Hi All.... Hope all in Europe are ok with the big storm you've been dealing with. I read it's been devastating (flooding, wind, etc). Been thinking about you.
Question about Colonoscopy prep. I have persistent AFIB (as well as mild pulmonary hypertension). Was curious what type of prep you've done, and the problems you may have had. My GI doctor uses the 4 liter PEG prep (trade name Golytely). I've not had a colonoscopy before so certainly nervous. I've read that this type of prep (huge amounts of sodium) can be a problem for folks with heart or other health issues. Was hoping to get some feedback from our group as to your experiences and the prep(s) you've used...considering our AFIB issue. I'm very nervous about the need to drink 4L of this nasty stuff. Thanks SO much!
Written by
ktf2022
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Most find the prep worse than the procedure. Since you're already in afib, nothing to worry about there, however with pulmonary hypertension, it would be prudent to run both the prep and anathesia protocol by your cardiologist.
Pretty much like our storms "Flooding & plenty of Wind", apart from that it's not exactly a breeze but having had it twice (due a 3rd time) on the 20th, it has yet to set my Afib off. You will be okay just don't go too far from a toilet.
During the time that I've been in permanent, though asymptomatic, AF, I've had 3 colonoscopies, all, at my request, without sedation.The Moviprep I took was of the heavy sodium type. It appeared to have no affect on my health, just loosened the bowels, as it was meant to do.
I posted just recently about this. Was given Moviprep to clear bowels for colonoscopy for 8am procedure. Got up for toilet at 2 am and had onset of AF. Still there when got to hospital, had ecg , consultant would not take risk to carry out procedure and was sent home.
Had a colonoscopy and gastroscopy in March 2022 I had to take moviprep the evening before the procedure yuk. I drank the required fluid intake although my afib is paroxysmal it wasn’t triggered and the procedure was carried out the following day with sedation, very tired after but no afib.
The only thing I learned from my colonoscopy is to fast the day before as the enema only did part of the job and I was extremely uncomfortable (mentally) when being examined as the urge to evacuate was immense. The procedure itself is fine, marginally uncomfortable, but nowhere near as uncomfortable as going to the dentist say. No anaesthetic needed.
I was in NSR at the time I had this and it was fine luckily didn't put me back into Afib. Make sure everyone dealing with you knows that you are in Afib and what medicatio you are taking. If you are on an anticoagulant you may have to miss taking that at the very least on the morning of the procedure. Sometimes and depending on the medication they may ask you to come off a few days before. This normal procedure so don't worry.
don’t know if this is at all an option but… I was due for colonoscopy this year. I am 71 and Have had 2 ten years apart each and no polys. My PCP suggested cologuard instead if colonoscopy given my good hx. It’s a fecal smear test and needs to be repeated every 3 years but requires none of the prep, no disruption of med regimen. I’m on eliquis, metoprolol and flecainide. I’m sure not right for everyone but I am very happy with this alternative.
Hi, I have paroxysmal Afib, kept in check with Flecainide.
I had a sigmoidoscopy in early 2022, which is not as invasive as a colonoscopy. The usual bowel prep (Moviprep) didn’t cause any Afib issues. The procedure itself was fine too, some minor discomfort but that was it. Sedation was not required but Entonox was available, if you needed it; I didn’t find it necessary. I didn’t stop taking my anti coagulant (Edoxaban) either.
I like the alternative of the Cologuard potential. I'm 68 and have had not one colonoscopy and do not intend to ever have one. There are potential risks that I perceive are too high.
I perform an annual quarter long infusion of IP6 (inositol hexaphosphate) 3 capsules a day for the entire month. Highly anti-cancerous.
IP-6 might help treat and prevent cancer by slowing down the production of cancer cells. It might also bind to certain minerals, decreasing the risk of colon cancer. IP-6 is also an antioxidant.
On top of reducing cell proliferation, IP6 helps lower the differenciation of malignant cells. Cancer is tied to cells that not only divide very quickly but also lose some of the signals that guarantee the physiological future of a cell : colon cells, for instance, will become less and less differenciated throughout their divisions and their phenotype will be further and further from their function. This is how normal cells lose their initial function and become tumor cells. IP6 supplementation has been shown to lower the occurrence of this degradation and to redirect tumor cells towards a closer phenotype to that of the organ in which the cell first developed [3]. An immune system boost was also observed during IP6 supplementation, which, combined with its anti-oxidant effects, helps foster a toxic environment for cancer cells and takes part in their destruction [4]. The combination of inositol (IP6 precursor) and IP6 has shown promising effects in animals when fighting against cancer [4]. A pilot study in late stage colon cancer showed efficient reduction of the side effects due to chemotherapy, along with a shrinkage of tumors and cancerous spreads [5]
I had a colonoscopy last year. I had a split prep with the last dose at 4am. Did go back to sleep for a while. I kept the prep in the fridge once mixed and drank it through a straw - I found that helped. I had to stop Apixaban 36 hours before colonoscopy and restarted 24 hours later. I was more worried about that than the prep.
I was anxious but it all went smoothly and staff were great (Australia). Sedated so out like a light the whole time.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Beta Blockers and Vagal Afib
Colonoscopy 
Do you have Vagal Afib or Adrenergic Afib?
Afib with Rvr ablation
Eliquis and colonoscopy
