Colonoscopy Prep

peggym4640

So I do my prep for my first colonoscopy tomorrow with the procedure on Thursday. I'm fascinated by the whole process. I'm wondering how much waste / water weight I'll lose (and gain back on Friday) and if I'll ask embarrassing questions during the procedure while partially sedated. Anyone want to share any interesting stories and/or hints/tips with me?

singingflutelady

I usually lost about 2-3 lbs each time but I have Crohn's so um waste didn't ususlly stay in my long. Nowadays I don't gave a colon so never have to do that again.

For the curious- your colon and rectum weight 6-10 lbs (with no waste).

singingflutelady

Oh tip: drink all the clear fluids
You will become dehydrated. Getting as much fluid in as you can is a necessity.

CarvedTones

I lost over a half pound of actual weight. I did not feel like stuffing myself after it and even the next day I had a little less than normal appetite. Then it returned to normal the day after that. But only normal - not a ravenous appetite. I was still in loss mode then so I just took the loss and didn't try to make up for it. It's okay to have a really low calories day sometimes, just not frequently.

L1zardQueen

Bless you! Lol

Lillymoo01

I have had a number of colonoscopies now. The prep isn't fun. My tip is to drink as much water as you can while doing the prep. Otherwise, you can end up dehydrated. Pooping clear liquid is definitely an interesting experience first time around.

I have no idea of how much weight I lost because of the prep as I didn't even own scales before my last one. It will be interesting to read your results.

I wouldn't worry about embarrassing questions while being partially sedated as there is not much time between when you have the medication and when you are out like a light. Besides, I am sure they have heard it all before. In saying that, they didn't quite give me enough anesthetic the first time around and, although I couldn't respond in any way I was aware of what was happening and saw the images on the screen and the camera progressed up my intestines. It was rather cool really.

They also used to pump you full of air during the procedure which meant that you farted like no tomorrow afterwards but they don't do that any more, at least not my gastroenterologist.

Good luck. I hope they don't find any nasties.

Silhouette199

I just had one a week ago. I doubt if you'll say anything during the procedure, I was out like a light. The procedure is a piece of cake!

Keto_Vampire

Well, reassuring that some people at least value his/her health enough to do what is right; can't say the same for my stubborn parents who are foregoing ruling out the possibility of colon cancer (just boggles my mind). There is NOTHING to be embarrassed about

singingflutelady

Keto_Vampire wrote: »

Well, reassuring that some people at least value his/her health enough to do what is right; can't say the same for my stubborn parents who are foregoing ruling out the possibility of colon cancer (just boggles my mind)

Hey, I can't get my parents to get theirs either... odd when I've had so many. It's very frustrating.

john_not_typical

I’ve never had one but may get to do it soon due to other health issues I’m having even though I am not of that age. I used to design anesthesia equipment a long time ago and I can assure you that you don’t have to worry about saying anything you’d be embarrassed by and be able to remember it later. These people are professionals and I heard it all before anyway and will not embarrass you even if something happens. They want you to come back both for the good of your health and their practice.

Debmal77

Silhouette199 wrote: »

I just had one a week ago. I doubt if you'll say anything during the procedure, I was out like a light. The procedure is a piece of cake!

This exactly.

mph323

I have to get them every 5 years, and I've never had a bad experience (well, except for the prep). Just doing my bit to encourage people to stay current with the procedure - colon cancer is one of the most curable cancers if caught early.

Lillymoo01

Keto_Vampire wrote: »

Well, reassuring that some people at least value his/her health enough to do what is right; can't say the same for my stubborn parents who are foregoing ruling out the possibility of colon cancer (just boggles my mind). There is NOTHING to be embarrassed about

My mum died of bowel cancer and I have had precancerous cells (and many polyps) so there is no way I'll take that risk. The slight discomfort and embarrassment of a colonoscopy are so much better than the alternative.

buffalogal42

I had my first one a few months ago (female, age 40) to rule out some other issues. I gotta say, I had no issues with prep. It was a little weird but not painful like if you have diarrhea. Just more like - gotta go and it it comes out easy! Absolutely nothing to be embarrassed about! Docs are professionals and if anyone attempts to give you crap (lol) just tell ‘em it will be their turn soon enough!

