Please help me prepare for my colonoscopy.

[dez1978]

44 sounds young for routine screening. You may have different prep procedures for your specific issues.

Chicken broth, Gatorade and jello are popular.

I think 45 is the new suggested age to start

 

[Ning Ning]

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).

That's it! Luckily, my doctor's office gave me the Sutab for free!

 

[clh2]

I’m having one next week.. Whoo Hoo. The GI doc who was highly recommended, has a very strict prep regimen. This is for a regular screening.

Starting 5 days before…no foods with nuts, seeds, popcorn, corn or peas.
2 days prior, no raw vegetables, fresh fruit, whole grains, fried foods, or fatty foods. Need to eat a low-residue diet.

Low residue diet includes: white toast, boiled eggs, refined cereal (Ie corn flakes, Rice Krispies, cheerios), clear soup (broth or bouillon), cottage cheese, canned fruit, iceberg lettuce, baked, boiled or broiled chicken, white rice, cooked vegetables (no peels, skin seeds or stalks). 1 serving of pudding, sherbet or ice cream)

Day before: clear liquids-nothing that is red, pink or purple. Yellow, orange, brown, green, and blue are ok. Must drink eight glasses of 8 ounces of clear fluids. Clear liquids include…clear juices (no pulp) such as apple lemonade, white grape and white cranberry. Coffee and tea are ok, but no sugar, cream or milk. Water/flavored waters. Hello in “approved colors”, soda such as orange, ginger ale, ginger beer, colas are ok), clear chicken or beef broth or bouillon, Gatorade/ propel in approved colors, clear hard candies in approved colors, like lemon drops, jolly ranchers.

Then evening prep

Then morning prep, immediately followed by clear 16 oz clear fluids (coffee no cream can only be 1/2, followed by 8 oz water.

Can’t wait for this to be over.

 

[kyton]

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.

When my husband had his first at age 35, he couldn’t stop passing wind. Now this man could be a gold winning farter in his home but I have never seen someone so embarrassed that he couldn’t stop passing wind. I was in hysterics in the recovery room waiting for him to be released. The nurse was laughing right alongside me.

 

[Christine]

I’m having one next week.. Whoo Hoo. The GI doc who was highly recommended, has a very strict prep regimen. This is for a regular screening.

Starting 5 days before…no foods with nuts, seeds, popcorn, corn or peas.
2 days prior, no raw vegetables, fresh fruit, whole grains, fried foods, or fatty foods. Need to eat a low-residue diet.

Low residue diet includes: white toast, boiled eggs, refined cereal (Ie corn flakes, Rice Krispies, cheerios), clear soup (broth or bouillon), cottage cheese, canned fruit, iceberg lettuce, baked, boiled or broiled chicken, white rice, cooked vegetables (no peels, skin seeds or stalks). 1 serving of pudding, sherbet or ice cream)

Day before: clear liquids-nothing that is red, pink or purple. Yellow, orange, brown, green, and blue are ok. Must drink eight glasses of 8 ounces of clear fluids. Clear liquids include…clear juices (no pulp) such as apple lemonade, white grape and white cranberry. Coffee and tea are ok, but no sugar, cream or milk. Water/flavored waters. Hello in “approved colors”, soda such as orange, ginger ale, ginger beer, colas are ok), clear chicken or beef broth or bouillon, Gatorade/ propel in approved colors, clear hard candies in approved colors, like lemon drops, jolly ranchers.

Then evening prep

Then morning prep, immediately followed by clear 16 oz clear fluids (coffee no cream can only be 1/2, followed by 8 oz water.

Can’t wait for this to be over.

I'm surprised your doctor doesn't allow sugar in tea or coffee when following that, many sugary beverages are allowed.

 

[goofyernmost]

I’m having one next week.. Whoo Hoo. The GI doc who was highly recommended, has a very strict prep regimen. This is for a regular screening.

Starting 5 days before…no foods with nuts, seeds, popcorn, corn or peas.
2 days prior, no raw vegetables, fresh fruit, whole grains, fried foods, or fatty foods. Need to eat a low-residue diet.

Low residue diet includes: white toast, boiled eggs, refined cereal (Ie corn flakes, Rice Krispies, cheerios), clear soup (broth or bouillon), cottage cheese, canned fruit, iceberg lettuce, baked, boiled or broiled chicken, white rice, cooked vegetables (no peels, skin seeds or stalks). 1 serving of pudding, sherbet or ice cream)

Day before: clear liquids-nothing that is red, pink or purple. Yellow, orange, brown, green, and blue are ok. Must drink eight glasses of 8 ounces of clear fluids. Clear liquids include…clear juices (no pulp) such as apple lemonade, white grape and white cranberry. Coffee and tea are ok, but no sugar, cream or milk. Water/flavored waters. Hello in “approved colors”, soda such as orange, ginger ale, ginger beer, colas are ok), clear chicken or beef broth or bouillon, Gatorade/ propel in approved colors, clear hard candies in approved colors, like lemon drops, jolly ranchers.

