Colonoscopy and pred: I'm having a colonoscopy on... - PMRGCAuk

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Colonoscopy and pred

Broseley profile image
42 Replies

I'm having a colonoscopy on Thursday. I have been told to leave off the 2mg pred I take early morning until after the procedure (the appointment is for 10.30am). The same for all my other meds except amlodipine which I can still take. I think their reasoning is that I'm not allowed to eat anything after 1.30pm the previous day, and pred has to be taken after food. But I'm worried about missing my pred and having a procedure as well, could it cause a flare or will it be okay?

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Broseley profile image
Broseley
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42 Replies
Nanny71 profile image
Nanny71

I had a colonoscopy earlier this year . I was on 4 mg pred. My appointment was 9.30 . Over quickly. Then took pred. No problems whatsoever. Good luck . 🌺🌺

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador

Since you can take it as soon as you have had it done you should be fine. If you are worried - take it before bed,

If you look at the Related Posts which have come up now you have posted, you will find a lot of discussion about it.

Broseley profile image
Broseley in reply to PMRpro

Thanks, though I can't take it before bed due to not being allowed food.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to Broseley

It is probably fine with plenty of water - just once and only 2mg.

Broseley profile image
Broseley in reply to PMRpro

I'm not allowed water, only small sips in the morning of the procedure!

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to Broseley

Well that is a new one on me!

Pixix profile image
Pixix in reply to PMRpro

David was told only sips of water at one stage in the colonoscopy prep.

Suffererc profile image
Suffererc in reply to Broseley

I had to take 500mil 2 hours b4 procedure . 😊

Broseley profile image
Broseley in reply to Suffererc

Oh, no, not me. Sips only!

Merryfield profile image
Merryfield

I had to drink 3x 16 ozs night and morning before with 12 laxative pills each time. Took my meds morning before and right after procedure to no ill effect.

Broseley profile image
Broseley in reply to Merryfield

They all seem to do it differently. I have to take 1st dose at 5pm then 2nd dose at 9pm. No pills, just Moviprep with plenty of water.

No water, only sips in the morning of the procedure.

Merryfield profile image
Merryfield in reply to Broseley

That is so interesting. You would think there would be a standard of care.

Broseley profile image
Broseley in reply to Merryfield

Yes, you would! I tried Googling colonoscopy preparation. Every hospital's website had it different...

Merryfield profile image
Merryfield in reply to Broseley

😳

Suffererc profile image
Suffererc in reply to Broseley

I took moviprep but had to drink 500ml after. Both doses

Broseley profile image
Broseley in reply to Suffererc

Yes so do I. Just nothing bar sips in the morning though. Both doses of Moviprep are the night before.

AmberAliona profile image
AmberAliona in reply to Merryfield

I had a Colonoscopy 5 weeks ago, and was not told to stop my Pred ( 5mgs!) however, I was also told not to stop my blood thinner, and the doctor doing the procedure was very annoyed as he found 2 very small polyps but couldn’t remove them because I was still on a blood thinner!!! The prep is the worst part.

Broseley profile image
Broseley in reply to AmberAliona

Thanks I read your previous comments on another thread so I'm glad it went OK. I have been told not to take my blood thinners that morning.

ClarkB profile image
ClarkB in reply to AmberAliona

I agree about the prep being the worst part. I was violently sick on taking Plenvu before it could really take effect and so colonoscopy was cancelled. I was supposed to have one as my FIT test result was 200%. I was still abletotakemy blood pressure medication., but am no longer on steroids.

SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane

I was given hydrocortisone in the IV that they used for a sedative when I told them that I was normally on 5 mgs of Pred. This was to ensure that the risk of an Adrenal crisis was avoided.

agingfeminist profile image
agingfeminist

just make sure the person doing the procedure is aware that you could have an adrenal crisis...no one on here has ever reported one..but good idea to make sure they know.

I am going to repost my advice to wear a disposal diaper to procedure and after (so reassuring). The procedure itself is a bit of a non-event, especially with mild sedation,

The preparation is something else...

Pixix profile image
Pixix in reply to agingfeminist

quite agree. I couldn’t believe how difficult it is if taken during the night for an early afternoon procedure! I’ve heard of projectile vomiting….but this was definitely projectile something else! I was cleaning for hours the next morning, & he’d had no sleep (I hadn’t, either)! That pre-op laxative is so strong! I agree with you re disposable diaper/nappy being a good ‘safety’ idea. But I believe we are all different in our bodily reaction to it! We were relieved to find out he had diverticular disease, though, & he found the procedure interesting with no pain, & lovely helpful people, too.

