Colonoscopy prep starting in a few hours...

[TataClaire]

Am petrified...Im a vomit phobic and general phobic of having to drink any quantity of anything revolting....I've got sachets of movi-prep which having researched is not likely to go well with me, Im very petite, havent been eating much for last few days anyway and get side effects from most things and have a ridiculously sensitive gut...have read online loads of people who have used the dulcolax, miralax and gatorade mixture and its worked fine and been more gentle...anyone had any experiences?

Can't speak for the alternative version, but I used the standard prep with a super sensitive gut (the reason i had to do it in the first place!) and it was not fun but certainly fine, and way better than the crazy horror stories people like to post. I did need to drink it through a straw to avoid feeling a bit yucky, and didn't exactly enjoy it, but was really fine and probably more gentle than the few laxatives I've had to try before (which can be really gripey).

If you do want to try an alternative, have you discussed with your doctor? If the one you try doesn't clear you properly, they don't get a clear picture which can be quite risky - my mother didn't finish her prep because she 'got fed up' () and nearly had to do the whole thing over

Other tip if you do use moviprep is to put it in the fridge asap, as it's way better chilled. Good luck, it'll be over sooner than you think!

I've done this a few times now, I totally agree with the icy cold moviprep. Add ice too, definitely drink through a straw and grit your teeth.
Tbh I didn't finish the second sachet either of the three times I've taken it and there weren't any problems (I was sparkly clean)
It isn't as violent as other laxatives I've taken either, you are best off gathering up a good book and settling in as it has a cyclical effect
(Lots of action then half an hour off if you see what I mean)

Personally I would prefer this route, other 'clear out' combos leave me a bit raw, this didn't

Good luck with the colonoscopy, hope it goes ok, I've got my follow up today after a camera endoscopy, 1000's of pics of my gut such interesting viewing......

Good luck! XX

Thanks everyone. Have just started taking it ten mins ago, I feel like I've drunk loads and I havent even finished the 150ml I started gulping from a glass - I don't know how Im going to finish the first litre let alone the second one!!

I've usually found that nothing happens for a while. And then it, erm, does . . . if that makes sense. It's not that bad, really.

I mixed mine with squash to amke it bearable, and alternated it with sips of water - and the occassional mouthful of sprite for a change - someyhing tasting nice to swallow!

Took me WAY longer than they said to get through it, but my idea was slow & steady as if I did it too quickly I would be sick. Started working after first litre and I didn't drink all the last glass as was "running clear" sorry!

Good luck! Vaseline helps if you get sore.

Try using a straw and placing it to the back of your mouth, you can siphon off loads quickly that way!

I have a very sensitive tummy and have been fine on the occasions I've needed to prep. You may feel wobbly tomorrow though, make sure you give yourself loads of tlc and spoil yourself after.

Good luck!

I have chronic constipation and recently took movi prep on top of all my other bowel medication, loads of laxatives, suppositories, enemas etc and I still didn't go.

Yes, you might find nothing really happens for an hour or two. It didn't kick in for me until the second dose and by the third (TMI!!) I was basically pooing out clear water. .

I started at 5pm like my instructions said and I've only managed half of the first litre and Im supposed to have started the second litre 20 mins ago. Have only been once but have had to stop as Im fairly sure Im going to throw up soon

oh you poor thing - no advice just sympathy really. My mum had to to this, seh was scared and found the first sachet awful but once she got to the second sachet it wasn't so bad. A bit like lager? an acquired taste

Salty washing up liquid :-(

Have you added a flavouring? Try a tiny sip then a sip of water (i sort of held the stuff in my throat and swallowed with the water - using a straw too) and repeat fairly quickly. It took me ages but as long as you get it down it doesn't matter if it takes longer, just means longer before you can relax in bed.

Sympathy though, it is foul stuff :(

I think sometimes it also just helps to buckle down, stop focussing on it so much and get on with it... yes, it's not pleasant, but it's for an important medical reason, and if frail 75 year olds with bowel cancer can manage it, we can too!

Not wanting to be too unsympathetic, but I do think that it's important to balance the discomfort of 1 day of prep vs the risk of missing a major digestive illness.

I know, thats why Im carrying on...I waited till I stopped feeling sick and am back to sipping with every other mouthful of water, though Id swear my glass is always staying at the same level!!! I've still only been once and my admission is at 8.15 and Im exhausted I just want to sleep....have put lord of the ring on....that should keep me going till its time to leave...

Hope it's going well today.

Good luck. Unfortunately if you don't clear yourself out properly they can't do the procedure. You absolutely must have a clean bowel for them to do it.