so anxious

[Daisy425]

I’ve been having such bad bloating so I was told to get a colonoscopy. I have it Friday. This is my first one and I’m so scared. The thought of not being able to eat for 30 hours scares me. I’m also so scared the prep will make me throw up

[Sillysausage234]

you can actually survive for 1-2 months on just water ….

That said 30 hours seems extreme for nil by mouth 🤨

[litethatnevergoesout in reply to Sillysausage234]

They go through your mouth, silly?

[Sillysausage234 in reply to litethatnevergoesout]

colonoscopies are definitely not through your mouth at least not when I had one ,them surgical shorts with the hole in the back were a definite clue

[litethatnevergoesout in reply to Sillysausage234]

oh man… do you get a merit badge afterwards?

[Sillysausage234 in reply to litethatnevergoesout]

coffee and biscuits for taking one for the team

[litethatnevergoesout in reply to Sillysausage234]

I suppose the beverage and biscuits are props to appear as if the procedure didn’t affect you.

[Grandmaof3 in reply to litethatnevergoesout]

Definitely not through the mouth. They go through the colon.

[litethatnevergoesout in reply to Grandmaof3]

I’ve had hundreds and hundreds of kidney stones, passed them all myself except 3, they leave a stent in your urinary tract that they yank out of you while you’re as awake as possible. I’m just hoping it’s not like that.

[hypercat54]

I had one of these done a couple of years ago. I am in the UK so don't know if you are as your experience might be different.

I was told not to eat for 12 hours so had a big meal for my last one. I did cheat a bit and have a couple of spoonfuls of cereal which did show a bit on it but no one said anything lol. Nothing else did though so 30 hours seems very extreme to me.

I was also allowed to drink anything so found that very strong coffee took away the taste quite a lot so didn't throw up. The preparation was the worst bit though by far so I emphasise.

I could watch the procedure with local sedation and it was a bit uncomfortable but didn't hurt - well only once a bit when they took a small sample of an ulcer. You have a gown on and only your ......relevant bit is showing to them.

I had a choice of local sedation or nothing but did take the former. I was told someone would have to pick me up after though. I lied to the nurse . She was annoyed when she found this though but I just thought it was hilarious. I drank some coffee and had a few biscuits and caught the bus home. I was fine too lol

Not recommending you do the same but hey ho I survived it.

Good luck.

[litethatnevergoesout in reply to hypercat54]

you’re a rebel hypercat

[hypercat54 in reply to litethatnevergoesout]

Yep I decided I was too old to allow myself to be bossed by anyone younger than me. She got in a right tizz wazz. I was polite and apologetic to her face but laughed my socks off inside 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[hypercat54 in reply to hypercat54]

Who gives a flying f......

[Sillysausage234 in reply to hypercat54]

Kitty cat that was very irresponsible

[hypercat54 in reply to Sillysausage234]

Don't put my real name on an unlocked post please SS.

[litethatnevergoesout]

I have to do this thing in the next few months… I’m not excited.

[hypercat54 in reply to litethatnevergoesout]

I bet. Its not fun but I was impressed by my intestines. They looked as clean and pink as a baby. You would never have believed it had been so abused in life

[litethatnevergoesout in reply to hypercat54]

Real true measure of your guts.

[hypercat54 in reply to litethatnevergoesout]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[LittlePlasticBuddha]

I had one 2 years ago. My wife just had a few weeks back. It was smooth sailing for both of us. Ask your doctor about "SuTab" for the prep. It is much easier on you than the liquid stuff. I'm sure you'll be fine. But I would strongly recommend splurging on the best toilet paper you can afford.....

[hypercat54 in reply to LittlePlasticBuddha]

Always good advice!

[TryingToStayAboveIt]

It's honestly not that bad! I think the anticipation is worse than the actual event. My last colonoscopy was on a Friday as well, so Wednesday and until noon Thursday I ate light, then drank the stuff Thursday night, and it was completely do-able. 30 hours, what!?! Maybe that's if you choose the pill over the liquid? You'll be fine. Really. Go out for breakfast afterward!

[6236]

good morning Daisy. I have to have one every year. The worst part is the prep. The last one I had I couldn’t have anything to eat for 48 hours only liquids. Try some warm chicken or beef broth that helped me get through it. The prep that you have to drink does not taste good but you can handle it. I always chased it with sprite that seemed to help. Just hang in there unfortunately all of this is necessary to be able to get good results.

