Colonoscopy

[Jillcrewespony]

Having one in two weeks' time. Work have said I will have to take unpaid leave for the day before preparation. This seems unfair - from what I have read, I will physically be unable to work. Did anyone else have this issue, or did you get sick leave?

Also, any tips for what sounds like the horrendous preparation?

I can't help with the work question - lots of Mumsnetters will though. The day before is uncomfortable and weird but not awful. Have a really good book |(or two!) to hand to keep you company in the loo. Good luck.

Thanks Percheron. More nervous about the day before than the thing itself.

I read a lot of horror stories about the day before but it really wasn’t that bad. A few more trips to the toilet than usual, that’s all

You won't be able to work the day before. You'll be on the loo all day.
Can you get a doctor's note to cover that week? I didn't feel myself until about 3 days afterwards. But I am a lightweight .

I've also got one in two weeks but I don't need any time off as it is over the weekend. I've had several before (family history) and can confirm that the day before is pretty foul though not painful as such, just a bit grim. You certainly can't work!

I had a sigmoidoscopy 2 years ago.. was too nervous to have the prep at home so I opted to go into clinic early and have the solution administrator by the nurses.. warm solution squirted up bum by nurse n then left in a room with a loo n telly n bed .. not unbearable but just not pleasant..
msg me if u need more info..

Thanks everyone. I know, I am sure I can't work! It's not a choice to not go to work that day. Maybe they don't understand the procedure. I could probably get a sick note, I guess, but that's a bit of a waste of GP time.

What time is your appointment? Could you not just take the afternoon off unpaid. I've had lots of them in the past I suffer from Crohn's disease and it has varied from employer to employer as to whether I took the first day off as unpaid or sick. Or could you possibly ask the hospital if they have any Monday appointments? Buy some nice soft tissue paper and some nappy rash cream. If you need to ask any more questions I'm more than happy to answer for you.

The other thing that concerns me is 24 hours plus without food! I have to start the prep 24 hours before appt. Does this not make you feel really weird?

No it will be a full day, Alliwant, because I have the start the prep 24 hours in advance. I will probably just take it as unpaid leave, just a bit miffed at my employer (again!).

I didn't feel hungry because of filling up on the "magic" drink! Also, the frequent trips to the loo take away hunger pangs, i think. I did promise myself a food treat the next day. You may be correct about your employer not understanding what is going to happen. Absolutely no one could possibly go to work. Your work colleagues might be a little put out as well when they find that the loo is fully booked for the day!!

Thanks Percheron - you're right, imagine if I did turn up to work, how pissed off everyone would be as I render the toilets a no go area. That would show them!

You should be able to have clear fluids. Lemonade, chicken noodle soup strained so only the soup no chicken or noodles, light coloured jelly the day before.

I was really hungry. And I threw up in the morning and passed out when I got to hospital . Told you I was a lightweight.

It was totally worth it though. Least fun thing I've ever done but the feeling once it's out the way is great.

Glad it all went ok.