colonoscopy appointment but no advice on prep

[guffaw]

My Mum (77) has been sent an appt for colonoscopy after suspect results from fecal sample test - appt is on Friday, but she hasn't receved any advice re. the bowel cleansing routine that I expected her to get. Has anyone had similar experience?

I had one on Friday. Only saw the consultant for the first time in the morning and but there was a free appointment in the afternoon, so I didn't do any prep. Turned up, did my enema, and 20 minutes later I was watching my lower bowel slide past.

Apparently they normally send the enema kit to your home so you can do all that beforehand, though.

not sure but I am pretty certain my father in law had to do a special diet a few days' beforehand. eating things like jelly and special packets of stuff. Could you ring your GP to get some information as this is very important I think.

I think it is called an endoscopy. apologies if this a totally different thing. It is the camera down throat or up rear end procedure to check colon.

They should give you a pack with some powder to mix with water to drink 24 h before. It clears your colon out completely. So you need to be near the toilet for that period of time. The hospital doing procedure should send it.

I am sure someone will be in touch as they need to assess her to see what prep she needs to take (it can be done by phone or by visiting the hospital). It may be that the appointment is just to see one the nurses to pre-assess her for the colonoscopy.

Phone the number on the letter she was sent to make sure.

Usually people start with a low residue diet (no fibre) then go onto various strong laxatives the day before. Each unit will have its own regime.

If she is just have flexible sigmoidoscopy it is possible she will just need an enema which they can give in the department.

its definitely a colonoscopy. Mum is going to ring practice nurse tomorrow, she got Mum's appointment brought forward from Dec 2 to Nov 18, so may be able to advise. Worry factor has increased due to the appontment getting speeded up.

It could be that the Endoscopy staff don't know about the date being brought forward yet.

Your Mum could also phone the Endoscopy department herself and explain. I am sure they would be glad to know as they can pre-assess her straight away.