Colonoscopy prep experience

[Oliversmummy19]

I've been told today that I need to have a colonoscopy in the next couple of weeks and I'm already overthinking the prep for it.

I think I feel OK about drinking the prep and if I have to spend hours on the loo then I'll just make sure I have my tablet and something to watch for distraction.

It's more the effects of the prep that are worrying me. Does it flush you out and then the feeling goes and you can go to bed and sleep or does it give you a really uncomfortable night of still needing to rush to the loo? I'm also terrified that I'll soil myself on the way to the hospital. Is that a common thing or do you stop needing the loo after a period of time?

I guess I'm looking for people's experiences if they don't mind sharing. I've already read lots of tips for how to take it so it's more what the prep does, for how long, how it feels etc.

Thanks

I was fine over night. No problems driving to the hospital. I could have done with using the loo once I was gowned up but the only toilet was a cubicle off a little anti room and for some bizarre reason a nurse was in there completing paperwork with another patient!

I was dreading it when I did my first a couple of months ago but it was much better than I expected. Don’t read too much!

The prep solution is best cooled in the fridge for a few hours beforehand and drink through a straw with another drink alongside to take away the taste. I went for a lot of toilet trips but actually not sat there very long each time, certainly not long enough to settle into a book/show on the tablet as I’d planned. I slept fine and I was empty long before travelling in on the hospital. Once there it was really well organised and the procedure itself totally pain free (I did take the sedation).

Good luck!

I’ve had four of them over the years so all different situations, yes it clears you out no soiling on the way to hospital when I read tablet for distraction I did think tablet? Then realised you meant iPad, I wasn’t on the toilet long enough to set up my iPad, there back, there back loads of time, I did have a rumbling tum and was starving though, but no probs,

My DH had this done last month. It was awful, he took the first dose at 10 am and by 2 pm he was rushing to the toilet every 20 minutes and by late evening he wasn’t making it there. He was supposed to take more liquid at 6.30 pm but he only took a little. He was still going every 30 minutes in the morning, it was mainly watery liquid, but at that time he said there’s no way I can go to hospital. We got the notes and the phone lines didn’t open till 10 am and his appointment was 11.20 am. By 10 am he had stopped so he did go and get it done. The person doing colonoscopy thanked him for correctly taking the liquid and appreciated that it’s not pleasant but assured him it really helps them to see what’s going on. We’ve said if he was to have another, he would have a liquid diet for 3 days before, not just one day and take half the liquid. Liquid diet you are allowed is clear soups, jelly and ice cream.

I have recently had one and after reading everything online etc. beforehand, I was overthinking too. However, it was no where near as bad as I thought.

I was dreading the prep but it was fine. Mine included Senna tablets and Citramag (just tasted like lemon sherbet pop). I would take a big sip through a straw and then take a bit of water. I drank the first one slightly warm but the second time around, I left it cool for longer and that was better. It took me less than 10 mins on first, 5 mins on second. After the first sachet, it took a few hours to kick in, but after the second, it was immediate. The actual bowel movements were fine (I was very careful with what I ate the day before the ‘diet’ started so that may have helped). I had to take first sachet at 12 and second at 6pm. I had a full night’s sleep but did go again in the morning. I still had control and knew when I needed to go so I could make a dash for the toilet. There was no issue with needing the toilet on the way.

I was torn on whether to have the sedation as I hate feeling out of control, so I ended up just opting for gas and air. The doctor and nurses were so professional and lovely. The procedure was fine, no pain at all. I didn’t really feel much. It felt only slightly uncomfortable at one point for seconds (felt like a baby kick), as the nurse took the gas and air from me as the camera was coming back out. I just did my normal deep breathing.

I just want to reassure those who are unsure/nervous (like I was) that the procedure itself, in my experience, was fine. I had to wait 15 mins after and I could then go home as I didn’t have the sedation. I did have a headache after but I put that down to not eating for ages.

Hope this helps a little.

I have mine today so have done all the prep now. I also thought the prep would be a lot worse than it was!
i took first moviprep at 1pm - took me about an hour to drink - through a straw and chilled w sips of cordial inbetween. It was bearable (lemon flavour). Bowels started moving as soon as I’d finished but I only went a few times.
had the second prep at 7pm (had some stomach cramps in the afternoon but nothing too awful). I hadn’t even finished the second when it started again (found the second jug harder to stomach) - this time was at least an hour of going to and from the loo (you could sit on the loo for all that time but I didn’t) and this morning I’ve gone as well (but with more control). I slept ok but a bit rumbly/windy.

I also followed the diet very strictly and was even fairly careful the day before it started (minimal fibre but I had some fruit) as the PP said above.

i was pretty hungry yesterday but I advise to drink loads to fill up and combat dehydration - I just had squashes and water and felt ok. It’s not as bad as regular diarrhoea. Just be v close to the loo - like seconds away!!

And to add, I’ve had it now. Had sedation but not sure how much that was effective as it was a bit painful in parts (nodded off in recovery though) . Now having my v welcome post-procedure cuppa and sandwich.

Depends on the guidelines, but don't whatever you do, drink Coke. I did once and never again. It burns like hell on it's way out.

I'd rather have ten colonoscopies (I have had five + polyp removal), than endoscopy. Any day.

I just chucked the stuff down and waited for the result. It is no problem really once you are near a loo. You won't have time to read or anything, it just comes on in an instant. You will know when you are done because of the colour/consistency of the bowel contents TMI sorry.

I have never felt pain or discomfort as I got midazolam and fentanyl sedation/pain relief. That bit was so nice! zzzz

I think I missed out on the fentanyl - I had midazolam and pethedine. Was not out of it enough!!

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