Meds and a colonoscopy: Hello I have to have a... - PMRGCAuk

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Meds and a colonoscopy

Judigardener profile image
18 Replies

Hello

I have to have a colonoscopy next week. I am a bit concerned how to take my meds on the morning I have to take the prep and not eat anything from the day before. Has anyone done this and what did you do. I am worried that 36 hours without meds is going to cause me a problem I can't seem to get any sense out of the consultant-- who just says take the meds in the usual way-- Duh-- with no food??? I am on 7mg of Pred. Thanks everyone.

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Judigardener profile image
Judigardener
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18 Replies
MARION7 profile image
MARION7

Hi,

Sorry to hear you need a colonoscopy.

I had an op last week: the pre op nurse knew nothing about my condition, I called the rheumy nurse at the RBH, she spoke to a rheumy consultant and called me back advising me what to do.

DL also gave me good advice.

Hope all goes well.

SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane

I wonder if this is a case for Omeprazole? I believe you can take this stomach protector short term. Available on prescription, run it by your GP. I would certainly want my Pred and a possible couple of mgs extra for the stress of an operation, both physically and mentally.

I hope the procedure goes well and nothing concerning is found.

I suppose an upset tummy is small potatoes for the consultant, not for us however.

I am not keen on the idea of Omeprazole long term, but I'd take it on this occasion.

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer

Hi,

Depending on time of your procedure could you take either last thing the evening before or maybe put alarm on and take during early hours. I’m sure in this one instance taken with a glass of milk it would be find. Sure PMRpro or one of our ex nurses will advise, but I think if you can leave about 12hours between it should be okay.

Good luck.

venezia1 profile image
venezia1

Hi, I have had a colonoscopy and took my meds as usual in the morning except for aspirin but then I have enteric coated tabs so don't bother with food beforehand if that's difficult, and never had problems.

SnazzyD profile image
SnazzyD

DL's advice to change the time is a good idea to me. I would certainly want to avoid taking it (non-coated Pred) within four hours of the prep because it is a heavy duty laxative and I would worry about too much intestinal hurry to absorb it properly. For coated Pred I'd leave a good 8 hours.

Hi. Have had a couple of colonscopy's over the past two years. Think it was clear liquids only for 24 hours. Best to phone the actual hospital unit & see what they advise. Different hospitals may use different preps. ATB.

Was just thinking that when my dad had a colonoscopy he was allowed clear liquids.

Try and get coated pred then no problems. They just want you to have clean insides (cough).

Being a carer for dad at the time I can say don't go more than 5 use from loo once laxatives taken.

piglette profile image
piglette

Hi Judi, I should ask. I am sure they will let you take important medication.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador

When I had one done 5 years ago I was told it was fine to take morning medications with a glass of water. One single dose without food is unlikely to cause any problems. In our hospital I had to take one prep the day before and then a second lot of prep about 6am and it was all settled by about 8.30am. Or you could take your pred about 90min before the second prep (if you have one). Ordinary pred only needs about an hour to be absorbed.

If I ever have to have another I shall remain in the bathroom with a book...

York54 profile image
York54

Hi, I had my colonoscopy on Monday. I'm on 5 mg of Pred. My procedure wasn't till 1.30 so I took the first lot after my light lunch on Sunday and the second at 8 am the day of my procedure. I didn't take any Pred that morning as it would have been washed away!!! Took it directly after with the sandwich and cuppa they provide!! It was almost 3 pm when I had it done and I was absolutely fine, considering my last dose was the previous day with my breakfast. If you are really concerned , ring the endoscopy unit, they will help. As you know you can drink nothing with milk in it beforehand, I drank peppermint tea, which kept me going!! Good luck 👍👍👍👍👍

Judigardener profile image
Judigardener in reply to York54

Thanks so much. J

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to York54

Sandwich and a cuppa??? Luxury indeed - I was just sent home...

York54 profile image
York54 in reply to PMRpro

I have one every year and they always give you sustenance after!! Well it is over 24 hours without food!!

Judigardener profile image
Judigardener in reply to York54

I feel very apprehensive about the procedure. You seem like you might be able to be honest about it from your experiences.

York54 profile image
York54 in reply to Judigardener

Judi,please don't worry. I opt to have the mild sedation. You are not asleep but just feel very relaxed. I enjoy watching it on the screen!! The worst part for me is the drink you have to consume. The staff are very good at putting you at ease, one consultant asked me what music I liked, they play it and down the lights. Please don't worry it will be fine.

Judigardener profile image
Judigardener in reply to York54

Thank you so much for your reassurance. I am being sedated. And have the prep stuff to drink at home before I go. Thanks again. X

CJ-pmr15 profile image
CJ-pmr15

I had a colonoscopy and take my pred twice a day. I took evening and morning doses with water as advised (clear fluids only) and didn’t suffer any effects. The colonoscopy itsel was absolutely fine. The meds’ you have to take to clear out your system are not so good. Hope all goes well

Judigardener profile image
Judigardener in reply to CJ-pmr15

Totally agree about the bowel prep. Evil stuff. The procedure itself was fine. Thanks.

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