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Original poster

Colonoscopy please help

121 replies

Vomdotcom · 25/04/2023 19:05

I’ve got one tomorrow and I’m attempting to drink the preparation drink (laxative) but it’s making me projectile vomit, anyone got any tips. I’m private but can’t reach anyone and will likely have to pay even if I can’t have the procedure

OP posts:
LibbyL92 · 25/04/2023 21:31

Vomdotcom · 25/04/2023 21:18

This is it plenvu ‘fruit punch’ flavour…
kill. Me. Now

Show quote history

It’s absolutely awful. I really wasn’t prepared with how bad I would struggle.

I had intense stomach pains for 4 hours and then finally had movement.

took me well over an hour to drink that second one.

the next day the doctors asked if I managed to drink it all. And when I said yes they were very surprised!

I wasn’t convinced my bowel was fully empty either I was still going 3 hours before the colonoscopy and it definitely wasn’t clear! More like bright yellow. But they managed the colonoscopy successfully.

Original poster
Vomdotcom · 25/04/2023 21:34

LibbyL92 · 25/04/2023 21:31

It’s absolutely awful. I really wasn’t prepared with how bad I would struggle.

I had intense stomach pains for 4 hours and then finally had movement.

took me well over an hour to drink that second one.

the next day the doctors asked if I managed to drink it all. And when I said yes they were very surprised!

I wasn’t convinced my bowel was fully empty either I was still going 3 hours before the colonoscopy and it definitely wasn’t clear! More like bright yellow. But they managed the colonoscopy successfully.

Show quote history

Oh god were you up all night on the loo?

OP posts:
LibbyL92 · 25/04/2023 21:39

Vomdotcom · 25/04/2023 21:34

Oh god were you up all night on the loo?

Show quote history

Actually no!

started my first prep at 6 and second at 9.
started going non stop from 10. Managed to sleep from about half 1 onwards.

woke up probably twice in the night.

then alarm went off at 7 and went a further few times and i had to be in hospital for 8:30.

once I started going to the toilet I instantly felt better. The 4 hours waiting with the stomach pains and sickness were which made this a lot worse!

Original poster
Vomdotcom · 25/04/2023 21:44

LibbyL92 · 25/04/2023 21:39

Actually no!

started my first prep at 6 and second at 9.
started going non stop from 10. Managed to sleep from about half 1 onwards.

woke up probably twice in the night.

then alarm went off at 7 and went a further few times and i had to be in hospital for 8:30.

once I started going to the toilet I instantly felt better. The 4 hours waiting with the stomach pains and sickness were which made this a lot worse!

Show quote history

That’s the same as me, except I’m in for 8 instead of 8:30.

the sickness is just awful, so much fluid just sloshing around

OP posts:
Name99 · 25/04/2023 21:44

Honestly the prep is the worst part of the whole thing, the procedure isn't that bad, of course its not nice but the Dr's and nurses are so so lovely, I felt so reassured and safe when they were doing it.
It's not painful, it's uncomfortable at some points, they take your lead so if it's too much you tell them.
I think a nurse held my hand to reassure me when I had mine done.

LibbyL92 · 25/04/2023 21:46

Vomdotcom · 25/04/2023 21:44

That’s the same as me, except I’m in for 8 instead of 8:30.

the sickness is just awful, so much fluid just sloshing around

Show quote history

have you had movement yet?

as gross as it sounds having the movements made me feel sooo much better! I didn’t get cramping when I needed to go.. just a sense of fullness and then it was like a shower haha.

I did keep drinking water throughout the night to flush it all through!

ExhaustedPigwidgeon · 25/04/2023 21:56

The only way I could do it was big sip of prep through a straw then a big glug of 7up free. You could be waiting around a long time at the hospital so you have time. I was expecting to be glued to the loo all night but although I went more than I usually would have it’s not like uncontrolled.

anyone who ever needs a colonoscopy - push for them to give you picolax. I don’t think it works as well as moviprep which is what I had the first time - but it’s one glass of prep instead of litres and litres of the stuff. I was still passing yellow liquid rather than clear, but it was perfectly fine for the colonoscopy

Soonenough · 25/04/2023 21:56

Wonder why there isn't any easier method. I kept vomiting so much , they couldn't actually do the procedure. Next time , I fasted for two days and took half picolax . Like everyone is saying the procedure wasn't too bad . I had sedation, a lovely sleep and the best tea and toast afterwards.
Good luck .

LateKate · 25/04/2023 21:57

It will work, you will think it hasn't and then it will. Lots of water is key. Set yourself up a little station with magazines, blankets etc. If you have vaseline, I would recommend a coating to avoid getting too sore.

Take ALL the sedation tomorrow, and it will be over before you know it, then you can go home for a lovely sleep.

SpudsandGravy · 25/04/2023 22:12

It's horrible and difficult. As others have said, just do your best and keep trying a little at a time. At least when you've finished the drink you've done the worst part Flowers

Original poster
Vomdotcom · 25/04/2023 22:14

LibbyL92 · 25/04/2023 21:46

have you had movement yet?

as gross as it sounds having the movements made me feel sooo much better! I didn’t get cramping when I needed to go.. just a sense of fullness and then it was like a shower haha.

I did keep drinking water throughout the night to flush it all through!

