Colonoscopy

[Bordercollie3]

Hi everyone I have a colonoscopy on Tuesday 14th. I’ve had one before this is a polyp check. I was wondering does anyone have any advice to make the whole thing easier prep and procedure. I’m worried that as I am a very large lady they won’t sedate me, any experience. Thanks everyone.

[Frasina]

Hi, I have had two colonoscopies, one only last October. I am not sure about sedation and size but thought that would not matter too much as the sedation they give these days is unlikely to make you too sleepy..I would follow the instructions given by your hospital in terms of eating a low residue diet leading up to the test and also for the 24 hours of 'liquids only' having clear soup like beef consommé (available at most supermarkets in tins either own brand or Baxter's do one) for me made it slightly more bearable in terms of hunger! And I also drank peppermint tea and some apple juice too. Try to distract yourself leading up to the investigation too as that helps.

In terms of prep, last time I was given Moviprep; it is a lot to drink and best if it is made up and chilled in fridge first and also drinking through a straw helps. I don't think any of the preps out there taste nice so try adding some squash to the prep (but you must not use dark colour squashes like blackcurrant). My prep was a salty lemon flavour so I added some lemon squash to it. Plus, have a 'chaser' drink in between. This can be anything (non alcoholic of course) and I bought a bottle of Lucozade which is not something I normally drink but was great as it was sweet and I felt it really helped having a few mouthfuls in between the not so nice prep! I think the prep is the worst part; just stay near a loo or set up home in your bathroom for the next 12 hours or so! I took a book into the bathroom as my D from the prep started about an hour after taking the first jug. A lot of what you pass becomes water in the end.. had a few mild stomach cramps but that was all.

Tell the hospital you want sedation (ideally) and see what they say. I found this time round the sedation was much less noticeable than my previous colonoscopy about 9 years ago. Was fine although when they go round a 'bend' with the scope is is a bit uncomfortable so you could also have the gas and air too (I did). I know others who just have gas and air and no sedation and are fine!

Hope this all helps and good luck! x

[Frasina in reply to Frasina]

One final thing... but Sudocrem for what will be a very sore backside otherwise!

[Wenben in reply to Frasina]

Hi Frazina...... Have just received my information pack and meds in preparation for colonoscopy next Thursday 10th February. I am more worried about the preparation and travelling to hospital rather than the actual procedure. I have to take Picolax 2pm the day before then Moviprep at 6pm. On the morning of the procedure I have to take Moviprep again at 6am over one hour and leave the house at 8.30am to get to hospital at 9.30am. I am worried that I will still have diarrhoea on the journey. As you obviously know about this procedure I would be very grateful for any advice........ Thankyou

[Frasina in reply to Wenben]

So, my colonoscopy was at around 9.30am and I was given an appointment time of 9.30am. I was told by my hospital to start moviprep at 5pm and finish the first lot by 7pm then to start the second lot of moviprep by 8pm and finish by 10pm. I was worried this would not be enough time and I was 'on the loo' so to speak for quite a few hours on and off! Seeing as your hospital are spacing out your doses much more than mine did you may well be okay....by this I mean that moviprep gives you very watery diarrhoea and in fact that is all you end up passing after a while - water!! Maybe to be sure, you should set an alarm clock for 4am and start it then instead of 6am? I di not know about Picolax but think you have less to drink with that and you may find that by the time you take moviprep a lot of your bowel will be empty anyway. Just remember to drink moviprep chilled (make it up and leave in fridge for 2 hours to get cold) and add some squash like lemon squash to it. Plus, have a chaser drink to have in between - I had Lucozade).You will be fine, please do not worry!

[Wenben in reply to Frasina]

Thank you so much. It seems different hospitals have different practices.

[Frasina in reply to Wenben]

They do but they all must know what works otherwise they would all have the same prep procedures. I think we all panic that we will not be empty enough but I cannot see you having any issues. Good luck

[Beezwax]

I need a colonoscopy every few years to check for polyps. I have had 2 so far and am due another later this year. The prep is unpleasant but not too bad. I followed the instructions exactly and I was fine.I have had sedation both times and felt like I was ‘away with the fairies’! I don’t think size should make a difference to being offered sedation, but make sure you have someone to take you home afterwards - they won’t give you sedation otherwise.

[Andann]

Sedation and a small amount of painkiller seem to do the trick. My husband and I have both had colonoscopies recently. The amount is adjusted for size. I dont think he followed the instructions to the letter and he will have to have another in 4 weeks ....and take extra laxatives.....he wasnt cleared out enough. So yeah, do that as thoroughly as you can.