Colonoscopy Prep Help

[Newandneedadvice22]

I am in stage 3 of CKD, I’ve been scheduled for a colonoscopy and was given SUTAB prep, is this safe to take?

[Bet117 NKF Ambassador]

Hi Newandneedadvice22,

Honestly, every doctor has their preferences regarding preps. I'm sure that there are many new ones as that isn't one that I was offered.

When in doubt, call your nephrologist's office.

Ask if he/ she is on board with what your gastro suggested; if not what do they recommend.

This is what I did prior to my last colonoscopy as I was offered the same prep ( as wonderful as they are) as I was prior to being diagnosed with kidney issues. It was fine.

It will be behind you before you know it and the results will be good. I am positive for you.

Bet

[Newandneedadvice22 in reply to Bet117]

Thank you so much for the advice, I was really concerned as I scheduled the colonoscopy prior to the diagnosis as well.And thank you for the speedy advice!

[Bet117 NKF Ambassador in reply to Newandneedadvice22]

Newandneedadvice22,

My pleasure! Glad that I could be of some help and support.

As long as your gastro and place that you are having this blessed screening is aware that you are a CKD patient; you are golden. If concerned, ask your nurse.

I don't know what is in the sedation, but good chance that you won't remember a thing, but the doctor giving you a good report and nurse giving you something to drink or maybe a cracker/ biscuit or two.

Focus on the friends and family waiting for you after its over!

We will be here waiting!

Bet

[lowraind in reply to Newandneedadvice22]

Even more need to speak with your nephrologist.

[Room258 in reply to Newandneedadvice22]

Be careful with the preparation for your colonoscopy. I passed out from dehydration and pottasium depletion, and had to be rushed to the hospital.

[Lacycat1234]

The first person you should ask is your Nephrologist. He or She is going to know the answer for you. They can give you the best answer. They know what's exactly going on with your kidneys. I run everything through my kidney doctor, who knows more about my kidneys than him!

[Bet117 NKF Ambassador in reply to Lacycat1234]

Me, too!

[AndrewT]

Dear Newandneedadvice22,

I quite agree with Bet117, I was given Picolax (Sodium Picosulphate) for my Colonoscopy.

Whatever you get 'given' the Procedure is quite similar, though DO check the label, you take the- normally vile tasting- 'Prep' that Basically makes you POOP your Insides Out, for hours on end. Whist this is 'going on' you can't eat anything but, as far as I recall, can Drink.... should you want to that is.

The Procedure itself is, for the most part painless- don't worry you might just 'Gripe' a little- and then you get to have The Best Tea & Biscuits Of Your Life, I 'kid you not!

So, please don't, worry Too Much my friend- all will be well, depite the Taste that is! (the product might recommend an addative, Picolax suggested lime squash.... a bit better....)

Thinking of you

AndrewT

[Bet117 NKF Ambassador in reply to AndrewT]

Andrew,

You are too much! Lol.

Grand way of putting it. Procedure is one of life's more " Interesting " but necessary experiences!

You not only can have all of the Tea and biscuits you like, but a hearty breakfast or there of!

All in the line of duty.

Stay safe and thanks ...

Bet

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador]

I agree with previous posts. I told the anesthesiologist prep nurse of my CKD and level. I also have elevated potassium. They did an adjusted procedure and had no problem.

[RoxanneKidney]

I will personally never get another colonoscopy again. When you read the statistics they are pretty much useless.

[Kam73 in reply to RoxanneKidney]

Totally disagree with you. I would rather have a colonoscopy and have the adenomas they found removed than have full blown cancer.

[barbara55109 in reply to RoxanneKidney]

Colon cancer remains a killer because of attitudes like this. So many people avoid discussing bowl issues with their doctors. The baseline colonoscopies find issues and save lives. I hated them too and am glad I never have to get another. Because I don't have a colon anymore! Mine tried to kill me and I had to have that thing removed in 93. My CKD is from the long-term dehydration living with an ileostomy caused. Please tell you Dr if you are having ongoing diarrhea, constipation, mucus or blood loss in your stool. Get a colonoscopy or do the shit in a box thing. I've lived almost 1/2 my life without a colon. All years I would have lost if I'd avoided testing.

[RoxanneKidney]

Just curious, but why didn't they take it when they found it?

[HisLittleOne]

My gastroenterologist would only give me GoLytely (polyethylene glycol) prep as it is safer for the kidneys for a CKD patient, whereas the newer preps are hard on the kidneys. Although the GoLytely is a lot more to drink, it was doable especially knowing it was safer for me.

[Jayhawker in reply to HisLittleOne]

This is the same prep they used with me. They also ran a renal panel right after the colonoscopy to check my potassium level, etc. I was Stage V and not on dialysis when I had my last colonoscopy in Oct of 2019.

Jayhawker

[Sarah_402]

Definitely call the nephrologist office double check. I saw this on national kidney foundation about what to avoid. Avoid products with "sodium phosphate."

kidney.org/atoz/content/ora...

[Valerietemps]

I would say definitely get nephrologist recommendation for prep. When I had stage 4I had a very bad reaction to the prep. Passed out on bowl. Woke up getting sick in shower curtain. I won’t do this again.

[Kidme]

I just had my colonoscopy a few months ago. I was also given the sutab prep. I am nearly 8 years post transplant and I received the OK from my transplant center to use the pills. It was somewhat better than the liquid I have had previously. It was the first time I didn't vomit while doing the prep, so there is that. I know some people sail through the prep but it's always miserable for me. I will always follow my neph's advice, whatever it is, and they recommend getting it done. My GI guy said I don't have to have any more (I'm 73), fingers crossed that my neph agrees. I found the procedure itself uneventful. I have had 3 or 4 of these and I never remember anything. Best of luck.

[annon12345 in reply to Kidme]

While this thread was months ago, I thought I'd answer in case anyone was reading it later. I also had the Sutab pills. I had agonizing nausea (which somewhere 20-30% of the people have) . Worse than chemo nausea. Fortunately I had some chemo anti nausea pills around which I took which helped.

If you hate swallowing uncoated huge pills (this are larger then the potassium citrate I take) be aware you swallow 12 of them in one sitting. You do this twice. Drinking 3 bottles of just water is nice though. Did a good job of bowel cleaning.

If you have slow stomach emptying (like I do) you might want to think about talking to your MD if you should take the second round of the prep somewhat sooner than the 2 or 3 hours prior to the procedure as recommended. Fortunately I took the second prep at 4am rather than 6am as I had only just stopped needing to sit on the toilet repeatedly when it was time to leave. That would not have been the case had I followed the directions on the insert.