Could colonoscopy prep not be working?

[user1484]

Hello,

I am having a colonoscopy tomorrow and took my first sachet at 6pm.

I’ve been scared throughout the day expecting cramps and not making it to the toilet.

But it’s all being very civilised...

No cramps whatsoever and other than the first ‘go’ , when I was sitting for 5 minutes, I’m not really going that much.

I’ve drank two litres of clear fluids after and seem to be peeing rather than having bowel movements.

And when I go, it’s like 10 seconds and that’s it.

I worry it’s not working, as I’ve read stories of people saying they were sitting on the toilet for like an hour.

I wonder if it will kick in during the night?

Thanks a lot

[Scarydinosaurs]

Having just had this today (such a joy!) I can hopefully reassure you that it isn’t too bad.

Have you followed the guidance of reducing your food intake beforehand too?

Mine kept me up in the night- I found I went twice but even then it wasn’t horrific.

Good luck!

[user1484]

Thanks!
I barely ate yesterday, just some white rice with egg and chicken broth and chicken for dinner and just liquids today.
I’ll wait an hour more or so to go to bed and see what the night brings...
I hope tomorrow’s sachet finishes me off, I would hate it if It couldn’t be done tomorrow.
I’m sure it’s fine, it’s just that I have read other experiences and mine is not being like any of them at all.

[MrMeSeeks]

I was fine until end of my first sachet, it was the second one that was the killer!

[user1484]

Oh, I’ll get psyched up for tomorrow morning then!

[Egghead68]

Didn’t work for me. I had to try again with a double dose. Good luck.

[INeedNewShoes]

It took a good few hours to take effect for me. I remember thinking it wasn't working and then suddenly it did but wasn't as terrible as I'd read about online. I think I started the prep at 6pm, then spent an hour basically sitting on the bog at around 11pm and then after that slept all night and didn't have to go to the loo overnight.

[Scarydinosaurs]

Are you afternoon or morning appointment?

[Floralnomad]

I had a colonoscopy a couple of years ago and the first sachet had no effect at all , except making me feel sick , the second sachet the following morning had the required effect .

[StCharlotte]

When I had mine, I was sent an enema. That worked instantly

[user1484]

Thanks everyone, on one hand, I want a good night's sleep, on the other, I want to make sure I will be properly ‘clean’ for the procedure.

Sounds like second dose might work better.

My appointment is at 2pm, instructed to take second dose at 8am.

[user1484]

One last question, if you don’t mind...

I have a phobia of needles and will apply the numbing cream on my arm so that I don’t feel the needle going in.

The Dr said to apply it on the left arm, but won’t that be the arm I will be leaning on?

Do you remember what arm you had the IV put in?

Thanks!

[happytoday73]

My partner had this recently. 1st lot was limited effect. 2nd one... Erm well let's say it worked 😂 but as stopped eating 24 hours before it wasn't as bad as could be.had worse in Egypt!

The procedure also was OK... Strange, a little uncomfortable but I quote 'not that bad at all really'
Good luck!

[Scarydinosaurs]

I’m sure you’ll be fine if it is afternoon- all will come out soon.

And as for left/right- either is fine even when laying on left side as your arm only needs to be accessed to give you the sedation.

It might be a good idea for them to let you get changed BEFORE you have the IV put in, as if you don’t like needles getting changed with the IV in your hand might be a bit tricky as you feel quite aware of the needle in your hand (unless it is just the needle going in you don’t like?).

Good luck for tomorrow!

[Angie6868]

What are you taking? Klean prep or Moviprep seem to work faster than Picolax. Hope it goes well for you. With me, they always put the needle wherever they can find a vein. Last time it was in my foot

[user1484]

I’m taking Picolax.
I’ve just realised I was also supposed to take two extra pills (Bisacodyl) and I totally forgot.
I’ve just taken them.

[Angie6868]

I prefer Picolax. It does work but you need to drink lots of water. At some point it seems to divert water into your bowel instead of your bladder to wash you out. Sorry if that's too much info. I also find a hot drink (black tea or black coffee) seems to kick start it. Good luck with everything. I've taken it more times than I care to remember. Next lot tomorrow for me!

[mrsed1987]

I had moviprep and it was about 2 hours from the start before it worked. Then i was on the loo for about 1.5 hours, slept all night till my second dose at 6am then again 1.5 hours on toilet

[Geoffreythecat]

DH and I have both had colonoscopies recently (lucky us) so memories are still vivid. Slightly different build up as we are in mainland Europe, and you get a dose of senna as well as your first prep, and a GA rather than sedation. Also diet is low residue for 4 days.

All of that said, it was the second dose of bowel prep that really cleared us both out so be prepared. My bottom got very site, so I'd recommend some very gently baby wipes and also Vaseline or Sudocrem to help with that. We were both asked to confirm that the last visit to the loo was clear yellow liquid. So if you get to the stage where you're pooing what appears to be wee, you'll be ready! All the best for tomorrow.

[Geoffreythecat]

Sore not site

[Floralnomad]

You don’t need to have an IV at all if you don’t want , I had mine with no sedation ( am allergic to what they were offering) and it was fine just a few points of discomfort .

[PickAChew]

Germaloids has local anaesthetic which helps with the sore bum.

[user1484]

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone that encouraged me last night.
This mornings prep was still quite light, but I’ve had the colonoscopy and it all went well.
No polyps, he just took 4 biopsies that he routinely takes.
I wasn’t having the colonoscopy due to symptoms, it was just preventative because my mum was diagnosed back in October.
Thanks again!

[Geoffreythecat]

That's really good news. All the best to your mum too

[MrMeSeeks]

@ user1484 how was the Picolax?

[user1484]

Thanks Geoffreythecat, they diagnosed my mum in the nick of time, removed the tumour and she is better than ever, she is 84.
We still cannot believe it.
She had had no Symptoms whatsoever and doctors thought it was just nerves and that’s why she couldn’t keep the food down. Perfect blood tests and never had blood in her stools.