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Original poster

Colonoscopy prep day

24 replies

3kidsaremorethanenough · 23/04/2023 10:54

Hi all,

Am booked in for a colonoscopy and gastroscopy tomorrow. Started the prep at 10. The drink smells worse than it tastes to be honest, well I am only through the first jug. No rumblings yet. Anyone have any colonoscopy stories they would like to share to keep me company. I have told the kids I am off taxi duty today. Have my book and Netflix to keep me occupied. Roll on tomorrow night when it's all over

OP posts:
Jax9807 · 23/04/2023 10:58

Oh you have my sympathy! I've had many over the years. The prep is the worst bit for sure! The sandwich, tea and biscuits after it are the best bit - focus on that!

DemelzaandRoss · 23/04/2023 11:06

Yes, the worst bit is poo day. In a few hours you will probably be in the toilet for a few hours.
It seems relentless. Sending 💐Hope both procedures go well.

Original poster
3kidsaremorethanenough · 23/04/2023 11:22

Thank you both. I am straving already. What will I not be like by tomorrow morning, soooo looking forward to the tea and biscuits afterwards 😋

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General health
Gilead · 23/04/2023 12:18

I feel for you! I hope you have wipes and sudocreme! This is honestly the worst bit.

Darthwazette · 23/04/2023 12:19

Get some nappy cream in. The poo wasn’t painful but my bottom was.

Original poster
3kidsaremorethanenough · 23/04/2023 12:31

Have the wipes and vasaline. I actually started with the vasaline earlier this morning to make a bit of a barrier. About to start the 2nd jug now when does it start to work???

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MenopauseSucks · 23/04/2023 12:54

I found wearing a long T-shirt and no knickers really helped when the meds took effect. However I've only had colonoscopies in the summer so didn't have to worry about the chill factor...

EustaceTheMonk · 23/04/2023 12:59

Remember, if it starts to hurt because they are inflating the gut to get the camera in, you can fart the air back out. As my Dr put it "We're putting air into you, it's only fair if you can give it back!"

EustaceTheMonk · 23/04/2023 13:00

3kidsaremorethanenough · 23/04/2023 12:31

Have the wipes and vasaline. I actually started with the vasaline earlier this morning to make a bit of a barrier. About to start the 2nd jug now when does it start to work???

Varies with different people. With me it's after the 2nd jug.

SimpleHoardOfTruth · 23/04/2023 13:43

Are you having a gastroscopy on the same day? I would take sedation for that (you normally have a choice).

I agree with PP that for the colonoscopy the prep is the worst part of that procedure.

Original poster
3kidsaremorethanenough · 23/04/2023 13:44

I actually feel really cold and am in a snoody type thing that will probably have to go when things start moving. Finding the 2nd jug hard going (the smell of vanilla is just making me gag) I'm having little sips of lemon water after every glass just to take away the after taste. Is that ok?? On the last glass from the 2nd jug now so things really should start soon

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turnthebiglightoff · 23/04/2023 13:45

I found that although I did the prep on time, I had some bowel emptying to do at hospital, too. So maybe take wipes etc with you. The prep is the worst bit and it's not even that bad - I found.

Original poster
3kidsaremorethanenough · 23/04/2023 13:47

turnthebiglightoff · 23/04/2023 13:45

I found that although I did the prep on time, I had some bowel emptying to do at hospital, too. So maybe take wipes etc with you. The prep is the worst bit and it's not even that bad - I found.

Thanks turnthebiglightoff I'll put a pack in the bag for tomorrow

OP posts:
SimpleHoardOfTruth · 23/04/2023 13:47

I felt really cold, and shaky too. Really unpleasant. But I think I slept ok so that was a blessing. Good luck! 💐

Original poster
3kidsaremorethanenough · 23/04/2023 13:49

SimpleHoardOfTruth · 23/04/2023 13:43

Are you having a gastroscopy on the same day? I would take sedation for that (you normally have a choice).

I agree with PP that for the colonoscopy the prep is the worst part of that procedure.

Yeah getting the sedation for both apparently they didn't really give me a choice to have it without, thankfully

OP posts:
lemonyellows · 23/04/2023 13:49

I found it easier to drink in a water bottle, really cold, gulping it back.

Mine took hold quickly. Within 20 minutes.

Original poster
3kidsaremorethanenough · 23/04/2023 13:50

SimpleHoardOfTruth · 23/04/2023 13:47

I felt really cold, and shaky too. Really unpleasant. But I think I slept ok so that was a blessing. Good luck! 💐

Yeah, I'm hoping i won't be up half the night on the toilet

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alexisccd · 23/04/2023 13:53

I found it stopped by bedtime and started the same time as you. Vaseline and sudocrem are your friend.

Throwncrumbs · 23/04/2023 13:55

This was me last week. Within hours of the first jug I was sat on the loo. Then by the end of the 2nd jug I was done, just watery fluid coming out. Ididn’t eat for two days before hand and only had water as I wanted to be fully clear for the procedures.(didn’t want the risk of having to repeat the bowel prep) I had the sedation and don’t remember a thing. Went to McDonald’s on the way home!

tatteddear · 23/04/2023 13:59

It took ages for it to work with me. 4 hours or so after the second jug. My sympathies-it's not enjoyable at all x good luck for tomorrow.

Original poster
3kidsaremorethanenough · 23/04/2023 14:17

Well, I have blast off Confused. Thankfully, I have eaten really light for the last few day's s I'm hoping there isn't too much to clear [blush. I'm just staying focused on what I can eat afterwards 😊

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SugarSyrup · 23/04/2023 16:59

A McDonalds after like a pp sounds good!

Original poster
3kidsaremorethanenough · 23/04/2023 19:00

Last jug Gin don't think there's much left yo be honest

What I'd give for a McDs

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Original poster
3kidsaremorethanenough · 24/04/2023 19:31

Well it's all over and I have to say you were all right it was over before I knew it. I took the sedation, and although I knew what was going on, I felt so relaxed. I wasnt freaked out at all 😅 and the staff were so nive took really good care of me the whole time i was there.

Everything looks good. I got the all clear so well worth it just to know that. The prep was probably the worst bit, and even at that wasn't the worst thing either. More of an inconvenience.

Thanks for the company and support yesterday and for anyone else going for it, it is absolutely fine.

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