Colonoscopy

[Peggy16]

Hi, I’m so worried, I have just been referred for a colonoscopy, and I’m concerned about taking my preds with no food, or not taking them at all. I am currently at week three following Dorset Lady’s slow taper from 3.5 to 3 . Help please on what to do.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Are you worried because you can’t take meds with food - or because procedure is early morning when you normally take Pred?

If former, then you can have liquids, so just for one day that should be okay…..

If latter, then take your meds with you and have after procedure.

You should have contact number on paperwork so if you’re still not sure, ring and ask.

[Peggy16 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you so much for quick response, I don’t have a date yet just seen my GP this evening she told me she’s put me on the two week rule and I will have a date for my colonoscopy within 5 days. I am worried about the procedure, but I am also worried about not taking preds. for a day, I didn’t think you could take them without food, or miss a day, I mentioned my concerns to my GP and she said we’ll worry about that later. So glad you and everyone else are here for reassurance and help. What would we do without all your wisdom

[Karenjaninaz in reply to Peggy16]

I took my prednisone after the colonoscopy. I did fine.

[Peggy16 in reply to Karenjaninaz]

Thank you.

[Janstr in reply to Peggy16]

The procedure itself is absolutely nothing to worry about& painless. I’ve had 2 & for the 1st the light sedation sent me straight to sleep. For the 2nd I asked if I could watch what was going on via a monitor in my view. I’m not sure if they gave me less sedation, but I was able to watch the whole procedure. Both of my colonoscopies were in the morning, I think from around 5pm the night before, I was allowed no food & had to drink copious quantities of a preparation given to me to change anything in the bowel to liquid. This was repeated in the morning. I wasn’t on pred then, but can’t imagine that too much pred would be absorbed from the night on , as everything is passed very quickly as diarrhoea . Others may put me right here.

I found it kinder on the skin to use wet wipes instead of toilet paper during the process, as you are “going” constantly.

[Maudie19 in reply to Peggy16]

If you are worried about the procedure ask to have a slight sedation. I actually enjoyed watching the screen when I had mine - but then I used to love watching the operations they had on TV years ago!

[Longtimer in reply to Peggy16]

I have had a few over the years because of family history, the worst part for me....taking the powder whatever it is called to empty the bowels....it is very effective!.....

[scrambledegg]

I’ve had 3 colonoscopies and can confirm they are nothing to worry about….the sedation did the trick! As far as taking pred….. I took mine later in the day after the procedure but this may not suit everyone as I know for some people the time of day for taking it is important.

[Broseley]

I had one, without any sedation. It was fine. The worst bit was the oral enema beforehand. A whole night on the toilet. However my friend didn't get this issue. I found vaseline very useful to ease my sore bottom. Afterwards I had very bad wind, as they pump you up with air. You feel very antisocial for a while! Good luck!

[Kendrew]

I can't advise on adjustments for pred when having a colonoscopy but others who can, already have. However, I've had 2 colonoscopies and like others have already reported, this is usually a fairly straightforward procedure with no pain, although it can feel a little 'odd' or a bit uncomfortable. You'll be offered medication beforehand that ensures your bowel is empty and clear of faeces for clearer exploration and a sedative to relax you. (It works too....hadn't a care in the world!)

It's a little undignified but very good for detecting a host of possible ailments....and for eliminating them too! You'll be ok and it's not as scary as you probably feel it is right now! Good luck.

[Peggy16]

Thank you all so much for wise comments, I feel so much better knowing it’s not as frightening as I first imagined

[FohFoh]

For me, taking prednisone on an empty stomach is a non issue. It’s only for a short while. As for the colonoscopy, it was rather easy thing to go through. I was scared to death myself for little reason. Deal with the prep the day before, and the rest of it is a breeze.

[loomweaver]

I have also had a colonoscopy, had to take meds as usual, and they gave me a steriod injection before the procedure. good luck.

[PMRCanada]

I’m scheduled for a second colonoscopy in early Dec to follow up on a diverticulitis attack I had earlier in the summer. My first one was performed about 5 years ago (pre PMR and pred). The prep was the worst part, the rest was a breeze, don’t remember a thing.

This time around I plan to take my pred (split dose), as per usual…11pm the night prior (dose in an enteric capsules, so no worries about stomach issues). I’ll bring along my 11am dose and take it as close to the normal time as usual, unless the gastro surgeon suggests another plan. I have a date, but no set time for the procedure yet.

Hope yours goes smoothly!