Colonscopy - Advice Needed

[H256]

Hey all,

I have a colonoscopy coming up and been sent my prep ready for the day before but I am more worried about the prep than the colonoscopy as when I am going to the loo (stools) it is extremely painful as it burns and I am in tears some times when it is a loose stool with the burning.

I know obviously this will come through me like no tomorrow but I am extremely worried about the burning as I know this will happen

Any tips or advice to try avoid this burning??

I am booked in for a Monday and debating fasting from the Friday night but not sure if that’s a good idea

Any tips or advice will be amazing!!

Thank you guys & sorry for the long post

[willow24 Administrator]

get some sudacrem and apply around anus each time you go. This makes a barrier between your skin and diarrhoea, it wont stop it hurting completely, but I find it helps alot. You could also try lanacane as it has lignocaine in it which is a local anasthetic. All the best - Iv gotta go for one next month x

[H256 in reply to willow24]

Thank you will look into this even if it’s a solid stool I still suffer burning but not as bad as loose stools! Camera I am sedated for so think I’ll be ok, just worried about the prep as it’s so painful

Good luck for your camera

[bantam12 in reply to H256]

Definitely use some sort of cream, drink lots of water so you don't dehydrate but I wouldn't advise starving yourself for that long, you will feel wobbly on the day but even worse if you are already weak from lack of food for 3 or 4 days !

[H256 in reply to bantam12]

Would fasting from Saturday afternoon be an idea??

I Will be getting creams so thank you for this

[bantam12 in reply to H256]

If the hospital haven't given you a diet to follow then why bother to fast, you will just feel worse, it's bad enough being hungry for the prep day let alone longer ! I've had many oscopies and never fasted, you are usually allowed clear soups and jelly on the prep day so don't put yourself through hell if it's not necessary.

[H256 in reply to bantam12]

I have a list of foods that I can eat Saturday and cannot eat from 9:00am Sunday morning just want to try a avoid the burning as much as I can.

Sorry this is my first colonoscopy been suffering for several months coming up a year so finally on the verge of a diagnosis just want the pain stopped or reduced best I can

[bantam12 in reply to H256]

Make sure you have sedation and pain relief on the day !

Good luck.

[H256 in reply to bantam12]

Thanks I have already asked about this and they’re happy to give aslong as I have someone with me

Thank you

[willow24 Administrator in reply to H256]

def agree go with sedation lol

[H256 in reply to willow24]

Already requested this! Wouldn’t do it without!

Thanks for the advice x

[SORRELHIPPO]

As willow24 has suggested I have used lignocaine in a cream also when had like fissures in this area, diluted the acid with melting ice cubes as a wash afterwards, less sore than rubbing with paper, and a little numbing. Although the wet toilet tissues say they can go down the toilet, all the water companies say they call real problems in the sewerage system, so I do not use these, unless I throw in a bag. Have the most sensative baby wipes, water only in them and then use the very cold ice cube melt. just remember to keep a few for the Gin and Tonic afterwards!!!

[H256 in reply to SORRELHIPPO]

Thank you for this info!

I will be getting ice for sure and even debating not wiping At all just literally getting straight in a shower afterward each drink has run its course to wash away instead of wiping to try help the burning is my main worry, ice will be on hand a Defo some booze for when it’s all over haha

[Meokie in reply to H256]

My tips are that I eat bland and low residue a couple of days before. Then the day of the prep I start it a minimum of two hours before instructed otherwise I am up in the middle of the night. I buy a small jar of plain Vaseline and put a coating on just as I sit down to go. Must be quick. Then after, I clean with baby wipes that are really called boogie wipes. I get the ones that are unscented and they are just saline. Then on goes more Vaseline. Works very well. I hope this helps. The prep truly is the worst part. Be sure to stay hydrated. Bone broth helps.

[H256 in reply to Meokie]

Hi, thanks for all this will Defo eat bland a few days before and doing the prep like you said

Thank you for all of this

[Meokie in reply to H256]

How did it go?

[H256 in reply to Meokie]

It isn’t until 4th Feb, thank you for checking up on me, I will keep you updated and let you know how I go,

100% gonna go chemist and try get a numbing cream for the pain.

Also do you know if I will get some results on the day? I know biopsy results will be a few weeks but will they give me any info on what was found there and then?

[Meokie in reply to H256]

In most cases they will give you a preliminary findings report. On my initial diagnosis of Crohn's the doctor didn't mention it until follow up appointment with biopsy results.

[H256 in reply to Meokie]

That’s great to know thank you

[Imoe-42]

I had a colonoscopy done for the first time yesterday and was given a short written report, although won’t get biopsy report for 3 weeks. Wished I’d found this group before as could have definitely done with the advice regarding the preparation. Hope all goes well for you.

[H256 in reply to Imoe-42]

Hiya thank you for this, how did you find your first one and the prep?

[Imoe-42 in reply to H256]

The first half of the preparation was ok, but found the second litre quite difficult to drink especially towards the end, didn’t like the taste much and knew I’d be on the toilet a lot!!! I had a really nice nurse who helped me during the procedure, talking to me and telling me what was happening! It was a bit uncomfortable at times but used the gas and air to help with that! Glad it’s over

[H256 in reply to Imoe-42]

Thank you for this!! It’s helped me feel a little more at ease.

Hope your ok

[H256]

Had the colonoscopy yesterday which wasn’t too bad thankfully the drink was the worst part!!

8 biopsies taken but they did say they couldn’t see anything of to much worry just waiting on my biopsy results now