Funny thing was they told me I would be out of it when the anesthesia wore off but I remember everything from the sec I woke up and even took a work call on my way home. I did go through Mickey D’s and wolfed down two double cheeseburgers the second I was out, though!!

peggym4640

Lillymoo01 wrote: »

I have had a number of colonoscopies now. The prep isn't fun. My tip is to drink as much water as you can while doing the prep. Otherwise, you can end up dehydrated. Pooping clear liquid is definitely an interesting experience first time around.

I have no idea of how much weight I lost because of the prep as I didn't even own scales before my last one. It will be interesting to read your results.

I wouldn't worry about embarrassing questions while being partially sedated as there is not much time between when you have the medication and when you are out like a light. Besides, I am sure they have heard it all before. In saying that, they didn't quite give me enough anesthetic the first time around and, although I couldn't respond in any way I was aware of what was happening and saw the images on the screen and the camera progressed up my intestines. It was rather cool really.

They also used to pump you full of air during the procedure which meant that you farted like no tomorrow afterwards but they don't do that any more, at least not my gastroenterologist.

Good luck. I hope they don't find any nasties.

I had this happen when I had a fibroid embolization several years ago. They finally put me all the way under because I kept asking questions and watching what they were doing on the screen. I envisioned being in the same state for the colonoscopy.

lynn_glenmont

peggym4640 wrote: »

Lillymoo01 wrote: »

I have had a number of colonoscopies now. The prep isn't fun. My tip is to drink as much water as you can while doing the prep. Otherwise, you can end up dehydrated. Pooping clear liquid is definitely an interesting experience first time around.

I have no idea of how much weight I lost because of the prep as I didn't even own scales before my last one. It will be interesting to read your results.

I wouldn't worry about embarrassing questions while being partially sedated as there is not much time between when you have the medication and when you are out like a light. Besides, I am sure they have heard it all before. In saying that, they didn't quite give me enough anesthetic the first time around and, although I couldn't respond in any way I was aware of what was happening and saw the images on the screen and the camera progressed up my intestines. It was rather cool really.

They also used to pump you full of air during the procedure which meant that you farted like no tomorrow afterwards but they don't do that any more, at least not my gastroenterologist.

Good luck. I hope they don't find any nasties.

I had this happen when I had a fibroid embolization several years ago. They finally put me all the way under because I kept asking questions and watching what they were doing on the screen. I envisioned being in the same state for the colonoscopy.

That seems like medical malpractice -- if you weren't in discomfort or pain and weren't agitated/moving, putting you all the way under was for their convenience and ensuring you didn't see if they did anything wrong, not for your medical benefit.

workinonit1956

I get them every 5 years. The prep I like best is the Miralax/Gatorade combo.
I don’t believe I’ve ever talked during the procedure, I’m always out almost immediately.
Afterwards, I feel fine.

peggym4640

Thanks for the feedback and info. You all are the best!!!

Sabine_Stroehm

peggym4640 wrote: »

So I do my prep for my first colonoscopy tomorrow with the procedure on Thursday. I'm fascinated by the whole process. I'm wondering how much waste / water weight I'll lose (and gain back on Friday) and if I'll ask embarrassing questions during the procedure while partially sedated. Anyone want to share any interesting stories and/or hints/tips with me?

I've had two. I was awake the whole time. The docs were surprised when I joined their conversation about Harry Potter at Disneyland.

My second one I added coconut water as one of the liquids. THAT was a good thing, given that I don't drink sodas.
Good luck!

arrghmatey1

Do not make any alien abduction jokes. Seriously it would be bad .... Just saying' ... from personal experience.

L1zardQueen

Awesome Sabine, coconut water is a great idea for my next time. I, too, have had two colonscopies. The prep part is the worst.

hesn92

I've never had a colonoscopy. Sounds terrifying. Some day I know I will have to... who would ever want to be a GI doctor?

