Human medical question - may get graphic

l've been having a medical issue lately which has pretty much resolved itself. However, since l did go to the doctor and have the appropriate tests, she thought maybe l should have all the age-appropriate tests done too.

So, here's where the graphic may come in...

l'm scheduled to have my first ever colonoscopy tomorrow. l've heard both horror stories, and otherwise from people who have had them - not about the procedure itself, but about the prep. lt's my prep day today - yay!

l haven't eaten, l've drank enough water and Gatorade to sink a ship, and 45 minutes ago, l drank the first sachet of purgative. So far nothing. l'm sitting here within 10 feet of the bathroom on a laptop in case the horror stories are correct.

Just how bad does this get? ls it normal to have no reaction to the initial drink after 45 minutes? Am l going to be up all night as others have said they were? l had myself all worked up about this to the point of feeling sick (before taking anything) and l'm scared, lol. l don't deal well with medical stuff.

If I remember correctly (and, I try NOT to remember), the first sachet does take  while to, um, kick in.

Did the doctor prescribe something to jump start the purgative; in the USA, you usually take a bunch of X-Lax, wait a prescribed period of time, and then you start the polyethylene glycol prep or sometimes take a bunch of pills.

I have significant delayed gastric emptying; for my first colonscopy, it didn't take effect until six hours after I drunk the prep.

The 2nd time around, I drank liquids only for two (not one) day.  Prep worked better.

And yeah, the colonscopy itself is a piece of cake compared to the prep.  But consider the alternative:  undetected colon cancer is a fast killer.

And I never ever want to see Gatorade again.

Is it GoLytely that they gave you? Yes, staying near the bathroom and staying hydrated are ideal. I didn't get sick from GoLytely, but literally by the end of the evening I pooped clear fluid. This is so they can "see" when they insert the scope.

I wasn't allowed to drink Gatorade, but whatever. Make sure nothing that you drink is red.

Oh god, l really hope this doesn't last that long.

The purgative is Pico-Salax, and in 23 minutes l have to take 2 x Dulcolax tabs. l'm guessing that's when the fun begins.

I don't know what kind it was they gave me, but going to the bathroom didn't bother me, it was drinking the vile stuff.  It got so the last little bit I was supposed to drink, I just barfed it back up.  That was the worst part.  The colonoscopy itself, you sleep, you wake up, it's done.

peaches08 said:

Is it GoLytely that they gave you? Yes, staying near the bathroom and staying hydrated are ideal. I didn't get sick from GoLytely, but literally by the end of the evening I pooped clear fluid. This is so they can "see" when they insert the scope.

I wasn't allowed to drink Gatorade, but whatever. Make sure nothing that you drink is red.

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Apparently l've reached your "clear fluid" phase. That didn't take long at all. l guess l wasn't as "full of it" as previously believed 

Misty8723 said:

I don't know what kind it was they gave me, but going to the bathroom didn't bother me, it was drinking the vile stuff.  It got so the last little bit I was supposed to drink, I just barfed it back up.  That was the worst part.  The colonoscopy itself, you sleep, you wake up, it's done.

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Yeah, the sachet stuff was pretty gross. The booklet that came with it said to take the 2 sachets 8 hours apart. My doctor's instructions were to take them only 3 hours apart, with the 2 pills taken halfway between. l anticipated being all cramped and sick, but it was fine.

l booked specifically at this hospital so l would be put under - a lot of places here do it while you're awake! 

I have to laugh, I remember looking in the toilet thinking, "now that doesn't look right." :lol3:

The procedure itself is a snap. After I woke up I was hungry, only a little blood when I went to the bathroom later, but otherwise fine. And I usually get SICK on anesthesia. Miserably sick. Not that time! All I wanted was food when I woke up.

Misty8723 said:

I don't know what kind it was they gave me, but going to the bathroom didn't bother me, it was drinking the vile stuff.  It got so the last little bit I was supposed to drink, I just barfed it back up.  That was the worst part.  The colonoscopy itself, you sleep, you wake up, it's done.

Click to expand...

I couldn't finish it either...nasty stuff.

Yep, the colonoscopy? You fall asleep and you wake up. And then you go home and your DH gives you pizza for dinner!

Good luck!

(When Rick had his first colonoscopy, I was getting ready to go for a walk. He had been drinking the stuff, but it didn't work right away. He was actually thinking about going with me (for a 3 mile walk), but I told him to stay home. He kept saying, "But it's not working; I'll be fine!" And then suddenly, he got a funny look on his face and said, "Oh, oh.....bye!" And headed for the bathroom. When I came back, he was still there. )

Good luck today!

Well, I certainly hope to hear some good news about the whole process for you because I have my very first colonoscopy in two weeks! Larry has his second in four weeks. I am not looking forward to this. SO give me some GOOD news, Andrya. :cross:

Thanks for the luck    l was nervous.

The procedure itself was great. Nurses, doctors, anesthetist all friendly and joking. lt was very pleasant. They put me to sleep, l woke up and felt wonderful. I got up, got dressed, and they had phoned my ride, then they gave me a snack. Ugh, l should not have eaten the snack. lf l don't eat for a long time then suddenly eat something sugary l always feel sick - l know this, yet l ate the blueberry muffin and drank the juice. That did not go well. Other than that, the prep, the procedure, much better than anticipated.

Everything was normal so l don't have to have another for 10 years, yay!

By now you are probably in the bathroom and many of us have been there. The pprocedure really is painless. Different gasterenterologists use different meds to make you sleepy but the point is you may see some of it or think you do but you really will just feel sleepy. Make sure someone can drive you home and rest if you have to later. Good luck!! I am sure it will be fine!

I know you are relieved that it is over. I am glad it all turned out well for you.

Glad to hear it all went well. :bigthumb: