OMG prepping for a colonoscopy is not going well ..., - NRAS

NRAS

36,607 members45,226 posts

OMG prepping for a colonoscopy is not going well ...,

Rosie_rabbit profile image
56 Replies

So, colonoscopy booked for 3.15 tomorrow, just a screening process as bowel cancer is prevalent in my family, never had one before and I've been dreading it.

Had to have a fibre free diet the last couple of days and nothing to eat from 1pm today. So having stuffed myself silly at lunch time, then deciding to bath the dog whilst the family had tea I've just made my first sachet of Moviprep. It's mixed with a litre of water and I'm meant to drink this stuff over the next 1-2 hours. Well I've managed about a third and I just don't know how I'm going to get the rest down without throwing it back up again!! On mtx right now and nausea has settled a little from the start but is still there. This stuff has bought on serious nausea now. I've put squash in it cos it says I can, but it's like drinking salt water. I've got to have another one in the morning too!!

How am I gonna drink this stuff and what am I going to do if I can't or I start bring sick which I feel is quite likely?? Anyone had anything similar please??

Also, mtx day is tomorrow. So I will have a completely washed out system, not having eaten since 1pm today and then gonna have to take mtx with my dinner. Think it's not going to go well.

Sorry, feeling a bit fed up, but sort of finding it a bit funny too!!

Rosie x

Written by
Rosie_rabbit profile image
Rosie_rabbit
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
56 Replies
Rosie_rabbit profile image
Rosie_rabbit

I have to add to this that husband is sitting on the sofa next to me, drinking red wine, eating cheese n biscuits and watching a cooking programme !!!! I certainly married a thoughtful man lol

allanah profile image
allanah

Oh bless you, these tests r a double edged sword aren't they, it sounds an awful long time from now till then, . I suppose you have to just dip it slowly and I would check with the docs if u can't delay your mtx till the day after? So good luck with it and hope it goes well for you xx

Rosie_rabbit profile image
Rosie_rabbit

Thanks Allanah it is the most disgusting thing ever. I can't even eat anything to take the taste away.

I will speak to them tomorrow about when best to take my mtx but as they're bum doctors guessing they perhaps won't know much about mtx!!

I do feel like I don't know whether to laugh or cry about this one, gotta go with the funny side I think!!

watson3 profile image
watson3

Hi Rosie,

I'm a recently retired endoscopy nurse our advice would be chill the litre of moviprep, add a flavoured concentrate an sweeten if required. Also drink as much of other permitted fluid as required, as stated on your instructions. Having it cold help disguise the taste. Try to start your second satchets early enough to get enough fluid on board. If you continue to feel sick phone the endoscopy dept as early as possible for their advice. The may advise some anti sickness medicine or an alternative bowel prep. Obviously, this would delay your appt if you dont manage take this bowel prep in full.

I know how awful it tastes as need 3 yearly tests for colonic polyps, that have a nasty habit if growing back.

Good luck with your test tomorrow.

A clean a bowel as possible makes for a successful test. ;-)

Nb meant to say a barrier cream on your bum eg sudocrem or zinc and castor oil saves your bum from getting sore!!!!!!! :-) :-)

Dotty7 profile image
Dotty7

Hi Rosie

I haven't had one of these but my mum has, a couple of weeks ago, so I'm aware what a grim preparation process it is, especially if your appointment isn't until late in the day tomorrow.

Will be thinking of you.

Dotty xx

Rosie_rabbit profile image
Rosie_rabbit in reply to Dotty7

Thanks dotty, I'm so glad to get some support as you can see I don't get much at home!

Rosie_rabbit profile image
Rosie_rabbit

Thank you Watson that's fab advice, I'm so glad you replied. I've sudocrem at the ready ... this is so personal isn't it, still we are a nation that can cope with All creatures great and small at this time on a Sunday eve lol!!!

I'll let you know how the nausea goes and I'll put some ice in the rest of it to see if that helps. I'll chill some water for the morning.

Oh crumbs, can't wait for tomorrow night

watson3 profile image
watson3

Oops....... a little addition. I witheld my methotrexate for 24 hours on the advice of my rheumy team. I'd advise you to contact them for advice. It didn't make a great deal of difference to my routine only changed my injection/tablet day.

Rosie_rabbit profile image
Rosie_rabbit in reply to watson3

I did wonder whether to maybe take the mtx at lunchtime next day as it will only be a little late but it will give me more time to get some food inside me. Thank you

Hi Rosie, just been quizzing my husband about this. He had colon cancer two years ago and has had quite a few of the movipreps in fact he's just he his 6 monthly one, he gives these tips

1) fill half a glass at a time and glug that bit down in one go, keep doing this at intervals of say 20 mins till your jugful is gone. He finds it better to take deep breath and get this amount down rather than sip.