Miacaro45 profile image
Miacaro45 in reply to agingfeminist

My gastroenterologist let me use Miralax for,the preparation. No taste and so easy to use.

Suffererc profile image
Suffererc in reply to agingfeminist

Agree that preparation is disgusting. The worst bit. Had no sedation either time and only gas and air. All was fine

Broseley profile image
Broseley

I can't have a sedative as there's no one to collect me. Hubby is at work. They said I can use gas and air if needed though. I think I prefer that anyway. I'll let you know after the event!

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Broseley

I can't have a sedative as there's no one to collect me.

Friends, family, taxi, local charity that does hospital runs for small donation?

Broseley profile image
Broseley in reply to DorsetLady

I'm hoping I'll be fine, I was last time, just bad wind. No family, hubby's family live 2 hours away, mine are all gone bar a few cousins scattered around. No friends that I would feel OK to ask. We have made friends since we moved here but no close ones. If I have to, I'll get a taxi.

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Broseley

Not sure the situation in your area, but many hospitals and/or GP surgeries have link to local charities/councils that provide volunteers to transport patients for hospital appointments.

Might be worth contacting …GP/PALS/local council/Help the Aged etc

Broseley profile image
Broseley in reply to DorsetLady

Thanks I'll look them up.

Hulotsholiday profile image
Hulotsholiday in reply to Broseley

How are you going to get home? I know it’s not far from AP ( if that’s where you’re having the colonoscopy) but I wouldn’t recommend you driving yourself. My partner had a colonoscopy last year with the same pre op Moviprep drink and wasn’t fit to drive post procedure. No sedative, but was uncomfortable and I had to race back ( over 25 miles to hospital) because of diarrhoea after the procedure. I’d definitely recommend you take some sanitary pants fir afterwards just in case. Good luck.

Broseley profile image
Broseley in reply to Hulotsholiday

Thanks. Last time I had one I drove home. It's about the same distance, 6 miles. But I'll take some sanitary pants!

Miacaro45 profile image
Miacaro45 in reply to Broseley

Only the best to you

Suffererc profile image
Suffererc in reply to Broseley

I had no sedation either times and pain was minimal for a few seconds only

cranberryt profile image
cranberryt

Make sure your surgeon knows you skipped your prednisone dose that morning. My surgeon opted to put it in my IV immediately adter surgery and I actually skipped that day completely.

Broseley profile image
Broseley in reply to cranberryt

Thanks. Hopefully they won't need to for 2mg. The appointment is for 10.30am and I have forgotten to take it before 6pm with no ill effects. Mind you, I wasn't having an intrusive procedure then!

Songbird69 profile image
Songbird69

I have had those worries too! However I took the Pred with me and had it with a biscuit and a cup of tea afterwards. All was fine.

Broseley profile image
Broseley in reply to Songbird69

Thanks. I have heard that some people have had diarrhoea afterwards so I'm wary of tea and biscuits until I get home!

Songbird69 profile image
Songbird69 in reply to Broseley

I haven’t had that problem. I took a sandwich to eat, but then my last one was an afternoon procedure, so I could be forgiven!!

Woodsey1 profile image
Woodsey1

I’ve just had a colonoscopy I’m on 5 mg my appointment was 3pm . I had to wait till after it was done . I took my pred with me & took it with the tea & biscuits they gave me . All worked out ok.

Broseley profile image
Broseley in reply to Woodsey1

That's good to know, thanks. I've got mine at 10.30am this morning!

Woodsey1 profile image
Woodsey1 in reply to Broseley

Good Luck hope all goes well. I was really nervous but the prep was the worst,it’s over really quick

Broseley profile image
Broseley in reply to Woodsey1

Thanks! The prep wasn't as bad as last time. Maybe they've improved things since then. I didn't mind the taste of the Moviprep, though it was too sweet and because I drank it chilled, it set my teeth off terribly. I logged how many times I "went": 22 times between 5pm and midnight. Well I'm used to going 12 times in an hour; that's why I'm having this done! And after the first dose (1litre) I just produced water after the second dose. I used vaseline every time, so I'm not sore at all. I slept for 6 and a half hours. Not bad, as last time I was on the loo all night. My main issue was feeling so cold!! Extra blankets were deployed.

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