Then evening prep

Then morning prep, immediately followed by clear 16 oz clear fluids (coffee no cream can only be 1/2, followed by 8 oz water.

Can’t wait for this to be over.

Yes, he has a very, very strict prep regiment and I might add that I think is totally unnecessary. Having had 4 procedures in my lifetime I can tell you that the one day is all that is necessary. The prep solution will have you getting rid of candy you ate in kindergarten. As I stated before, I watch the internal procedure on the monitor and everything is cleaned out. I hope that the doctor realizes that by instituting such a massive regimen he is probably going to discourage many from having another one for a long time. Not exactly a wise move.

 

[Mouse Tracker]

Starting 5 days before…no foods with nuts, seeds, popcorn, corn or peas.
2 days prior, no raw vegetables, fresh fruit, whole grains, fried foods, or fatty foods. Need to eat a low-residue diet.

Low residue diet includes: white toast, boiled eggs, refined cereal (Ie corn flakes, Rice Krispies, cheerios), clear soup (broth or bouillon), cottage cheese, canned fruit, iceberg lettuce, baked, boiled or broiled chicken, white rice, cooked vegetables (no peels, skin seeds or stalks). 1 serving of pudding, sherbet or ice cream)

Day before: clear liquids-nothing that is red, pink or purple. Yellow, orange, brown, green, and blue are ok. Must drink eight glasses of 8 ounces of clear fluids. Clear liquids include…clear juices (no pulp) such as apple lemonade, white grape and white cranberry. Coffee and tea are ok, but no sugar, cream or milk. Water/flavored waters. Hello in “approved colors”, soda such as orange, ginger ale, ginger beer, colas are ok), clear chicken or beef broth or bouillon, Gatorade/ propel in approved colors, clear hard candies in approved colors, like lemon drops, jolly ranchers.

Then evening prep

Then morning prep, immediately followed by clear 16 oz clear fluids (coffee no cream can only be 1/2, followed by 8 oz water.

Had mine yesterday.

This is spot on. I had the 'golyte' mix with a colace / 2 simethicone caps.
I would suggest starting the 'evening before' prep no later than 5-6, it seemed to start and end the intended effects before late evening and was able to sleep through the night.
Started the 'morning of' at 6 with the intended effects mostly done by noon. My procedure was at 2:30 pm / 1:30 pm arrival - I live an hour away and was concerned about traveling - no problems.

Propofol was the sedation drug.

Life is good!

 

[jo-jo]

I'm surprised your doctor doesn't allow sugar in tea or coffee when following that, many sugary beverages are allowed.

I was just thinking no sugar in coffee, but gummy/hard candy is ok?

 

[Christine]

I was just thinking no sugar in coffee, but gummy/hard candy is ok?

Yeah, the no sugar in coffee is nonsensical and that's the sort of thing that makes patients throw up their hands. Common sense would tell me I could put sugar in my coffee!

 

[jo-jo]

Yes, he has a very, very strict prep regiment and I might add that I think is totally unnecessary. Having had 4 procedures in my lifetime I can tell you that the one day is all that is necessary. The prep solution will have you getting rid of candy you ate in kindergarten. As I stated before, I watch the internal procedure on the monitor and everything is cleaned out. I hope that the doctor realizes that by instituting such a massive regimen he is probably going to discourage many from having another one for a long time. Not exactly a wise move.

I had one maybe 7 years ago, always hated drinking the stuff. But that time, I got part way thru the prep and then stomach churning churning, and then I threw up. Fast forward several years.....I need to make an appointment, I need to make an appointment...repeat 10,000 times. Finally call to make appointment, I say I 'm a big late but last time...... Office replies, oh we don't use that anymore. Well, maybe they should mention that when they send out the reminder letters/texts/ calls. The new prep is much better, not hot fudge sundae better, but better than the previous one.

 

[clh2]

Yes, he has a very, very strict prep regiment and I might add that I think is totally unnecessary. Having had 4 procedures in my lifetime I can tell you that the one day is all that is necessary. The prep solution will have you getting rid of candy you ate in kindergarten. As I stated before, I watch the internal procedure on the monitor and everything is cleaned out. I hope that the doctor realizes that by instituting such a massive regimen he is probably going to discourage many from having another one for a long time. Not exactly a wise move.

I agree with the massive regimen comments. I had considered rescheduling with a different provider, but it would involve a different hospital system.

So, I’m laughing at your candy comments…so all the gum I swallowed as a kid…will be leaving my system???