2). He was advised by his nurse to add a bit of lime juice and he thought this helped him last time.

3). He used some cream on his botty to prevent soreness

4). Used the softest loo roll possible, such as aloe Vera

He sends his best wishes to you because it's horrid getting this stuff down.

As regards your MTX I would certainly ask about that, maybe best to wait few days, but your colonoscopy unit nurse will advise you on that.

Hope you get the solution down, I know it's horrid but worth it, specially with your family history. My hubby would not be here now without that first colonoscopy, it really did save his life. Take care and let us know you are ok, lynda xx

Rosie_rabbit profile image
Rosie_rabbit

Oh Lynda bless your lovely husband he sounds wonderful and please give him my thanks for his advice. So glad he is doing well.

I have been doing pretty much what you've said as I just can't sip it but I'm getting to the point where I'm not sure I can physically drink anymore because the nausea is so bad.

I'll wait for this to subside and just keep trying. If I can't get it down I'll just have to ring first thing.

I will of course let you know how it goes. My mum was diagnosed earlier this year and has lost her entire bowel and has a stoma, my aunt has had 3 lots of bowel cancer and my grandfather and great grandfather both died in their 50s of it so I know its worth it really.

Thank you x

miss profile image
miss

Oh poor you do know how horrid that cam be. I have some experience of the stuff eleven years ago can still remember it well. Never mind it will be a worth while especially with your family history. Will be thinking of you tomorrow xxx

Hello

Over the years had this done several times, the first was without sedation, the next time they sedated, Wonder witch one was best I will leave it to you to wonder the way I prefer. I am a born coward.

It can be uncomfortable as they need to pass air into the bowl, I know of better ways to spend an afternoon.

Please do not worry it is not a long procedure, it is uncomfortable although not normally painful

They will know if you are still wearing your hat afterwards

Good luck for tomorrow

BOB

earthwitch profile image
earthwitch

keeping the movicol drink in the fridge makes it a lot more palatable, though i'm one of the odd folk who can drink the stuff with no problems.

No-one really wants unnecessary sedation but whether or not it is painful depends on several factors.

a) Your tolerance for pain

b) The state of your gut. i.e. In my case I found that if I was already suffering from pain in the gut then I needed sedation.

Nor should you consider yourself a wimp by asking for it. :)

Just remember, if you have sedation you are not allowed to drive for 24 hours

Rosie_rabbit profile image
Rosie_rabbit in reply to

Thanks pb52 that's a really good point. I've been flapping about no good and the bloomin awful moviprep and hadn't thought much about the sedation side of it.

The paperwork I've received implies that I will be sedated and if assumed this would be the case. I know I wouldn't be able to drive myself home or that evening but hadn't realised it would mean the next day too.

Rosie_rabbit profile image
Rosie_rabbit

Thanks guys, well I DID IT ... All drunk, now gotta wait ...

Toilet paper, Sudocrem all ready and drain unblockers on speed dial ha ha!

Then the morning, and yes I will be chilling the Moviprep as that's what all you lovely people are advising, thank you x

Has the stuff achieved the desired effect yet? You may find that once one lot has passed through you will be better able to tolerate the next. I found that the effect was so delayed that I ended up getting up in the early morning and producing what can only be described as rocket fuel! :)

Rosie_rabbit profile image
Rosie_rabbit

Oh dear, well there's grumblings afoot but no mad dashes yet!!

aligator profile image
aligator

just to wish you well, had a colonoscopy in june & the prep drink is vile. Wish I had got the advice that has been given here I was too embarressed so well done you for asking. Good luck with the examination, I found everyone very kind whilst treating me. Love Alison xx

Rosie_rabbit profile image
Rosie_rabbit

Thank you Alison, you're right it is embarrassing in a sort of funny way. I'm glad you're carers were kind it makes a massive difference xx

Eeeek I think it's working!!

francherry profile image
francherry

Hello Rosie, just to say thinking of you and good luck for tomorrow. Fran

Rosie_rabbit profile image
Rosie_rabbit in reply to francherry

Thanks Fran, it means a lot .... the moviprep is still working, I think I might be on here a while tonight!!

allanah profile image
allanah

Well we are all with you , hope you find our support "moving"

Sorry joking , but would it be best if u could sleep , u have a long day tomorrow xxxxx

Rosie_rabbit profile image
Rosie_rabbit in reply to allanah

Joke away allanah there is no other way to deal with this, gave me a good giggle.

