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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:
MissSmiley · 25/04/2023 23:53

In my experience the pooing part wasn't as bad as the drinking the gunk, I kind of expected to feel ill like when you have a tummy bug but it was nothing like that, just watery poo pouring out. I actually felt really slim and cleaned out the next morning :-)

spiderlight · 25/04/2023 23:56

I lost nearly half a stone with the prep for my last one! It didn't stay off because it was all water but it was a small win in a grim 24 hours! Hope it goes well tomorrow.

Original poster
Vomdotcom · 26/04/2023 00:08

God how long does the clearing out stage last? It’s been 2hrs… im shattered

OP posts:
Polly291869 · 26/04/2023 00:17

We're all sending positive thoughts your way.

Stay strong, it'll be worth it in the end, even though it must feel anything but that right now.
#teamvomdotcom 🏅

vipersnest1 · 26/04/2023 00:24

@Vomdotcom, it will be the last thing on your mind just now, but take heart from the fact that it's working.
If it's been a few hours, it's likely it will be over soon, and then you can get yourself to bed.

vipersnest1 · 26/04/2023 00:27

@Vomdotcom, when I got to the stage of light yellow liquid, that was me done. Sorry for the TMI, but at the time I was worried it wasn't enough.

PBandJs · 26/04/2023 00:28

I had one when I was younger and the moviprep hadn’t completely cleared me out so they just suctioned what was left once they were in 😬

but honestly the sedation was incredible. I hate being exposed but the doctor found the ‘entrance’ effortlessly and I didn’t even feel it going in 😂no embarrassment cos you’re just too chilled to care. I was aware of something moving about it when they were inside but it just felt like wind moving about.

as weird as it sounds it was one of the best procedures I’ve ever had for how calm and painless it was. The prep is definitely the worst part!

MariaRemindsMeOfAWestSideStory · 26/04/2023 00:30

I have had around 10 colonoscopies. My way of drinking it is as follows:

Mix the powder with only half of the amount of water it tells you too (so if you need to mix with 1 litre, mix only 500ml).

When pouring it into a glass, fill up only half the glass. Then top the glass with cold sprite / 7up. Ends up tasting like flat lemonade.

Original poster
Vomdotcom · 26/04/2023 00:33

vipersnest1 · 26/04/2023 00:27

@Vomdotcom, when I got to the stage of light yellow liquid, that was me done. Sorry for the TMI, but at the time I was worried it wasn't enough.

There’s still some matter mixed in with the light (wee coloured) liquid…never thought I’d say that sentence haha

OP posts:
Original poster
Vomdotcom · 26/04/2023 00:34

Polly291869 · 26/04/2023 00:17

We're all sending positive thoughts your way.

Stay strong, it'll be worth it in the end, even though it must feel anything but that right now.
#teamvomdotcom 🏅

thank you sweetpea! Xx

OP posts:
Original poster
Vomdotcom · 26/04/2023 00:34

MariaRemindsMeOfAWestSideStory · 26/04/2023 00:30

I have had around 10 colonoscopies. My way of drinking it is as follows:

Mix the powder with only half of the amount of water it tells you too (so if you need to mix with 1 litre, mix only 500ml).

When pouring it into a glass, fill up only half the glass. Then top the glass with cold sprite / 7up. Ends up tasting like flat lemonade.

Oooh i dont half fancy a glass of sprite right now

OP posts:
MariaRemindsMeOfAWestSideStory · 26/04/2023 00:35

Sorry OP, only just read your posts and can see you managed to finish it! Yay!

And also you had fruit punch flavour rather than lemon, so the 7up / sprite tip might not have worked.

Good luck!! The worst part is over! The colonoscopy really is a breeze if you go for the sedation!

BurtonsRevenge · 26/04/2023 00:37

For the colonoscopy :
Options are : 1. sedation : most patients having colonoscopies have this but not all. It may or may not make you feel sleepy but most feel more relaxed. You may or may not fall asleep. If you want thus option you need someone to collect you afterwards and drive you home.

  1. Gas and air (Nitrous oxide). Can hold nozzle and take when you need.
  2. Nothing. Some patients have this but not the majority.

Most colonoscopies are not painful but discomfort comes from the gas being pushed in from the thin scope and also going round the bends in your colon.

Hope it's ok tomorrow.

vipersnest1 · 26/04/2023 00:38

@Vomdotcom, so you're done then. Your gut might not be grateful and may carry on for a while, but you are there.
Then get yourself to bed to have a rest.

