increase pred before a colonoscopy?: Your advice... - PMRGCAuk

PMRGCAuk

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increase pred before a colonoscopy?

agingfeminist profile image
13 Replies

Your advice please.

A bit of background info.

I am now on 4mg having decreased from 60mg 3 years ago.

It has been a very gradual process and since around 7mg I had the deathly fatigue of adrenal insufficiency. A bit better now (but PMR will not allow me to reduce further.

I haven't had a colonoscopy before, it sounds an unpleasant experience. Should I increase my pred on the day before?

Thank you so much for your help.

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13 Replies
PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador

I didn't increase pred - and I didn't find it a particularly unpleasant experience. The process of taking the preparation for the clear out was infinitely worse!

agingfeminist profile image
agingfeminist in reply to PMRpro

Thanks. So helpful. My appointment is in the afternoon. So I will definitely take the day off work to deal with the clear out.Did you have a sedative? How did you feel the next day.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to agingfeminist

I didn't - you are offered nothing here! Being awake means they proceed more carefully I think which I'm also sure reduces the risk of perforation - the patient can feel it and can protest! It may be a predilection of the doctor doing it though but here in this region of Italy they are quite reticent with pain relief unless it is necessary.

Grammy80 profile image
Grammy80

It sounds like we have been floating the prednisone boat for the same amount of time. I did not increase before or after...here in the state they give you something IV that puts you in 'an I don't care much' twilight....and wake you just before completion so you get a bird-eye view of their accomplishment~! It is the prep that is the pain, YES, take the day off. Best wishes. 💞

agingfeminist profile image
agingfeminist in reply to Grammy80

thank you so much for replying. I think they do the same sedation here (in Israel). I am definitely taking two days off work...haven't done that for many years...they'll worry I am dying!

Grammy80 profile image
Grammy80 in reply to agingfeminist

No matter what you think~~you are not! I'm so sad, I had the opportunity to attend a wedding in Israel Feb.3 and just can't make it...😥 but.....I'm glad you get a bit of twilight!💞

Theadmiral profile image
Theadmiral

I had one four weeks ago and was then on 3mg but it didn't even enter my head to increase prednisone dose. Was given some fentanyl for the procedure and was awake but "not quite with it." Whole procedure including removal of a polyp only took 30 minutes, Pre- clean out is ok but be sure not to be too far from the toilet.

agingfeminist profile image
agingfeminist in reply to Theadmiral

Thank you so much for the info. I don't think they will use fetanyl here...I think it is a knockout IV sedative...today they informed me to allow up to 3 hours before they will let me go home (escorted), My bathroom is off my living room. I will make up a bed on my sofa.

nuigini profile image
nuigini

I've had the procedure three times and did not find it at all as unpleasant as I imagined. They put something in the IV that allowed me to relax, but be totally aware of what was going on.

The Gastrointerologist advised me to double up on Prednisone by taking my regular dose the night before and again the morning of the procedure.

agingfeminist profile image
agingfeminist in reply to nuigini

So interesting. What dose of pred were you on? Thanks for the reassurance. I don't know anyone who has had this procedure so.really helpful to read about people's experiences

nuigini profile image
nuigini in reply to agingfeminist

I can't recall exactly, but I haven't been below 12 or 13 mg for so long, it would have been at least that high.I don't know why it was recommended, but it might be in case one of the rare, untoward risks did occur. Just guessing though.

Moness profile image
Moness

I had 2 colonoscopies in November and bowel surgery in December and did not increase pred at all. I was by then on a very low dose and anxious about the surgery but apart from the discomfort of the operation I felt fine otherwise. Hopefully you will be as well but it’s not a very pleasant experience! Good luck

agingfeminist profile image
agingfeminist

I so appreciate your answer. I have some worrying symptoms that has prompted the colonoscopy. I am keeping your post...in case there is surgery after. I do hope you are feeling recovered from these ordeals.

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