Prep for Colonoscopy

[Julesrich]

Hi all I am booked in for colonoscopy in a couple of weeks and I am a bit worried, not only about the procedure but also about the prep you need to take before to ensure the bowel is empty. Here in the UK the prep I have been given is Moviprep, containing lots of ingredients including sodium and potassium, both of which I know we are advised not to have too much if any. My CKD is stage 4 and I spoke to my nethrologist secretary and he seemed to think it would by okay to take. I guess Google is not always our friend as my research is worrying too. Has anyone had any experiences with this prep and how was it is my question. Thanks in advance for any info

[Skeptix]

I had the dubious pleasure of a colonoscopy & CKD (3a at the time, I'm now scraping the bottom of 3b).

My nephrologist didn't see an issue .. but then again, my nephrologist doesn't seem all that proactive in preserving my kidney function.

What I would say is that the prep isn't going to ... er... reside inside you for very long. And I imagine the issue with potassium and salt is more longterm/ongoing than something a short and sweet as a colonoscopy prep.

Hold onto your hat!

The procedure itself is unremarkable and there's little to worry about. They semi-sedate you and you'll know nothing of it. I can hazily recall my viewing the camera during things (out of interest) and noting their taking tiny tissue samples. Didn't feel a thing.

[Julesrich in reply to Skeptix]

Thanks for your reply Skeptix you have made me feel less worried about prep and the procedure. Hopefully it will be over quickly and the results will all be good

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador]

I am in US and at 3b CKD and am a senior. The Gastro Doctor modified the prep and also the procedure. Gave me child size IV due to the potassium, which they checked before the procedure.

[Julesrich in reply to orangecity41]

Thanks orange city. Here in the UK they aren't as proactive and I have just been told to take all the prep. Although I am quite a small person at 9stone so I may take a little less than prescribed. Hopefully all will be good

[Adriennebirder]

Honestly, I am CKD stage 2 and honestly I felt absolutely horrible with the prep. So dehydrated and throwing up. The IV is a good thing. When I did the prep before I had CKD didn’t have the horrible side effects. Having a colonoscopy in 2022 and already dreading the prep. Maybe ask your doctor if you can have the home IV? Thanks for the idea I am going to also ask for one too.

[Julesrich in reply to Adriennebirder]

Thanks for your reply Adriennebirder. They have already given me the prep and no mention of iv, here in the UK I don't think they would anyway. I'm thinking as I am quite small (9stoneish) I may take a bit less than they prescribed and hope for the best.

[HisLittleOne]

I had a colonoscopy done last year and because of decreased kidney function (3A) my doctor would not allow me to take Moviprep but prescribed Golytely instead at smaller quantities. He said it is much safer for the kidneys. You might want to ask about that.

As far as the procedure itself, it was very inconsequential. They put me to sleep and when I woke up I felt fine and didn’t remember a thing. It’s nothing at all to worry about.

I hope all goes well for you ☺️

[Julesrich in reply to HisLittleOne]

Thanks for your reply HisLittleOne. Can I just ask are you in the UK? I will definitely ask about Golytely (I've never heard of that one). Thanks for advice I know I'm having a sedative so I'm sure it will be fine

[HisLittleOne in reply to Julesrich]

I am in the US. But Golytely has been a common and standard colonoscopy prep for many years and should be available in the UK. You can Goggle it for more info.

Blessings to you!

[Julesrich in reply to HisLittleOne]

Thanks HisLittleOne I will certainly google it and ask if its a possibility

[HisLittleOne in reply to Julesrich]

Here is some information about Golytely from a kidney expert website that might be helpful to you.

kidney.org/blog/ask-doctor/...

[Julesrich in reply to HisLittleOne]

Thanks HisLittleOne i will check it out

[Jayhawker]

I had a colonoscopy in Oct 2019. They used a different fluid with me since I was Stage V. I wasn’t on dialysis at that time either. They ran a renal panel on me at the end of the colonoscopy to check my electrolytes. All was well with potassium, etc.

For me, the worst part was how weak I was after the prep. With my other fluid restrictions I was badly dehydrated by the time I reached the hospital for the colonoscopy. But otherwise all went well,

Jayhawker

[Julesrich in reply to Jayhawker]

Thanks for letting me know how it was for you Jayhawker. I'm sure it must have been worse for you at stage V. I'm not expecting such attention to care here in the UK but glad you were well taken care of. All the best Julie