Upper Endoscopy and Colonoscopy/ the PREP / Help/

[Feralpeg]

Can you get the Miralax over the counter ?

Also it seems to be all about having jello and chicken broth ,, at the store 95 percent of all the jello's had red in them. Only one pkg. at wallmart was another color and that was lemmon lime (not good to me) . ,, They had so many flavors with red. Can we have that ?

anyone know ?

thanks

Nope. Nothing with red in it. Try the green jello.

 

[bumbershoot]

This whole red dye thing is just intriguing. So I went a'googling.

It's the red dye #40, per www.gastrorockies.com.

OP, their website listing the steps says that tea is fine.

Someone on a message board says that their doctor says it's red dye #2.

gihealth.com: "red dye masks the lining of the colon."

 

[Inigo]

Oh, and be prepared to be a bit, shall we say "windy" after the colonoscopy. They fill your intestines with air as they snake the hose up there so that they can see everything.

One clue to get rid of some of the air so you don't get cramps from the air: Lie on your stomach, then get up on your hands and knees. Lean back so your thighs are on your calves, keeping your arms stretched out in front of you.

This never fails to get rid of the air. Be prepared to be embarrassed, but don't worry: The staff at the facility is used to the sounds.

 

[Caribbean Pirates]

I work for a group of GI docs, 11 to be exact.

Yes, they have taken the pills off the market. At least in KS. Potential kidney problems are to blame.

The reason to stay away from the red/purple dyes is because it lines the colon, and it makes it harder to get an accurate read. More specifically, that means cherry, strawberry, and grape, etc.

Some polyps can eventually turn into colon cancer. That's why it's always recommended to have them removed. Depending on the type of polyp found (cancerous vs non-cancerous) will determine how often you should have a repeat colon (3-5 yrs).

Tea is fine, as is soda, black coffee, even beer.

Lots of different preps are available. In our group, there are several opinions and options. Some will let you eat a light breakfast the day before, as opposed to a strict clear liquid diet. Just depends on your Dr., and your history.

The prep is definitely the worst part. We use a combo of demoral/versed. Lately, prophonyl is being used in some cases. You should be told what drugs will be administered beforehand, for allergy sakes.

You're not allowed to work or drive afterwards for the rest of the day. Those are state laws, due to the sedation. You'd be amazed at the number of people who fight this.

Hope I answered everything.

ETA - If anyone has any questions, the best place to find the answers is to call YOUR Dr's ofc directly. What works for one doesn't necessarily work for another.

 

[Christine]

I work for a group of GI docs, 11 to be exact.

Yes, they have taken the pills off the market. At least in KS. Potential kidney problems are to blame.

The reason to stay away from the red/purple dyes is because it lines the colon, and it makes it harder to get an accurate read. More specifically, that means cherry, strawberry, and grape, etc.

Some polyps can eventually turn into colon cancer. That's why it's always recommended to have them removed. Depending on the type of polyp found (cancerous vs non-cancerous) will determine how often you should have a repeat colon (3-5 yrs).

Tea is fine, as is soda, black coffee, even beer.

Lots of different preps are available. In our group, there are several opinions and options. Some will let you eat a light breakfast the day before, as opposed to a strict clear liquid diet. Just depends on your Dr., and your history.

The prep is definitely the worst part. We use a combo of demoral/versed. Lately, prophonyl is being used in some cases. You should be told what drugs will be administered beforehand, for allergy sakes.

You're not allowed to work or drive afterwards for the rest of the day. Those are state laws, due to the sedation. You'd be amazed at the number of people who fight this.

Hope I answered everything.

ETA - If anyone has any questions, the best place to find the answers is to call YOUR Dr's ofc directly. What works for one doesn't necessarily work for another.

Great post.

Just wanted to add that our docs in this area have been using the Propofol/Versed combo for years which everyone seems to do well with. During my last colonoscopy, we had a big snowstorm and the facility that I was going to closed down. My doc moved me to a hospital and he did it there. Problem was, no anesthesiologist. So, I got what he could administer which was demerol and versed. OMG, I was sick as a dog afterward. My heart rate also got very high during the procedure and they had to give me so much more to keep me in "twilight." I apparently don't have a good reaction to demerol.

 

[Minnesota!]

Had my first colonoscopy on 3/8. At age 32 b/c of family hx.

