Ugh, here we go again

[Polly]

Hi Friends!

I just realized that it has been 5 years since my colonoscopy. Last time (when my MC was diagnosed) I also had a polyp removed. My doc said that because of the polyp I needed to have a repeat test in 5 years. BTW, my dad died from colon cancer.

So, I'll call Mon. and schedule an appointment. I have never returned to my GI (although I really like her) in the past 5 years because I learned on my own (or rather, with help from Sally's old board) how to put my MC in remission with diet.

I don't dread the test itself, but the clean-out is the pits, as you all know.
I think this time I will just go on a liquid diet for 2-3 days before the test. I can't stand the thought of that other yukky stuff.

Time flies when you're having fun, right?

Love,

Polly

[barbaranoela]

How come a liquid diet for all those dayz???

OH--just re-read ya post----so U can do that instead of drinking that *yummy* stuff for the one day--

Good for U---I dont think I could go without food for that many dayz!!!

Going to call U!!!!
OK


well will know if it be OK when I get U --

sis B

[tex]

Hi Polly,

More power to you, if you can get away with that, but when I was "going through the clinic", taking test after test, and getting negative results everytime, I got so tired of the cleanout routine that I ate nuthing but jello, water, and occasionally a little 7-Up or Sprite, for 10 days to two weeks, between tests, and prior to a scheduled colonoscopy. They insisted that I drink a gallon of GoLitely, anyway.

After drinking about half of it, I became so nauseated that I couldn't get any more down, without losing it, so I called the clinic, and they agreed to let me get by with only half the normal treatment. I thought that was mighty generous of them, since my guts were still spic and span from the last cleanout, anyway. LOL.

Good luck.

Love,
Wayne

[starfire]

Be thinking of you, Polly!!

Love, Shirley

[annie oakley]

Polly I wish I could remember the name of it but Mike had his colooscopy after me and they had him drink and 8oz bottle of something in a small green bottle. Did the same thing all that yucky stuff you and I drank. Ask the pharmacy. Love Oma

[Liz]

Hello Polly

I reckon the prep is the worst part of a colonoscopy. You really don't know anything about the rest, not like it used to be 25-30 years ago. My GI put me in hospital for the prep the last time I had one because of the terrible time that I had the time before. You know how usually it is cooled before you drink it? Well they brought it to me still warm and it was all I could do to keep it down. : puke: Not nice. Used to have one every two years but now every three thank goodness.

I'm for the green bottle Shirley Way to go. Sounds a lot better way of doing it.

Love

Liz

[starfire]

Oma mentioned the green bottle, but I have taken that one before. I can't remember what it's called either.

I have also taken Fleet Phosopho-soda.

The last one, though, I had to drink the gallon of gunk.

It's all but with the others there is not as much of it.

Time for me to Goodnight

Love, Shirley

[kate_ce1995]

When I had my sigmoidoscopy, I had the green bottle (I think its magnesium citrate...not horrible cold....kind of like downing a not-so-great soda). Then something like half hour later I had to take 3 dulcolax tablets. Certainly wasnt' too horrible and did the trick. And since I'd been having D anyway, the pooping part didnt' bother me too much.

Odd how there are so many solutions to the same problem, some of which just sound utterly horrible.

Katy

[Wendy]

Polly I can say that the prep is worse then the actual test, by far!!! I have done I think every method they have for cleaning out a person. I can still remember the taste of all of them and the mere thought of it makes me want to up chuck. The worst one for me was the doc wanted me to fast for two days, and just have clear fluids. But 24 hours prior I was to start with drinking one bottle of the stuff Katy was talking about. Then I had to take the laxitive, and then some white stuff, then the next morning before the test I had to drink another bottle of the stuff I had the night before. They say to think of 7-up when you are drinking it, but it is so salty I barely got it down. Because of my stomach problems I was in agony for about 3 hours while I was also running to the bathroom. Really bad at the time. But as long as they put me to sleep while doing the test, I don't have any problems after. The first time the doctor here in Toronto did the test he didn't think I needed to be asleep and they ended up stopping before they had completed the test. I ended up in so much pain afterwards that the next time he did it I told him I wouldn't do it unless I was put to sleep. That is only because I have so many adhesions on my bowels though, most people wouldn't have the same problems. But because of him, I have developed a fear of going through it again. I do think that what you plan on doing is a much kinder way to treat your body before going through the test. As I felt like I was put through the ringer doing it the other way. Sometimes I wonder if they actually understand what this does to a person's body who already has been going to the bathroom way too much to start with. I don't know how many people here have also developed bleeding hemeroids, internal and external like me, but that in it self is reason enough for me to doing the fasting method the next time I have to have the test done.

If it works the same way, I say I am all for it. Let us know how you do once you have the test done.

Gentle Hugs
Wendy

[Jean]

Polly,

Why don't you just eat a grilled cheese sandwich!?! That will clean you right out. LOL

Love, Jean

[JJ]

Oh Polly...sorry that you have to go through this...I dread the next time I have to do it....yuck! Take care...JJ

[Polly]

Jean,

HAHAHAHA! Actually, I HAVE considered that.......eating a bunch of my triggers in order to cause D to clean myself out. It would be fun at the time! But then I started thinking that it would screw my water/electrolyte balance, which might not be too smart prior to undergoing anesthesia and a procedure. (I think the swamp water they give us for cleanout promotes a D that has "balanced" osmolarity). Also, I'd probably also get a headache, not to mention joint/muscler aches and all of the rest.

But think of the fun I would have for a few moments at least while eating that grilled cheese sandwich!

Love,

Polly

P.S. Thanks for all of the advice and condolences, all!

[Carrie]

Hi Polly. I'm sure you will do just fine with the cleaning-out! Just try not to focus on it and keep busy with fun things - like a feel-good DVD - in between trips to the bathroom. It makes the time go by faster.

My GI prefers the large-volume type of cleansing liquids to the small bottles. He feels they do a more thorough job.

I HIGHLY recommend Nulytely for the cleansing drink (lemon-lime flavor). I had it for my first colonoscopy in 2002 and it went down easily. But when I had my second colonoscopy last year, when I was so sick, they gave my Colyte and it didn't taste as good and was harder to get all of it down.

Good luck. And look on the bright side - you'll probably drop a few pounds that day!

Love and hugs,
Carrie

[kate_ce1995]

Polly,

Will you have them check to see if your MC is in remission? If nothing else that would be an interesting data point.

Katy