Now…I only need for my FMLA to be approved. This has been a nasty paperwork chase, and has been going on for 7 weeks. Once I finally got a real person (which took forever), I explained that the paperwork process seems like it is more painful than the prep will be.

 

[sam_gordon]

I agree with the massive regimen comments. I had considered rescheduling with a different provider, but it would involve a different hospital system.

So, I’m laughing at your candy comments…so all the gum I swallowed as a kid…will be leaving my system???

Now…I only need for my FMLA to be approved. This has been a nasty paperwork chase, and has been going on for 7 weeks. Once I finally got a real person (which took forever), I explained that the paperwork process seems like it is more painful than the prep will be.

FMLA for a colonoscopy?

 

[clh2]

FMLA for a colonoscopy?

Yes…otherwise, my boss can deny vacation request. Due to nasty prep, starting 2nd night before procedure day. Plus, who wants to waste 2 vacay days on this, I would rather take time off unpaid.

 

[sam_gordon]

Yes…otherwise, my boss can deny vacation request. Due to nasty prep, starting 2nd night before procedure day. Plus, who wants to waste 2 vacay days on this, I would rather take time off unpaid.

Just my opinion, but any boss who would deny a vacation request (submitted well enough in advance) for a medical procedure is someone I wouldn't want to work for.

 

[clh2]

Just my opinion, but any boss who would deny a vacation request (submitted well enough in advance) for a medical procedure is someone I wouldn't want to work for.

This was submitted with only a couple of weeks notice. Appointment needed to be rescheduled due to physician having a last minute conflict. It was originally scheduled for last week of June. My other issue…vacation time has been getting used up slowly, due to my mom passing away, my dad trying to get his house ready to sell etc. so, I’m not wanting to actually loose a real (and needed vacation) vacation in the fall due to “this”.

 

[pezgirlroy]

This was submitted with only a couple of weeks notice. Appointment needed to be rescheduled due to physician having a last minute conflict. It was originally scheduled for last week of June. My other issue…vacation time has been getting used up slowly, due to my mom passing away, my dad trying to get his house ready to sell etc. so, I’m not wanting to actually loose a real (and needed vacation) vacation in the fall due to “this”.

Have you talked to your boss about the best way to take the time. Mine just told me to make up the time somehow (I am salaried). Also I do work from home so the prep day was okay for me.

 

[clh2]

Have you talked to your boss about the best way to take the time. Mine just told me to make up the time somehow (I am salaried). Also I do work from home so the prep day was okay for me.

The problem is it is hard to make up 16 hours in the same week. I’m salary too, but the bulk of our work needs are between 8-4. Our boss (and rightfully so) has no right to know why vacay time is requested off. There are guidelines on how many people can be off at any one time, and the work group I am in is only 5 people. The only real policy is first-come…first-served for requests.

 

[goofyernmost]

The problem is it is hard to make up 16 hours in the same week. I’m salary too, but the bulk of our work needs are between 8-4. Our boss (and rightfully so) has no right to know why vacay time is requested off. There are guidelines on how many people can be off at any one time, and the work group I am in is only 5 people. The only real policy is first-come…first-served for requests.

Still very short sighted for the boss to not be perfectly happy to bend the schedule to help out. You say there will only be four out of five in your group for two days. I wonder how many days there will only be four if you died of Colon Cancer. It is in the bosses best interest to not only find the time, but to openly encourage that people take care of their health. However, in todays world where no one cares about anyone but themselves and the bottom line, I guess I shouldn't expect more.

 

[sam_gordon]

Still very short sighted for the boss to not be perfectly happy to bend the schedule to help out. You say there will only be four out of five in your group for two days. I wonder how many days there will only be four if you died of Colon Cancer. It is in the bosses best interest to not only find the time, but to openly encourage that people take care of their health. However, in todays world where no one cares about anyone but themselves and the bottom line, I guess I shouldn't expect more.

"Bending the schedule" may not be an option. It may literally take four people to do whatever they have to do.

I agree two weeks is not a lot of notice to change schedules or be accommodating.

 

[mjkacmom]

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.

8 ounces? I drink gallons of water every day. My last prep (#3) were 2 smaller bottles that I chugged (and then read should be sipped, too gross, that wasn’t happening). I messed up by skipping dinner the night before my prep, that hurt a bit, was eating plain fat free yogurt the next day (which I love with lots of berries, kind of sucked plain). My blood pressure was not good the next day so I had to wait a couple of extra hours (which was hard, I’m a huge water drinker, but I was complimented by the check in staff for bringing a water bottle and bagel in a bag for after, my husband had work calls scheduled for around when I’d be picked up and I remembered how thirsty and hungry I was in the past (5 year plan).