Experiences of moviprep / colonoscopy

[Mycarsmellsoflavender]

My mother had bowel cancer in her 50s and I have had some symptoms which could be signs of, amongst many other things, bowel cancer. So I went to my GP and am booked in for a colonoscopy next Wednesday. I have read through the instructions given to me with the moviprep as well as googling it, and I'm dreading it. It lists nausea and vomiting as common side effects. Malaise and pyrexia ( fever - I had to google that one) as very common. I have to be up at the hospital about 40 mins drive away at 7.15 am so was planning to drive myself, but will I be in a fit state to drive the morning after taking the moviprep and after 24 hours fasting? I have to take the moviprep at 1 pm and 6 pm ( I think) on the day before. I feel queasy just thinking about it. Any tips?

I'm going in tomorrow. I feel fine.

That said, the advice does specifically say not to work for 24 hours after if you have sedation.

Well Done-So neither of you found the procedure painful?
I did,and was in quite a bit of pain afterwards and the next day.
I do have IBS and get quite a lot of stomach pain so maybe this was why?

I think you'd be ok to go to work the next day as long as it's not a driving job or operating heavy machinery (I still think you'd be ok but I was told today that your motor insurance doesn't cover you for the first 24 hours after sedation.

I didn't find the procedure painful. Mostly it was painless and I couldn't even feel where in my body the tube was up to until they blew some air in which made it a bit uncomfortable. I did fart a lot afterwards!

The only issue I have is ( tmi warning), I feel as though I've still got the shits 24 hours after finishing the moviprep. The solid food I've had today isn't coming through yet but I'm still getting some of the yellow liquid coming out in mini explosions! It is manageable but you might not want to use a toilet cubicle at work if there's someone in there as it can be a bit noisy!

I've not had any of that Mycar. I'd dried up by 11pm last night.

I didn't find the colonoscopy painful at the time charlie. I felt tugs when they took biopsies though and am getting the odd tummy twinge tonight that I assume is food rubbing up the biopsy sites. I had 14 samples taken between the two procedures though (I had an endoscopy too) so I had expected some level of discomfort.

Now that we have ruled out bowel cancer as a cause of my symptoms, I suspect I have IBS so I'm guessing it may take a few days for my bowel to return to normal once it's been triggered. Another explosive poo but with solids in this morning.

Hi, if you are having some mild sedation for the procedure, I wouldn't drive but if you are happy to have the entinoz then you should be ok.
Most people say that they feel completely empty and have notice weight loss after the moviprep.

I've decided to pay it safe and am taking annual leave the day after 😄
There is not much privacy in our work toilets plus they are a good walk away, don't fancy taking any chances there!
So so not looking forward to drinking the drain cleaner.

Just having a very grateful for mumsnet moment as I’m currently starting prep for a colonoscopy tomorrow morning and reading a frank and funny live-tweet of two preps and two procedures with details of how you feel the day after is just what I needed. Bless you!

Thanks Ladies, I realise this is an old thread but the more I read about colonoscopies the better I feel ... 1 glass to go

Half ways through tonight's dose. Watching Gilmore girls in bed. Used straws and chilled the liquid. Just waiting for the first loo dash. I'm so hungry

Hi Justasking, prepping here too. Half way through second lot this morning. Got a couple of hours sleep, will be glad when todays over!

Me too woke up at 5 am shivering. Have indigestion too. Going back to sleep when it's all over. Don't have to leave home until noon

Same here, appointment about half 2 so hoping to get a bit of a kip - hospital about 30 mins from home. Good luck for the rest of the day!

Currently sat in hospital after having 1/3 of my colon removed on Monday.
The Moviprep was dire In my opinion. One tip, make it up with cold cold water and keep it in the Friday. At room temp. It was awful! Sorry x

Home again, absolutely knackered. I think the fact that I had to start all over again with the meds at 6am was the worst bit, having been up and down to the loo most of the evening before and during the night. I was wiped out. When I came around and they had checked me over I had a ham sandwich, and a cup of tea, that was absolutely wonderful.

I've been up since 5 this morning, took the last litre by 6 and no more running to the loo for me now 😊
Appointment at 1.10 this afternoon then I'll finally be able to get something to eat. So hungry

I was still running to the loo when at the hospital lol 7 hours after the
Last dose. I did enjoy a cuppa and Sandwich afterwards

I was fine 😊 I enjoyed them as well, went home and had a takeaway too lol

Gayle How did it go? X

It wasn't as bad as I thought, stomach was going into cramps while they were doing it but as soon as they stopped the pain more or less went away, was just full of wind for about a hour lol x

Old thread but thought I'd update for anyone having to do this. My review of Moviprep

I avoided fibre for 2/3 days prior to taking Moviprep. I mixed both doses at the same time and refridgerated. I was dreading it but was surprised that the taste was in no way vile. It tasted like sweetened water, no salty taste to my palate. I had also seen reviews that said it was oily, it was not. I used a straw to drink and followed each mouthful with orange cordial (you have to drink extra fluid to keep hydrated). I had no problem with first litre (and I'm not a big fluid drinker under normal circs). It started working after about 45 mins. Second litre was a bit more of challenge due to persistent sweetness so took slightly longer to drink but my chaser was just plain water this time.
I had no nausea or cramping.
I used a straw to drink, vaseline and baby moist bottom wipes to stop soreness - also not a problem for me, just a very, very slight sting, nothing really.
I set up a chair next to my ensuite and watched tv (tv also viewable from the loo ). I wore my dressing gown but no lower underwear which proved a good idea!

Everyone's experience will be different (like childbirth) but mine was no problem at all. The colonoscopy was prolonged and that WAS like childbirth contractions at times!

@shurrup thank you for your post. Ive got a colonoscopy on Saturday. Dreading it.

Good luck @shurrup, I've just had a letter telling my I've to have a pre colonoscopy assessment over the phone next Wednesday. I am literally shitting myself at the thought of the results, the procedure itself isn't worrying me.

BTW thanks for the tips everyone!