First colonoscopy prep

[Eviet835]

Hi, I have my first colonoscopy Tuesday to check out what I’m hoping are just hemorrhoids. For prep I have to take 4 Dulcolax or Senna tablets in addition to 17 capfuls of Miralax. I’ve read horrible reviews about severe pain, nausea and shaking on Dulcolax. Senna sounds painful too but not as bad. Not sure which one to take. Hoping to get some feedback on experiences and any tips! I’m so nervous.

[Nicole_GCCA Partner]

Dear Eviet835 ,My apologies I'm not sure how I missed your post entirely!

Your doctor should have given you precise instructions on what to purchase from the pharmacy, and when to take them. It is more common that people take Dulcolax (or the generic brand) pills as opposed to the Senna pills - this is just based on my experience of speaking to many people as they prepare for their colonoscopy.

I've not heard that about Dulcolax - I do wonder if people who have said these reviews were doing the colonoscopy prep (which would mean it would be impossible to know which of the over the counter prep medications they were taking with, that they had an issue with?)

I'm so sorry I missed your post - I hope that the prep is going well. While a little late, here's some tips that we like to share to help the prep go as easy as can be.

If you DO feel sick, or you throw up, etc. contact your doctor. Depending on what your symptoms are, they may advise you to stop the prep. I do think some people have issues with prep, and it is a lot of fluids to drink - but many people get through it just fine as well, but may not be posting about it because it wasn't a horror story.

Please keep us posted, were' here for you!

Here are some tips to get you through your colonoscopy:

1. Once you get the prescription for the prep that you'll drink, follow your doctor's instructions exactly. You want to have the cleanest colon for the doctor to be able to see everything with no fecal matter obscuring the way. We like this tool that Kaiser Permanente put together (with drawings!) that shows food to avoid and foods to eat leading up to when you actually start drinking the prep:

wa.kaiserpermanente.org/htm...

2. Get prepared to prep! Many people say the prep is the worst part of the colonoscopy procedure as a whole. Depending on what your doctor prescribes, it may be a lot of the same drink with the medication mixed in (such as Gatorade) vs. a smaller volume of prep that you drink, and then separately drink a certain amount of liquid of your choice (excluding something like a red Gatorade which could stain your colon for the test).

a. In addition to picking up your prescription, buy yourself some supplies:

*Toilet paper (necessary!)

*Wet wipes (never flush wipes even if they say flushable, the last thing you want is a clogged toilet when you are in the midst of prepping for a colonoscopy),

*Magazines

b. While you are going through prep, many treat themselves to buying a movie or series they've been wanting to see.

3. If during your prep you have any concerns or don't feel well (nauseous, etc.) call your doctor to let them know what is going on.

4. Most places will require you to have a family member or friend drive you home (you can not drive for the rest of the day), most places won't want you taking a taxi or Uber home alone. Bringing a family member or friend who can take notes on what the doctor tells you when you are in the recovery area will be key - you most likely won't remember what they say.

~Nicole, GCCA Staff Member & Colon Cancer Connected Site Administrator.

Just a reminder - this group is here to offer support, share experiences, and offer our thoughts - but this is not medical advice, and you should always consult your medical professional(s). Additionally, for all emergencies, seek urgent medical care, never delay.

[Eviet835 in reply to Nicole_GCCA]

Thank you so much for your support and tips Nicole. I had it yesterday. Was not at all as bad as I expected. The prep was horrible but the procedure was okay. It was actually the best sleep I’ve had in years last night from all the meds they gave me! Good news is that they found no cancer or polyps. Bad news is that there’s inflammation in my colon which is causing the blood I’m guessing. They did a biopsy and I have to submit a stool sample. I have a follow up on the 1st to discuss these results. I’m wondering if this is just colitis from some infection I got or something more chronic like ulcerative colitis. I’m frustrated that I left without more details and have to wait.

Results show:

Moderate proctopathy ( apthous ulcers, loss of normal colonic vascularuee, moderate circumferential granularity) from anal verge to 20 cm.

Proximal to this is colonic sparing to the Cecum

Few sigmoid diverticula

Endoscopically normal ileocecal valve and terminal ileum.

What the heck does all this mean? It doesn’t sound good to me 😔.

[Nicole_GCCA Partner in reply to Eviet835]

Dear Eviet835 ,First off - congratulations on your first colonoscopy and that is great to hear that no cancer was detected! I'm glad your follow up appointment is just a few days away.

Second, while Google is great for some things, it can be really confusing to google your test results. Lots of the search results will take you to scientific medical journals that aren't written for those of us without medical degrees!

I know it can be frustrating to leave with more questions than answers. I hope your medical team is supportive and takes the time to answer all of your questions. Remember that getting a second opinion is a good idea in many cases. And if your medical team isn't supportive, seek out a new medical team.

We recommend that you write down all of the questions you have ahead of time, and some people even type them out and print out a copy for the doctor as well.

This helps prevent the "Argh!" moment on the way back from the doctor's office when many of us remember questions we meant to ask.

In addition to having the doctor review all the test results and explain everything if the subject of the rectal bleeding doesn't get covered, please be sure to bring that up and ask what they think may be causing it.

Did you submit the stool sample yet? If not I am assuming this appointment will discuss what they saw on the colonoscopy and the biopsy results? If the stool sample hasn't been submitted yet, do ask them when you'll get those results, and when you do, will you have a follow-up appointment, or does it depend on the results of the stool sample?

As you get more information and results/diagnosis, please be sure to seek out nonprofits that support patients. There are also many support groups online for every disorder from A to Z. You might find some support and connections in these two groups on this site:

healthunlocked.com/crohns-c...

healthunlocked.com/theibsne...

Good luck at your appointment!

~Nicole, GCCA Staff Member & Colon Cancer Connected Site Administrator.

Just a reminder - this group is here to offer support, share experiences, and offer our thoughts - but this is not medical advice, and you should always consult your medical professional(s). Additionally, for all emergencies, seek urgent medical care, never delay.