Colonoscopy

[thatmustbenigelwiththebrie]

I am booked in for a colonoscopy later this month due to bowel and abdominal problems.

Has anyone had one?

I am mostly frightened of them finding cancer (which I have convinced myself is the case), but I am also nervous about the prep. I haven't even thought about the actual procedure as those two things are the scariest.

I've opted to take Picolax rather than Moviprep as I understand that you have a lot less to drink and I really struggle with large volumes of liquid. The doctor said Picolax doesn't always produce the same cleansing level as Moviprep so I hope that it works for me.

Has anyone else had it?

Also, the instructions on the label say you should also drink "Clear liquids. including variety of fruit juice without pulp, soft drinks, clear soup, tea, coffee (without milk, soy or cream) and water. Do not drink only water."

Can I drink Robinsons orange squash?

thanks

Yes you can drink orange. I've had both moviprep and picolax. The latter for me worked quickly and made me feel sick. The former seemed to take longer to work but no sickness and less urgency.

My advice is to take the sedative option as well as gas and air. For me g+a wasn't enough. They worked quick to administer the sedative and were bloody lovely.

I was very nervous and don't think that helped at first. Be kind to yourself xx

Thanks.

I fully intend to be off my tits during the procedure.

Interesting about the sickness - I have a massive fear of vomiting which is why I chose the Picolax but it seems that you had the opposite.

Did you find it hard to drink all the Moviprep?

I've had one and although the experience was painful for me because of my resistance to certain drugs, most people have no pain and remember nothing of the colonoscopy itself.

The cleansing is uncomfortable but if you eat lightly in the days before, there's not as much to get rid of so it's less of an ordeal. And no, you can't have orange squash because it's cloudy. Clear fluids mean fluids you can see through, such as filtered apple juice, cranberry juice, grape juice, iced tea.,,

I did find it hard due to taste. I was still drinking the first dose when it was time to start the second.

Being off your tits is a good choice!

In regards to the previous comment about orange I had mine weak with no issues. I could see through it.

Chances are very slim you have cancer, OP. Don't worry.

Thanks everyone. I just want it to be over. it's hanging over my head. Last night I had a dream that I ate a bowl of baked beans whilst I was prepping for the colonoscopy and sprayed the bathroom with poo. I hope that is not a premonition.

I'm sure it's not a premonition.

Let us know how you get on x

Glad you are going for the sedation, I heartily recommend it 😂
My elderly, very stoic mother, chose not to have it and recommended I did the same, bless her.

I had a colonoscopy in January after blood was found in my poo. I was also anaemic. I had NO other signs at all.
They were unable to complete the colonoscopy due to severe Diverticulitis so I ended up having a CT Colonography. This, unfortunately led to a diagnosis of colon cancer.
I received my diagnosis on 11//2 and had a Right hemicholectomy on the 11/3.
Feel free to ask me anything if you'd like x x

I had a colonoscopy on Monday. I was really dreading it but honestly it wasn't anything like as bad as I expected. The bowel prep was a mix of 10 senna tablets and 2 sachets of Citramag, and I managed to sleep the night before (thought I'd be up and down all night).

I had a strong painkiller in a cannula and decided no sedation, but doc said they could give sedation if I needed it during the procedure. I watched on a screen, bit fascinating to be honest. Hope yours goes ok x

I would have similar fears to you OP, but my partner had one, was ok with the prep, took no gas and air or other sedation, and had a right laugh with the medic performing it wierd. He said it was only slightly uncomfortable, and that he enjoyed watching it. He was fine.

I had the moviprep and did struggle to get it down. That was really hard. Maybe the alternative with a very light diet is worth a shot.

If I ever see or smell the special drink I bought for the prep period I think I will be sick. So don't have something you want to drink again..?

Bear in mind what liquids might discolour your insides. I think blackcurrant is out & I'm not sure about cranberry..

There was no discussion over pain relief etc where I am (abroad). I was given something, presumably a strong sedative, that knocked me out completely and have no knowledge of the procedure itself. Would recommend that! I was physically functioning afterwards but not at all with it. No question of driving myself home.

The whole process is very very exhausting. Plan a quiet day afterwards.

Oh my DP drove home 40 minute drive, straight afterwards. I couldn't believe it tbh.

I work in gastro and it's just a daily thing for gastro medics - please don't feel worried or embarrassed in any way, it's just the norm and it's great you're not avoiding taking plunge and be seen whixh would be a disaster - goodnluck and I'm sure you'll be fine - cancer isn't as likely as many less troublesome issues 🍀 be brave and good luck

Thanks everyone and *borntobeamum" I'm so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I hope things work out for you.

What is a CT colonoscopy?

Hi OP I've had one. It seems different health trusts tell patients different things. My cousin and I were told no red or purple food or drink which would include orange squash (think orange = red & yellow), cranberry juice etc.

The prep itself is pretty grim although the second time around I found it better, I think I'd eaten less food so it wasn't too bad. Though I have Moviprep both times so can't comment on Picolax.

Re the procedure itself i found it really uncomfortable. I had the sedative and the gas & air and found it hard going. It didn't take too long though thankfully. My cousin on the other hand had the sedative and found it totally fine and didn't need any gas and air. A friend's son had one done and didn't even have the sedative and said it was okay. I think it varies from person to person. The main thing is it'll be over before you know it and the nurses will soon be bringing you a cup of tea and a biscuit.

Bit of advice, don't do what I did and eat a Chinese takeaway straight after it. Fatty, spicy food on an empty system is not good and will hurt for a while!

I plan to starve myself for a few days so there's less to shit out. Good tip on not having the take away - I was planning a massive pizza but perhaps that's not good either!

@thatmustbenigelwiththebrie as tempting as the pizza idea is, I'd probably leave it a few days sadly. The bowel does get a bit irritated where they've put a camera there and I think that's why I experienced so much pain with the chinese.

thatmustbenigelwiththebrie you will be absolutely fine. The prep is indeed foul but your colon will be sparkling. I had sedation, gas and air plus Fentanyl. I was off my face, completely bollocksed. Was great. Had to have CT scan after though as there was still too much poop in there although I hadn't eaten much for a fortnight. Mind you, was constipated for over a year.
The staff were lovely and had a good range of top quality biscuits to choose from for afterwards. I was starving and went to the chippy. Good luck.

@thatmustbenigelwiththebrie

How did you get on?