L1zardQueen

hesn92 wrote: »

I've never had a colonoscopy. Sounds terrifying. Some day I know I will have to... who would ever want to be a GI doctor?

Please don’t be terrified. It is not all that bad. My first doctor was an *kitten* with zero personality. The second colonoscopy I had was with a surgeon who was caring and funny, she was great. If you can, pick a surgeon that you like. Makes a big difference.

earlnabby

peggym4640 wrote: »

So I do my prep for my first colonoscopy tomorrow with the procedure on Thursday. I'm fascinated by the whole process. I'm wondering how much waste / water weight I'll lose (and gain back on Friday) and if I'll ask embarrassing questions during the procedure while partially sedated. Anyone want to share any interesting stories and/or hints/tips with me?

I typically lose about 5-6 lb. by colonoscopy day, then put it back on over about 2 days. The procedure itself is super easy and the propofol they use these days is great, you don't wake up groggy or with a fuzzy brain.

Since tonight is the actual prep night, make sure you have aloe infused super soft wipes (baby wipes aren't soft enough) and Chux* on hand. The wipes for obvious reasons and the Chux so you sleep without fear of messing the bedding. Put one on any chair you sit on too. Wear a long T-shirt or short nightie to bed too.

(Chux is the original brand name for underpads if you didn't already know that)

earlnabby

hesn92 wrote: »

I've never had a colonoscopy. Sounds terrifying. Some day I know I will have to... who would ever want to be a GI doctor?

It really isn't anything to be terrified about where colon cancer is. They have improved the prep procedure too so it isn't as harsh as it used to be. I have had illness caused diarrhea that was worse.

glassyo

hesn92 wrote: »

I've never had a colonoscopy. Sounds terrifying. Some day I know I will have to... who would ever want to be a GI doctor?

The colonoscopy itself is nothing. It's a well needed nap.

My tips for the prep are fire up your phone, tablet, laptop, a good book because there comes a point where you just won't want to leave the bathroom. I also mixed up the prep (I was given gavilyte) the night before, divided it into 8 16.9 oz plastic water bottles, and added powdered drink flavoring.

Also, you don't need to finish the prep once everything comes out clear and there aren't any...er...pieces.

toxikon

I had a c-scope last year. I found the fasting a breeze since I already do IF and OMAD once and a while. Even the diarrhea wasn't bad. The laxatives they gave me were gentle (Duxolax and Picosalax I think) and I had no trouble with cramps or urgency. The worst part of the whole thing was waiting in the hospital for 3 hours and worrying about the procedure.

The procedure itself was so easy. They gave me a sedative and the nurse said if I felt any pain or discomfort she'd give me more. When the tube first went in, I told her I felt a little discomfort and she upped the sedative. After that I didn't feel anything. I just felt relaxed and buzzed. I watched the cam go through my insides on a TV screen and found it fascinating.

The procedure was over quickly. They said that I'd most likely need to rest for about half an hour before going home, but I was wide awake when they wheeled me over to the recovery room. My husband came into the room with my clothes and I got dressed and he drove me home. That's all there was to it.

singingflutelady

Colonoscopies are definitely nothing to be scared of. The procedure is not bad at all. The prep isn't fun but worth it to know what's going on up there. I can't say I'm sad I never have to experience the prep again. Actually my last prep was my pre surgery one and I was doing housework during it (you know you gave Crohn's when).

Picosalax (picolax, etc) is definitely the best prep there is.

Oh and upper endoscopies also aren't bad. Just fasting beforehand. The worst part for me is the gross mouth spray they use to freeze your gag reflux. I'm going for my 4th one since march 2017 on monday (this one and the one before is/was to get a botox injection in my stomach).

dsboohead

If I could get past that gallon bottle of the stuff you have to drink.....
The colonoscopy was fine cause I was in sleepy land but the prep is a nightmare!!!

Seffell

Didn't lose weight. I don't know why. Surprisingly I did not feel hunger!
All I think I did during sedation is thanking like 100 times one of the nurses for being so good to me and comforting me. (She was actually really nice, holding my hand the whole time. I was in a lot of pain.) I get like that when under sedation or when drunk.