[bethelbee]

I've had two and for each prep it was a couple Dulcolax in the morning and starting by mid day drinking Miralax mixed with clear liquids that aren't red or purple. Can use sports drinks such as Gatorade or apple juice or white grape juice or any combo you choose. No bad taste at all. I didn't have to use the pre mixed solution that everyone says is awful. The Dulcolax and Miralax worked just fine. I had the sedation and was asleep during the procedure. Upon awakening they may offer you juice or soda and some crackers. You will need someone to drive you home afterwards; they won't let you leave without a 'responsible party' to pick you up. Except for running to the bathroom frequently, wasn't all that bad. That's been my experience.

[EarthSitter1]

I had a colonoscopy a fortnight ago and I had very similar worries beforehand but it was fine. I’m vegan so for the clear liquid diet I had a variety of herbal teas and vegan Bouillon drinks. I also get sick easily but managed to keep it down- one tip I used was to drink the preparation through a straw as it helped to get it down. Good luck and I hope all goes well

[Thankfulforhelp22]

I have had a few. The procedure itself will be over before you know it as you will be asleep. You will awaken and wonder if anything was done. No pain at all when I’ve had them.

The prep is not pleasant but vital. Just take it slow. Hope everything goes well.

You can do this.

[Kinlay]

I've had them multiple times. Two tricks with the prep: 1. Drink it as cold as possible without ice (refrigerate for at least 6 hours before drinking if possible). 2. Drink it through a straw so it hits the back of the mouth and not the front (less taste). 3. You can suck on hard candy or eat clear colored gummy bears in between sips if you need to. For me, just drinking it and getting it over with worked best, but if you are afraid of vomiting, take your time.

I researched and found that you could eat soup, clear juice (nothing dark or with seeds or other things that might hang out in your colon) up to 14 hours before. 30 hours is crazy long when the recommendation is usually 24 hours before for clear diet, not nothing, and then to stop drinking clear liquids 6 hours before. I actually had an English muffin the night before my last morning one (I get low blood sugar if I don't eat anything) and everything was FINE. Just absolutely avoid anything with fiber or dark coloring for at least 24 hours before as they can obscure the imaging.

I also asked and was told that it was okay to take my lorazepam to help me stay calm the night before, but check because it may interact with the meds they give you there! Good luck!

[Teaching]

The same fear holding me from getting it done. You'll definitely survive it.

[rbb4]

Because of family history I have had plenty of colonoscopies ( one every 5 years) . I know that when I am feeling anxious - being told it will be all right doesn't really help...but you will be all right. Please check with your doctor because at least in my case some of the restricted diet time is no high fiber and then no solids before the absolute fasting and taking the prep. You can often times have simple foods at first like broth and applesauce. I also drink sports drinks., be careful which color you choose and avoid red. FOr me there is a point where I really dont feel hungry anymore. Again you will be fine. Sorry if this is too long!

[catsrock]

I had my second one last week, but this time the prep was tablets instead of the big liquid stuff. Although I didn't enjoy the big liquid when I had one 10 years ago, I think it cleaned me out better (hope this isn't TMI), because the tablets took longer to kick in and the doctor said my colon prep was poor, even though I did everything by the letter. I think I will do the liquid next time. It's not fun - you are constantly running to the bathroom with both preps - but I never threw up either time. If what's coming out of you isn't clear or yellow by the time of your colonoscopy, tell them. It's why my colon prep was considered poor. They can give you something - like a laxative or something - I think right before the procedure to see if that will finish the prep, but I didn't know that. Anyway, even though what they could see looked fine on mine, they say I have to have another one in 10 years instead of 5 because the prep was poor. Feel like I got an F on a test - haha! - and I read that 30-40% of colonoscopies have poor prep. Anyway, you can do it, but it's not fun, and just make sure you tell them if there are any issues with it not cleaning you out all the way.

[Medical61]

I’ve had 4 and my wife at least 6. Neither of us felt anything. I’d sooner have a colonoscopy than a headache.

[Worrier1960]

I found probiotics to be very helpful against bloating

[DarkPlaces]

The prep is the worst part but it is necessary to make sure you're all cleaned out. Everything else is a breeze. With all that liquid, you probably won't be hungry.

[Hidden]

You should be fine. You'll get the good stuff to drink to clean yourself out. You should be able to have broth and jello. Red jello is a no no. I always scheduled my colonscopies around noon time or after. I started the prep the day before around 4 p.m. I can't imagine eating 30 hours later be ause usually they say you can eat lightly afterwards. They use a light sedation so you shouldn't really remember the whole procedure. Don't even think a out it as the nurses will be so nice to you during your visit. I never had the shorts just the gown. I don't really see the need for the shorts.

[BedBug]

Have you been checked out IBS.? Don't understand why 30hours of feasting. There are some good yoga videos out there to help with bloating too. Diet plays into it alot. So sorry you have to go thru this. I have been there. Good luck and take care.