My prep was SOOO easy. Started it at 4p on a Sunday and was done with the "bathroom end of things" by 8p. And it wasn't constant. Maybe 3x an hour? I even got to sit and watch all of Amazing Race w/o having to get up.

I did the Miralax/gatorade and dulcolax. Then the next AM I had to drink a bottle of mag citrate. Super super easy.

THe test was easy, too. No meds to put me under. They put a port in my hand in case I wanted something, but I never needed it. Them putting the port in was the worst of the entire experience - not a fan of needles.

So easy and it can save your life.

 

[shortbun]

I would not mix it with anything you like as it might make you never want it again.
That said, I have a major gag reflex and it was not a problem-it's not THAT bad. I used lemon and limes, cut them in wedges and immediately sucked one of them to cut the taste. It worked. I also got some of the very sour Altoid lemon candies and sucked on them to cleanse my mouth. I drank it right down each time, no stalling or small drinks. That helped too. If you choose to go the colored gatorade route, remember that many colors , although not red or purple, have red food dye in them. Read the labels. Last, you will be fine. It's just not that bad. I, too, looked at the process with fear and trepidation but it turned out that the worst part was being stuck at home.

 

[PixieTopaz]

I work for a group of GI docs, 11 to be exact.

Yes, they have taken the pills off the market. At least in KS. Potential kidney problems are to blame.

:.

Man-there is no way I can drink that half-go-Lightly
I wonder if there are different kinds of pills?

 

[OceanAnnie]

I'm sorry you have to do that on Easter! Not a great thing to do on a holiday.
But on the positive side, you will get it over with sooner. I hope it all goes smoothly as possible for you today.

Please let us know how the testing goes! I'll keep you in my thoughts today.

 

[JuneChickie]

.

 

[Feralpeg]

It took about an hour for I noticed anything happening. Based on your last post, you should be in the bathroom by now.

People told me to put the mixture in the fridge and drink it cold. I couldn't drink it cold like that. It just gave me a headache. I let it set out on the counter and drank the rest at room temperature. I found it worked better. By the end, it didn't matter what temperature it was or what flavor, it was still hard to get down. Fortunately, this too shall pass!

 

[JuneChickie]

.

 

[Feralpeg]

Hang in there, June. I know this isn't pleasant, but you'll be done with this part soon. The actual procedure will be a breeze. Let me know how things go tomorrow. I'll be thinking of you!

 

[TaraPA]

YAY June, it sounds like the worst is over for you - getting the majority of it down! Honestly I never finished every last drop - I'm petite & only 4'11" so I convinced myself that there was no way I needed to finish that last ounce when someone 6 feet tall & 350 pounds had to drink the same amount (I know, at that point where you just have a few ounces left staring at you, you can convince yourself of anything!) If you feel ill just lay down & sleep for the night, that is normal. Tomorrow you'll wake up feeling nothing but hungry! As someone else posted - do NOT rush out & have a huge meal right after the procedure. After one colonoscopy I was feeling great - and starving - so we stopped at Perkins on the way home for the Grand Slam breakfast. OMG I was in so much pain til we got home I was in tears! Gas pains times ten!

 

[sunlver]

I am glad this post was here. I maybe heading in this direction soon. I like to read all about stuff first.
I hope its ok to ask more questions, and sorry if its TMI....

First, is the drinking stuff, only the night before? Are the tests only done in morning???

TMI question..sorry..but how many times do u actually have to "go?"..are u still using the bathroom the morning of the test?

Another question, does it give u stomach cramps as well?

What if u do throw up? Do u have to make up that liquid that u just lost ???

Sorry for all the questions..

 

[Aimeedyan]

I am glad this post was here. I maybe heading in this direction soon. I like to read all about stuff first.
I hope its ok to ask more questions, and sorry if its TMI....

First, is the drinking stuff, only the night before? Are the tests only done in morning???

TMI question..sorry..but how many times do u actually have to "go?"..are u still using the bathroom the morning of the test?

Another question, does it give u stomach cramps as well?

What if u do throw up? Do u have to make up that liquid that u just lost ???

Sorry for all the questions..

