Colonoscopy prep

DebE13 · Post by **DebE13** » Sat Aug 09, 2014 1:53 pm

I'm having my three year check up colonoscopy in a couple weeks and bought everything on the prep list. Last time I used GoLitely or something along that ridiculous name and had an absolute awful time. I'm afraid I won't be able to down the prep this time because the thought of it makes me shudder (and I consider myself a pretty sturdy person). I had the worst chills of my life and wasn't able to finish the prep because I was vomiting so much. I was trying to save a few dollars and used the prep a different GI gave me. He was such a creep I never went back to him and figured I might as well use it instead of buying the MiraLax my current GI recommends. Big mistake and hard lesson learned.

My question is.....Dulcolax is also on the list. It's a stool softener and I was thinking about skipping it since Norman is a distant memory as of late. I don't have anything to soften. Does my mentality make sense or am I asking for trouble like the last time I didn't follow the doctors orders? I just don't like the idea of taking anything more than I have to.

I requested the PA to include a tryptase stain with the lab order to test for mast cell issues. I was surprised to get a rather blank look. I explained a little more and she was reluctant to write it down and told me to remind the doctor on procedure day since they don't always see all of the information that is put in the computer notes because of different "areas." That statement scared me but made complete sense given my long history of having errors or omissions in my medical records. Hopefully that test will give me direction with my suspected mast cell issues.

Post by **tex** » Sat Aug 09, 2014 2:46 pm

I have no idea whether it would be essential or not. Remember that the cleanout procedure is not just to induce D, but to leave nothing at all in the lumen.

That said, I totally get your position on the chemicals used. When I was originally going through all the tests, I had to do the cleanout procedure 3 times (for 3 different tests), and as far as I'm concerned, those were the 3 worst days of the year.

Tex

Gabes-Apg · Post by **Gabes-Apg** » Sat Aug 09, 2014 3:45 pm

Agree with tex, full clean out is worth the effort, so that comprehensive inspection can be done.

Just because you have D, doesn't mean the entire colon is clean.

nerdhume · Post by **nerdhume** » Sat Aug 09, 2014 4:42 pm

I agree with the others, full cleanout is necessary. DH was not totally for his colonoscopy and now he has to have another one and 2 days of cleanout.

My GI gave me tablets that could be taken with any liquid and at least I didn't throwup from the taste. They can be taken with gingerale, 7-up or any clear liquid.

UkuleleLady · Post by **UkuleleLady** » Sat Aug 09, 2014 5:28 pm

Hi Deb, sorry you're up for a colonoscopy, but I hope the information you receive helps.

I took dulcolax for my colonoscopy last year. That and the Gatorade/miralax concoction. I don't know if it made a huge difference, but I was complimented on the quality of my prep. Oh, the things to be complimented on.

I wish you the best whatever you decide. It's an awful process any which way. Best wishes.

Nancy

nerdhume · Post by **nerdhume** » Sun Aug 10, 2014 3:48 am

Nancy, the GI complemented me also and I thought after 6 months of WD and colon prep I was beginning to lose meals I had not eaten yet

DebE13 · Post by **DebE13** » Sun Aug 10, 2014 6:36 am

Thanks for your thoughts. Best not to chance it and follow the directions. That would be awful and costly to have to reschedule and do it again. I'm hoping for no polyps this time around and maybe they will bump it to every five years instead on three.

My husband and son both did the duloclax and miralax prep without any major complaints. No choice in the matter so I will just know it won't be that fun of a day and get it over with.

Maryse · Post by **Maryse** » Sun Aug 10, 2014 7:44 am

My daughter mixed the Miralax with unflavored Pedialyte and did very well. Less chemicals that Gatorade, I believe. Sending good vibes to you!

JFR · Post by **JFR** » Sun Aug 10, 2014 8:01 am

Years ago I did a prep that included dulcolax. What I remember is the terrible painful cramping it caused. I don't know if this is common but it was memorable. This was after my system had been cleaned out so all it seemed to do was cause me pain. I hope that is not your experience. I am glad that there is no colonoscopy in my near future. The prep is such a miserable experience.

Jean

DebE13 · Post by **DebE13** » Sun Aug 10, 2014 5:39 pm

Thanks for the suggestion Maryse- never thought of using that.

Jean, I don't recall using dulcolax for my past two colonoscopies so I will find out. I generally don't have cramping issues, only when I use immodium (which I don't now for that reason). I don't think it can be much worse that the last one so I will remain cautiously hopeful.

C.U.B. girl · Post by **C.U.B. girl** » Mon Aug 11, 2014 6:52 am

Last time I had a colonoscopy, I was expecting to get a script for a clean-out med -- pills, some awful liquid, or something of the sort -- but instead was told to go to Wal-Mart and buy a couple of bottles of magnesium citrate off the shelf in the pharmacy department. Worked like a charm; no cramping, just multiple trips to the bathroom until things ran clear….

I don't know why doctors use anything else; it was cheap, effective, and no Rx needed.

Oh wait, I just answered my own question…… no Rx means no $$$ in Big Pharma's pocket……

brandy · Post by **brandy** » Mon Aug 11, 2014 7:39 am

i also used magnesium citrate off of the shelf. agree with cub girl, it was as good an experience as u could have. just multiple trips to the bathroom. sorry for grammar issues, im on the road. brandy
(i was told to use magnesium citrate by gi office)

lsedels · Post by **lsedels** » Mon Aug 11, 2014 1:28 pm

There is a brand new prep on the market. It is called PREPOPIK. It is only available by prescription and it isn't cheap (if memory serves, it costs around $100 give or take with no coverage). But it is easier to consume. You mix it with 5 ounces of water and then have to drink several more cups of plain water over the next 60 minutes or so. Then, you have to take another dosage the exact same way as you get closer to the exam. Just another possibility.

Gabes-Apg · Post by **Gabes-Apg** » Mon Aug 11, 2014 3:02 pm

Deb (and others)
I had been wondering whether to mention magnesium as aid to clean out.

Magnesium would be less inflammatory. Compound pharmacies make Epsom salt capsules for that purpose. The mag glycinate is a good option, shouldn't cause gagging/nausea.
Might be an idea to have some on hand for the day/night of the clean out, if you struggle with the prep provided, use the magnesium.
Depending on what day of the week you are doing the prep, maybe start some magnesium 12 hours before the prep start time.

I was also thinking about the mast cell staining, my GI showed hesitance when I asked prior to the procedure. Maybe get DH to use permanant marker on your bum, write 'tryptase staining' they won't forget that in a hurry!!!!
It will come off with some eucalyptus oil!!!

Post by **tex** » Mon Aug 11, 2014 4:02 pm

Gabes wrote:I was also thinking about the mast cell staining, my GI showed hesitance when I asked prior to the procedure. Maybe get DH to use permanant marker on your bum, write 'tryptase staining' they won't forget that in a hurry!!!!

Now there's an original idea that should definitely get the message across. Docs sometimes use markings to prevent oversights/mistakes during surgery, so why not use it for a colonoscopy procedure. Remember that they tend to mask the target down to a fairly small area though, so placement may be somewhat critical. The biggest risk is that she or he might be laughing too much to be able to carry on with the procedure.

Tex