Show quote history

The process is ongoing…

i still feel so bloody sick though

OP posts:
Original poster
Vomdotcom · 25/04/2023 22:17

I’m worried about the whole procedure, being alone and so well exposed. No one can come with me as it’s by the chemo area, so I’m just by myself. Then they keep you for an hr afterwards, ive had dental sedation before, is it more intense than that?

OP posts:
pudseypie · 25/04/2023 22:29

Depends how much sedation they give you. When I had mine I was a bit groggy for about an hour then fine.
Honestly don't worry about being exposed, they've seen it all before. I have Crohn's and laugh about the number of people who have seen my bum now!
I also went on my own and was fine, the nurses look after you.

Polly291869 · 25/04/2023 22:35

@Vomdotcom,

To offer you some reassurance.

My friend who has to have them fairly often learnt by trial and error the following

  • resign yourself to the fact that, yes, you will probably have a disturbed night's sleep.
  • rather than constant to-ing and fro-ing, basically camp out on the loo for the duration at its worst.
  • make yourself as comfortable and cosy there as possible: hot water bottle/extra warm layers if needed, distracting book/film on your tablet/ Mumsnet on your phone...whatever.
  • lay towels down wherever you walk, and especially by the bed, if you feel unsure when the 'urge' may strike rapidly.

My elderly Aunt had her first colonoscopy and polyp removal recently. She was very worried it'd be painful, but was relieved to find the procedure itself absolutely fine.

Was offered a sedative and put at ease by the lovely colonoscopist.

Really hope you're soon through the worst of the prep, and good luck for tomorrow.

dailytalk · 25/04/2023 23:18

Vomdotcom · 25/04/2023 22:17

I’m worried about the whole procedure, being alone and so well exposed. No one can come with me as it’s by the chemo area, so I’m just by myself. Then they keep you for an hr afterwards, ive had dental sedation before, is it more intense than that?

You aren't exposed.

I've had one when I was knocked out.

Another was sedated. Started to hurt and the nurse was like "let it go like Frozen" and telling me to fart. I think I did in front of people.... which is gross.

Anyway it's just normal to them.

I wasn't sedated for a camera down my throat, that was awful:

tillyandmilly · 25/04/2023 23:22

You will be fine - I have had colonoscopy - its a breeze compared to an endoscopy!

vipersnest1 · 25/04/2023 23:27

Most hospitals give you 'modesty shorts' which are humongous shorts made of that synthetic stuff which is held together by a series of dots IYKWIM - like some shopping bags you are given. There will be a Velcro slot at the back which is undone, so it won't be all of you 'hanging out' as it were. You will also have a gown on and a blanket over if it is anything like my experience, so you won't feel over-exposed.
You will likely have a cannula put in. If it starts to hurt, say so, and they will give you either gas and air or a painkiller through the cannula. I had fentanyl and it worked really well.
You won't be alone - the whole time there will be staff with you, from getting you ready to the recovery area. I had really bad cramps after and one of the nurses gave me peppermint tea which really helped.

TheLaughOfRustyLee · 25/04/2023 23:28

Get vaseline'd up - lots now and also tmrw. It helps protect from the prep coming back out again which leaves you raw otherwise - quick, vaseline!

StillMedusa · 25/04/2023 23:33

They said I could only have clear fluids when taking Moviprep....
so I had some gin with mine Grin

It did help the evening pass more bearably!!!!

I've had several colonscopies and I always think the prep isn't going to work.. the first gallon of toiletcleaner mixed with goat spit (IMO) does nothing.
But the second....

Thought I might need a seatbelt on the loo!!

Good luck op, have sedation, it will be fine!

LouiseWhippy · 25/04/2023 23:41

Had it done privately last week and it was very much as vipersnest1 describes. I was given the sedation before he procedure began and was awake and alert throughout and able to watch it being done on screens. It wasn't embarrassing or painful.

Was given a sandwich and coffee afterwards; consultant had a little chat with me and then I went home. All good.

Unluckyfourpercent · 25/04/2023 23:42

I was sedated but awake for mine and apart from a couple of moments of period type cramp-y pains (getting the camera round the corners) it was fine. I was so awake that I was watching the whole thing - I was horrified as it looked like something out of Alien up there, but turns out that was the healthy bit(!) So you might want to Google ‘what a healthy colon looks like’ before tomorrow 😀

ZigZagIntoTheBlue · 25/04/2023 23:45

Yes to it being cold and having flavouring in it though usually not allowed anything red coloured because it can interfere with what they're looking for. Neck it quickly then keep going with plain water.
I have crohn's so I have had several, next one is next week. Not all preps created equal either - picolax or similar isn't too bad as they go.

Actual procedure itself is honestly fine. The most uncomfortable part is all the farting afterwards as they pump air in to be able to see, and what goes up must come down!

Good luck!!

Harrythehappypig · 25/04/2023 23:45

Just make sure you have a sedative with the colonoscopy. I’ve had 3 - the two with the sedative were fine, the one without was not. Apparently some people find it tolerable without but I discovered I am not one of those people!

DisquietintheRanks · 25/04/2023 23:46

Vomdotcom · 25/04/2023 19:14

Do they hurt?

im really scared for the procedure actually

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I've had or 5 colonoscopies. The bowel prep is by far the worst bit of the whole thing. By comparison the procedure itself is fine.

Carla224 · 25/04/2023 23:49

The sedation I had - knocked me right out. I was asleep, completely didn't know, feel or have any recollection whatsoever.

I've had dental sedation where I was awake, remember it mostly but didn't care.

So a much stronger sedation.