Every GI uses a different prep so it really depends on what your GI wants you to use. My GI just moved to MoviPrep, which is typically done in a 2 part prep which I did for the first time last week and LOVED (as much as you can love a prep!). You drink 1 liter the night before, beginning around 6pm, and then an additional 1 liter the next morning, 3 hours before you leave for your scope. My scope wasn't until 1:15pm so I didn't have to drink it until 9:30ish. The liter comes out to about 4 glasses and you do it 15 minutes apart. I just stood at the counter, drank the entire glass, and went and watched TV for 15 minutes. Repeat. The stuff doesn't really kick in until you're finished with the whole thing. This is the first time I've gotten down the entire prep and I think it's due to it not being as much liquid as the HalfLightly and because it didn't taste as awful. It was very very sweet but not awful.

My preference is a morning scope because I'm starving by then but with the new prep, and not being a morning person, it worked well to have an early afternoon appt. If your GI uses the night before stuff you may want to ask for a morning appt so you're not so hungry when you get there. They try to get them all done early in the day since most are just day centers and they build in time for recovery at the end. I was one of the last appts at 1:15.

When you use the nighttime prep, you usually don't go anymore by bedtime. That's why they have you start it early in the evening. How long you stay in the bathroom depends on your body and what you had to eat for the few days prior. I try to eat a lighter diet in anticipation of the test.Yes, you do have some cramping but nothing real horrible IMO.

I've thrown up prep many times; my GI says the amt of prep usually allows for some "lost" and as long as you're "all clear" by the end of the prep, you're good to go. For some people, they don't even have to finish the entire amt if they are already at that point.

Feel free to ask your GI/nurse questions, too!

Hope that helps!

 

[sunlver]

Every GI uses a different prep so it really depends on what your GI wants you to use. My GI just moved to MoviPrep, which is typically done in a 2 part prep which I did for the first time last week and LOVED (as much as you can love a prep!). You drink 1 liter the night before, beginning around 6pm, and then an additional 1 liter the next morning, 3 hours before you leave for your scope. My scope wasn't until 1:15pm so I didn't have to drink it until 9:30ish. The liter comes out to about 4 glasses and you do it 15 minutes apart. I just stood at the counter, drank the entire glass, and went and watched TV for 15 minutes. Repeat. The stuff doesn't really kick in until you're finished with the whole thing. This is the first time I've gotten down the entire prep and I think it's due to it not being as much liquid as the HalfLightly and because it didn't taste as awful. It was very very sweet but not awful.

My preference is a morning scope because I'm starving by then but with the new prep, and not being a morning person, it worked well to have an early afternoon appt. If your GI uses the night before stuff you may want to ask for a morning appt so you're not so hungry when you get there. They try to get them all done early in the day since most are just day centers and they build in time for recovery at the end. I was one of the last appts at 1:15.

When you use the nighttime prep, you usually don't go anymore by bedtime. That's why they have you start it early in the evening. How long you stay in the bathroom depends on your body and what you had to eat for the few days prior. I try to eat a lighter diet in anticipation of the test.Yes, you do have some cramping but nothing real horrible IMO.

I've thrown up prep many times; my GI says the amt of prep usually allows for some "lost" and as long as you're "all clear" by the end of the prep, you're good to go. For some people, they don't even have to finish the entire amt if they are already at that point.

Feel free to ask your GI/nurse questions, too!

Hope that helps!

Thanks so much for answering my questions.

 

[Lauree]

I recently had those same tests. I didn't eat a lot of heavy foods for several days prior, that made the "prep" easier to deal with. I had 2 doses of the prep liquid to drink. The first I mixed w/cold water, the second I mixed with gatorade. The second dose seemed more disgusting to me. I think it was more tolerable with just cold water.

Best wishes!!

 

[sunlver]

Ok, another silly question..I know you have to take your clothes off and put a gown on..ok..heres the dumb question.. Do all your clothes have to come off, and can ladies leave their bra on??
Sorry for sounding so dumb..just want to be prepared

 

[Inigo]

Ok, another silly question..I know you have to take your clothes off and put a gown on..ok..heres the dumb question.. Do all your clothes have to come off, and can ladies leave their bra on??
Sorry for sounding so dumb..just want to be prepared

It all comes off, and they will most likely give you bootie socks to wear during the procedure. (The room is cool.) You won't care as you'll get dosed up soon after entering the procedure room.

You won't remember much at all of the test itself. My doctor was showing me pics of his new babies right before he started the Versad. All I remember is him handing me his phone, and then I was out. He had to come out later, after I was dressed and ready to leave, to let me see the pictures again so I could actually remember seeing them. (He's been my doctor a long time.)