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Children's health

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Original poster

Has anyone's DC had a colonoscopy?

11 replies

grumbletum · 08/10/2008 21:51

My DD, who is four is due to have a colonoscopy next month.

I've been told she can't have anything to eat, and only water or fruit squash to drink, from 9am the day before, ie over 24 hours! I'm in a cold sweat already worrying about her, and that's without thinking of the procedure itself!

Can anyone give me some advice/reassurance about the colonoscopy or how to cope with the fasting?

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Candlewax · 08/10/2008 23:48

Are you sure it is not 9am on the actual day? I have recently had a colonoscopy and that is what they said to me.

Will she be able to have a GA or are they doing it while she is awake?

I wish you and your DD lots of luck. It is not pleasant but it is not painful, just a weird feeling to be honest.

Original poster

grumbletum · 09/10/2008 12:12

No it's 9am the day before - for sure - I had to ring to confirm - I think because it is a "full" colonoscopy. How will a child manage for over 24 hours on only water and ribena???

She is having a GA, another issue for us, tbh I was going to put it off as her symptoms seem to have abated, but the consultant wants to go ahead.

Thanks for your kind words Candlewax.

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Original poster

grumbletum · 09/10/2008 20:06

Anyone know?

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scarletlilybug · 09/10/2008 20:17

Just bumping for you.

My dh has had several colonoscopies - IIRC he has a resticted "low residue" diet starting 48 hours before the procedure, then nothing to eat for 24 hours before.

I think dh was allowed boiled sweets during the fact - not much, I know, but maybe it would help to distract your dd. And maybe lots of flavours of squash to choose from. As you'll probably be spending the day at home (going by dh's experience), maybe a new DVD to watch or some puzzles/play dough/ colourung-in things as a little treat so the day doesn't seem quite so bad to her?

Hope all goes well for you.

Winetimeisfinetime · 09/10/2008 20:19

I'm having my 3rd colonoscopy next week and I've just had a look at my list of what I have to eat and when and it is the same for me too - I can have breakfast the day before but nothing else until afte the test. And only white fish, white bread etc for the 2 days before that.

I'm not sure what to advise really for your dd - lots of fluids to stop her feeling too hungry - it does say on my list that you can have clear jelly and ice cream on the day before too, so not sure if it is the same for a child having a GA. Hope it all goes well for her - the one good thing is you really enjoy your first meal afterwards !

scarletlilybug · 09/10/2008 20:20

fast, not fact.

Original poster

grumbletum · 09/10/2008 21:26

Thanks you so much everyone - I'll ask about the sweets and jelly, I guess they are just like squash - I don't think DD will be allowed ice cream, as they were very hot on the no dairy aspect, but sweets would be good - sugar in there, thanks for the tip, I'll ask.

Winetimeisfine time, hope it all goes well for you too.

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Winetimeisfinetime · 09/10/2008 23:04

Thanks grumbletum Let us know how she gets on.

Candlewax · 09/10/2008 23:11

I am very glad to hear that she is having it done under GA. I must admit, whilst about to undergo a GA I sat and ate winegums.. I was 21 at the time and about to have my wisdom teeth out and like your little one, was not allowed to eat for 24hrs beforehand. When I woke up I was starving!!

I do hope the day goes well. Let us know won't you.

Original poster

grumbletum · 10/10/2008 21:56

Thank you guys, I will let you know what happens.
I've spoken to the consultant and we are being admitted the day before, which he thiks will help her distress over the fasting, as she won't be at home and trying to find food.
I do appreciate your kind comments.

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catesmum · 12/10/2008 17:01

my dd2 had a colonoscopy and a endoscopy during the same procedure when she was 18 months old. She was admitted early the day before and given medication to clear her insides out (so be prepared for lots of dashing to the toilet). They keep a close eye on their fluid intake and provide lots of squash/water. They also had a fridge on teh ward full of jelly which they could eat all the time that day. The following morning she wasn't allowed anything. They gave her pre-meds....which made her not care less about anything...also, they didn't do full generals, just a very heavy sedation. adn they let one parent stay with her during teh entire procedure (dh loved looking at the inside of her bowel on teh screen!). They let you go go home several hours later once they've been to the toilet and started eating again (our dd didn't recover well so we had to spend an extra night in). The worst time is the day before when they're bored and needing the toilet all the time!. Just take lots of things to do (and make use of the bedside tvs - lots of CBeebies on offer!

Sorry, it's long...but don't worry, it's all fine really!

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