I would so love to go to bed but I'm still heading for the loo every 5 minutes, hasn't quite got to point where I need the drain doctors lol, but my tummy needs to settle before I head up. It is slowing now, so hopefully won't be long.

I'm quite enjoying it on here at this time of night, perhaps I might even achieve an honorary membership to the 2am club which as I'm in bed by 9.30 most nights will be one of the few times I'm ever up at that time these days. Rx

allanah profile image
allanah

Well u could maybe go to a clearance sale? Or move house? Or clear out you cupboards? Or write a moving blog ? Or take the dog for a walk and take the Pooper scooper, or Dia l a real pizza or just give us a bit of rock and POP !

Ok they r getting worse , hope u get sorted and get some rest, it will all be worth it ... In the end ( sorry couldnt resist) xxxxxx

Rosie_rabbit profile image
Rosie_rabbit

You are dreadful allanah but very funny, thank you xxxx

Rosie_rabbit profile image
Rosie_rabbit

Well I think I'm going to risk going to bed as my visits to the loo seem to be coming to an end, until I have to take more gunk at 7am :((

I didn't quite make the 2am club, but thank you all for your support and advice, making me laugh and getting me thru. I'll post an update tomorrow night, thank you

Sleep well all Rx

allanah profile image
allanah

Nite nite xx

watson3 profile image
watson3

A nice clean bowel well done YOU........

Well done you, your off the loo

Only one more to do!!!!!

Then endo will be proud of you.

Your bum it may be very sore.

So apply so cream..... then so more

Your bowel will be nice and clean

Every ........colonoscopists 'dream'

The scope will slide around the bend

Just like it is your best friend!

You'll then understand what I mean....

We always ask, YOU do your best

So that WE can complete the test

Its not because WE are mean

It's really because we need it CLEAN!!!!!!!

So, now it over you can rest.

You really tried your b.....dy best........

Carole

sylvi profile image
sylvi in reply to watson3

Well said.xxx

Rosie_rabbit profile image
Rosie_rabbit in reply to watson3

Watson, my own poem, I'm truly honoured and flatulanced err umm flattered thank you xx

allanah profile image
allanah in reply to watson3

go carole!

sylvi profile image
sylvi

Best of luck with your procedure.I don't have any advice except to say hope it goes well for you.xxxx

Rosie_rabbit profile image
Rosie_rabbit

Well thank you all for a comical night last night and getting me thru, now it's time to start round two ... and you guessed it I'll soon be off to the loo!!

Sorry Watson's obviously rubbing off on me. This stuff is no better second time round and my mouth is like sandpaper!! Yuk, roll on tonight Rx

allanah profile image
allanah

good luck today sweetheart. you are very brave. Just one more jug and I hope the appointment comes round sooner rather than later for you , thinking of you Axx

Rosie_rabbit profile image
Rosie_rabbit in reply to allanah

Thanks A, I've really been thru the ringer ...erm so to speak xx

allanah profile image
allanah in reply to Rosie_rabbit

lol Rosie, rolling about laughing now xxxxxxx

Trulyfedup profile image
Trulyfedup

Oh bless you, I've had that stuff twice...it's horrendous I seem to remember you can drink an oxo whilst on it but check...if you could that would help. I am thinking of you I was near to tears when I had it but it's all worth it in the end. I wish w.you well over whole performance. Maryx

Rosie_rabbit profile image
Rosie_rabbit in reply to Trulyfedup

Thanks Mary for thinking of me, the worst from the sachets is over I'm now just so hungry I'm in danger of eating the dog!!

Seriously I am totally exhausted tho, I'm trying to work from home this morning but going to give up soon as I'm feeling pretty wrecked Rx

Trulyfedup profile image
Trulyfedup in reply to Rosie_rabbit

It is awful honey I remember but it will soon be over. Then your poor dog is safe!!!!!!!!! Not long now dear. Maryx

Dotty7 profile image
Dotty7

The dog only has to survive another three hours...nearly there. I hope the whole procedure goes well. It won't be nice but it's certainly worthwhile. Well done you.