Original poster
Vomdotcom · 26/04/2023 00:39

BurtonsRevenge · 26/04/2023 00:37

For the colonoscopy :
Options are : 1. sedation : most patients having colonoscopies have this but not all. It may or may not make you feel sleepy but most feel more relaxed. You may or may not fall asleep. If you want thus option you need someone to collect you afterwards and drive you home.

  1. Gas and air (Nitrous oxide). Can hold nozzle and take when you need.
  2. Nothing. Some patients have this but not the majority.

Most colonoscopies are not painful but discomfort comes from the gas being pushed in from the thin scope and also going round the bends in your colon.

Hope it's ok tomorrow.

I think the default was sedation and local anaesthetic with a top up of gas an air if you need it.

ill be taking the sedation, im cream crackered

OP posts:
Original poster
Vomdotcom · 26/04/2023 00:40

vipersnest1 · 26/04/2023 00:38

@Vomdotcom, so you're done then. Your gut might not be grateful and may carry on for a while, but you are there.
Then get yourself to bed to have a rest.

oh I hope so, im pooped (pun intended)

OP posts:
Original poster
Vomdotcom · 26/04/2023 00:41

Was anyone else super duper thirsty? Like could drink a lake thirsty?

OP posts:
BurtonsRevenge · 26/04/2023 00:42

Vomdotcom · 26/04/2023 00:39

I think the default was sedation and local anaesthetic with a top up of gas an air if you need it.

ill be taking the sedation, im cream crackered

Show quote history

There's no local anaesthetic as such (there's no one local body area to cause pain) but the sedation injection will have an overall effect.

MariaRemindsMeOfAWestSideStory · 26/04/2023 00:44

Vomdotcom · 26/04/2023 00:41

Was anyone else super duper thirsty? Like could drink a lake thirsty?

No, I’ve never been thirsty. Never been able to drink the extra 1 litre they say you should drink.

But not surprising your thirsty when you think about all the water you just lost!

Mamanyt · 26/04/2023 01:07

Vomdotcom · 25/04/2023 19:09

You can have lemonade?

I’ve been sick twice and it’s taken me 45 mins to drink it will that stop it working?

Show quote history

Yes, you can pretty much have ANY clear liquid. I've used lemonade, ginger ale, Sprite (US, do you have it?) and cola drinks.

SiobhanSharpe · 26/04/2023 01:07

You've got through the worst bit now, well done!
Like you I was very worried about the procedure, firstly I had a cannula inserted in the back of my hand for the 'light sedation', that was fine.
The consultant came and took me into the procedure room, he was really lovely, told me it wouldn't be nearly as bad as I feared -- I didn't believe him. But he was right. The light sedation was fantastic, I was really relaxed and couldn't feel a thing.
(Yes, it's a bit embarrassing at first but the team was very caring and matter of fact about it all.)
i was extremely chatty while it was going on, clearly higher than a kite.
They found a small polyp and removed it then and there. Again, no sensation at all. At one stage I shifted slightly, probably a bit uncomfortable, and they immediately upped the sedation, and asked me several times if I needed any more.
Afterwards they gave me a lovely cup of tea and a couple of biscuits which I wolfed down and DH took me home.
The polyp was tested and was non-malignant. All in all it was a very positive experience (apart from the prep!)

Flossyhair · 26/04/2023 01:24

Vomdotcom · 25/04/2023 19:47

That’s the one! I forced it down but it took a bit longer than the 30 mins advised, kids bedtime shenanigans and the vile taste interspersed with being sick

Show quote history

Oohh just the word 'plenvu' makes me want to gag.

I had my colonoscopy done two months ago and plenvu is the worst prep I've ever ever had. I mean who the fuck thought 'fruit punch' flavour is a good idea needs a slap.

I just blocked my nose when I drank it and took deep breaths in-between.

The actual procedure was a doddle as where I live, they sedate you so I didn't remember anything except for declaring my passions for President Zelensky when I woke up (oh the embarrassment)

If you have vomited what you have had so far, I am not sure how much it will have worked.

So at least try and get the rest down and give it your best shot.

Good luck with it.

Polly291869 · 26/04/2023 02:13

The actual procedure was a doddle as where I live, they sedate you so I didn't remember anything except for declaring my passions for President Zelensky when I woke up (oh the embarrassment)

😀

GettingStuffed · 26/04/2023 02:16

I had to try to do a self enema, not easy with arthritis, I'd rather have the awful drink. Think about this when trying to drink.

mathanxiety · 26/04/2023 02:57

Vomdotcom · 25/04/2023 19:14

Do they hurt?

im really scared for the procedure actually

Show quote history

You should ask to be knocked out. Do not do it without sedation.

Do not take any coloured drink with the prep - no red, orange, or purple coloured drinks.

Knock it back. You need to end up pooping yellow liquid.

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