and let things flow without having to worry about rushing to the bathroom. But that's just me. Helps to pass the time and takes your mind off unpleasant things. Definitely and adult diaper for the trip to the clinic.

 

[cedricandsophie]

Try to take the stuff no later than mid afternoon. My first colonoscopy I had to work all day and was on a plane. I didn’t get home u til 9 pm. I drank that horrible stuff and was literally up all night. I just stayed downstairs watching tv and close to the half bath. Then I woke up for a few seconds during the procedure and yelped. They quickly added more drugs. Overall not pleasant. All that said necessary test. Good luck.

 

[holden]

Once things get moving, I have set up a little work station in the bathroom so that I could sit on on throne and let things flow without having to worry about rushing to the bathroom. But that's just me. Helps to pass the time and takes your mind off unpleasant things. Definitely and adult diaper for the trip to the clinic.

This reminded me...I was still going while in the waiting room before my procedure. I told them. It turned out ok, but there was a chance I might have to do it another day. I'd start the prep earlier than recommended.

 

[bookgirl]

I recommend asking for the pill prep. If you gag easy or get queasy easy that liquid prep is pretty much awful and the worst part of the whole ordeal.

The actual procedure while maybe a little uncomfortable to the modesty is mostly done while you're sleeping and the crew is usually very business like and will do their best to put you to ease.

 

[jrsharp21]

Didn't go through the whole thread, but just a quick recount of my experience when I had to have one after I had my initial bout with diverticulitis.

Put lots of magazines, books, or charge up your reading material. Make your bathroom as comfy as possible. That room is your friend for the day, day and a half.

It's over before you even know it. Walked in, got into the gown, they wheeled me back and next thing I knew I was waking up in recovery.

Don't be surprised if you say or do stupid stuff while coming out of the twilight. When I was coming out, the nurse said that I had to pass gas before I could leave. Well, in my mind at the time, that was the go ahead to be an 8 year old and just let er rip. LOL. Also, I was starving when I got done. Apparently all I kept saying over and over is that I wanted pancakes. So as soon as I got released, my wife drove me over to IHOP.

As far as the procedure goes, the prep was worse than the procedure.

 

[Allison]

Follow your written instructions and ask the provider if confused.

This 100 times.

Do not listen to anything you are told here. Listen to your doctor.

 

[pezgirlroy]

This 100 times.

Do not listen to anything you are told here. Listen to your doctor.

Again this. Up above someone recommended taking a breath mint. My doctor said no breath mints or gum. Just reach out to them and they will tell you the best course of action. I do agree with the suggestion of diaper rash cream. Also one thing, you may not be able to go back to a regular diet right after the colonsocopy. If they have to remove a great deal or other things they may say to continue on a liquid diet for another day. So don't start dreaming about big meals yet.

 

[jo-jo]

Again this. Up above someone recommended taking a breath mint. My doctor said no breath mints or gum. Just reach out to them and they will tell you the best course of action. I do agree with the suggestion of diaper rash cream. Also one thing, you may not be able to go back to a regular diet right after the colonsocopy. If they have to remove a great deal or other things they may say to continue on a liquid diet for another day. So don't start dreaming about big meals yet.

Maybe instead of the mint, just swish out mouth with mouthwash.

Just a thought, now that it's 10 thousand degrees across the country, lemon water ice would be great.

 

[Robber Baron]

I'm on the 5 year plan.

My doctor is still on the 'gallon' procedure.

I don't do anything different with my life until I drink that mixture at about 6 pm the night before my procedure.

I've never had any issues.

Funny story: I used to work for a small company where one of the owners was not too sharp. One day I see him coming out of the break room with a look on his face like he just ate a lemon. I asked him what's wrong. He told me he's having a colonoscopy tomorrow and started drinking his mixture a little while ago.

He lived about 40 minutes from the office and the following day his car interior needed a detail.