Dotty xx

Hi Rosie, been thinking of so much and your ordeal, but nearly there now, not long to wait till procedure done and over!! Husband ken sez you will find the actual procedure a breeze compared to the dreadful movipreps, and he also sez that the cup of tea and biscuits they give you before going home could be the best and most appreciated ever!!! Ps - ken sez to tell you that when you are in recovery area they tell you to let out all the wind that goes in during procedure, so just let it rip girl!!! Oh, so not funny, just ghastly really, Sending fond wishes, hope all goes well and we are thinking of you, lynda xx

Rosie_rabbit profile image
Rosie_rabbit

Oh that's given me a giggle Lynda thank you. I think I'm going to pack myself a little picnic to take in with me, either that or have the dog waiting in the car as a little snack on the way home lol!

I am really taking this seriously but find humour my best companion when I'm nervous.

Thank you Scouser and dotty too for thinking of me ... Shall report back tonight.

fastball profile image
fastball

The first one i had i didnt get a cup of tea and biscuit. When they did it again to remove the Polyp i had sedation and watched them remove the polyp. I also had to wait an hr after and then i had a cup of tea and biscuit. After eating and drinking i was then allowed home my daughter drove me as i wasnt allowed. I am only going back 3yrs, i have got to go through it again next yr as my mother died of bowel cancer 21/2 yrs ago. So i hope everything went ok as i'm late reading your post.

Chris

Dotty7 profile image
Dotty7 in reply to fastball

You watched?! Wow! I was about to say you must have a strong stomach....not sure if that's right. ;-)

Dotty x

allanah profile image
allanah

Sending love, hope u ok and it went well xx

Rosie_rabbit profile image
Rosie_rabbit

Well left you all at lunch time when I was feeling slightly disorientated with lack of food and threatening to eat the dog!! Well you'll be please to hear the dog is still intact so no calls to RSPCA please.

Got to hospital to be given a gown and wait for it ... dignity shorts, they actually have a little hatch in the back it was so funny. No one had told me I needed a dressing gown and slippers, so I was gowned back and front and off I toddled.

I was brave and decided to try to do it without sedation. They put a line in just in case I changed my mind, but I held tight, grinned and bared it and thought of the kids. I also, like chris, watched the whole thing on the tv. It was very bizarre like the programme Incredible Journey when I was a kid and a spaceship roamed around someone's body!! They found 2 polyps, removed one and biopsied the other and I watched it but found that very very weird!!

Well afterwards, I was warned about the wind but my goodness in recovery everyone around me was letting rip .. There's an idea for an alternative wind farm lol!!

So now home with kids, not quite able to fancy a meal but glad to be able to eat and I shall just pick tonight, and pop ha ha!!

Thank you all for your support and kind words, certainly been a giggle which makes a nice change.

Looks of love to all Rx

Dotty7 profile image
Dotty7

Heroic or what! Glad you're home safe and sound - enjoy your evening.

Dotty x

miss profile image
miss

Hey well done you. Can i hear wind chimes lol xxx

Rosie_rabbit profile image
Rosie_rabbit in reply to miss

Ha ha I have to say the wind is quite painful and my belly is making a lot of noise ... I've heard green tea is good for settling wind and I've a selection box of tea bags someone gave me ... I've gone for the Gunpowder Tea lol!! So I've warned the neighbours they may need to tape up their windows! Rx

miss profile image
miss in reply to Rosie_rabbit

So pleased for you that it's over. Enjoy the gunpowder xx

Ronnie63 profile image
Ronnie63 in reply to Rosie_rabbit

I hope all that destruction to Hayling Island yesterday wasn't anything to do with the annual convention of colonoscopees anonymous?

Hi Rosie, So glad your ordeal now over, now you can relax and hopefully have a good nights sleep. How long before you get biopsy results? Hope you are being spoilt tonight, Take care, lynda x

lbtabby profile image
lbtabby

Phew what an ordeal... well done you, sleep well tonight, x

Rosie_rabbit profile image
Rosie_rabbit

Thank you all for your well wishes I had a very early night, feel tired n washed out today but much better than last night. Lynda I think the biopsy takes about 10 days but the dr didn't seem concerned about it.

I hope you all have a comfortable and happy day Rosie x

You may also like...

RA, gout and colonoscopy prep.

that with two hours of drinking the acidic powder purge mix prior to colonoscopy my big tie...

well today im going to do what some of you suggested

ache been having this now for a couple of days on each side inbetween the legs like strained a bit...

well guys im going into hospital looks like

1991then 2005 and last april. so he said ok lets have a look in it does it still move forward and...

OMG Is Prednisolone a wonder drug?

hopefully the leflunomide will have started having some effect, I've only taken prednisolone for 3...

well sylvi got on enough at me to go and shirl so im going this morning down to a&e see whats what.

i might feel a bit better on that washed me feet again last night with normal water see if that...