Help

[Skdj]

I was supposed to have a colonoscopy today but last night during the prep I almost fainted, I couldn’t catch my breath and my heart was racing. I had to either stop or call 911. The clinic called back today and said that they’ll have to call me back for another appointment but sounded annoyed and didn’t even ask if I was okay. Is this normal for preparation? The doctor and clinic never told me signs to watch out for while preparing I was and am really scared now I don’t know when/ if I’ll be able to get another appointment

[bantam12]

Maybe a combination of dehydration and anxiety, ask for a different prep next time.

[Skdj in reply to bantam12]

My pee was clear before hand and I drank 1 L of water, 2 full containers of broth, another water bottle and 3-4 Gatorade bottles so could it still have been dehydration? Everything went black for a minute and I couldn’t breathe I was petrified

[bantam12 in reply to Skdj]

Impossible to know for sure, all you can do is try again with a different prep.

[CRCAdvocate]

Sorry you had this experience with the colonoscopy prep. Please follow-up with you doctor and ask what he/she advises. There are several different types of preparations you can try which may work better for you. Always remember to drink plenty of water during the prep and check with your doctor to find the best solution. For more information on screening, visit our website: Global Colon Cancer Association https:/GlobalCCA.org

[Skdj in reply to CRCAdvocate]

I might see if I can do a stool DNA test instead after having flexible sigmoidoscopy, blood work and abdominal ultrasound all come back normal except for a hemorrhoid

[Wexford1968]

That’s the first time I ever heard any like this. I don’t understand why that would happen. The worst thing about the prep is it is absolutely disgusting. I think the hardest part of a colonoscopy is the prep. The colonoscopy itself is not bad but just a little uncomfortable

[Skdj in reply to Wexford1968]

It was horrible. The taste wasn’t even bad for me it was the heart racing and barely being able to breath properly

[JoyceJH]

Hello there.. Hope you feel better now.. I didn't faint but I vomitted.. I didn't finish the prep because of the taste and I had to stop drinking the prep. The doctor gave me another brand of the prep just in case.. It will give you more time but to drink more liquid... Hopefully the taste is also better..

[Skdj in reply to JoyceJH]

It wasn’t the taste for me it was the feeling like I was going to die it was so scary

[JoyceJH in reply to Skdj]

That's very bad.. Is this your first time to have this prep? If you are going to try with different brand next time, make sure you have somebody with you. I have a friend couldn't walk by herself on the day and felt dizzy, but your symptom sounds worse. I hope this time works better for you and result comes out clear..

[moderncalamity]

You may be allergic to PEG/Miralax or some other ingredient. I was not able to go through with the prep because of allergic reactions and severe reactive hypoglycemia. Everyone is different.

[Skdj in reply to moderncalamity]

Maybe I’m sorry to hear that you can relate. What did you do instead? How did you end up being able to have a colonoscopy? I don’t even know if I want one anymore it was so horrendous

[moderncalamity in reply to Skdj]

In my case I did have a CAT scan with contrast and it did not show anything significant other than constipation. I had to decide if the risk of the procedure/prep was worth it and I decided to hold off for now since I thought I might get very ill or worse from the prep. I also had a lot of the symptoms associated with colon cancer (constipation, blood, mucus) but I also had a lot of symptoms of IBS. My stool microbiome was tested and it showed dysbiosis. I was scheduled for the test in mid October and now a lot of my symptoms have improved.

[Skdj in reply to moderncalamity]

Thanks for your reply. I might ask for a DNA stool test. I’ve had a flexible sigmoidoscopy and abdominal ultrasound and blood work all come back normal except for a hemorrhoid. I’m 24 with inconsistent symptoms. I heard a colonoscopy is an easy and safe procedure but after that experience and research it definitely has risks

[moderncalamity in reply to Skdj]

I agree 100%. I think for most people the prep is unpleasant but not life threatening. One has to weight the risk/benefit ratio and make their own decision.