I saw my GP yesterday for a prescription renewal and he said I am supposed to have another colonoscopy in January as I had a polyp removed when I had my last colonoscopy in 2011 and they have to see if there are new polyps.
Is the prep for this going to play havoc with my bowel and bring back the diarrhea for months afterward? I still have MC and am still on medication. I have just begun to improve. Could this set me back?
The last and only time I had a colonoscopy (in 2011) I had a terrible time. I was really dehydrated to the point that I fainted and banged into a dresser and landed on the floor. Even though I already had severe diarrhea and must have been pretty well cleaned out, I had to do the same prep as everyone else does.
The colonoscopy was very painful and the medication they give had no effect. I was not in a twilight state. I have read somewhere that people with MC have a lot of pain during a colonoscopy because of the air that is put in to inflate the bowel.
What have other people experienced with the prep and the colonoscopy when they still have MC? I am dreading going through this again and am wondering if it is worth it.
Colonoscopy
Moderators: Rosie, Stanz, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
My mom died of colon cancer in her mid 40's so I have been having colonoscopies for 20 years. The prep always brings out my worst low blood sugar state so I can't do anything for days. When I had my first one, the pain was excruciating and the drugs just lent a nightmarish quality. Apparently I have adhesions from 2 C-sections. Now, I have much more heavy duty anesthesia that puts me right out. No pain, but I still worry about damage being done by the scope. In fact when I had my last one 2.5 years ago, the GI "discovered a large tear" - I have a picture of it!
I know they will want me to have another procedure in the next year or 2 - dreading it more than ever...
I know they will want me to have another procedure in the next year or 2 - dreading it more than ever...
Aquilegia,
I had a miserable time too, during and after my colonoscopy (and during the "prep" process). I couldn't even get rid of the gas that they pumped into me for a couple of days afterward.
Prior to several different procedures, I tried several different cleanout solutions. I wouldn't consider any of them to be acceptable. But Prepopik wasn't available back than. You might want to consider it, because the discussion at the following link gives it high marks (compared with the alternatives).
http://www.medschat.com/Discuss/Prepopik-240234.htm
Regarding pain: I had a stenosis in my sigmoid colon at the time, so the pain was definitely noticeable. The doctor had a tough time getting the scope through that section. Like you, the stuff they gave me was rather ineffective. I can still remember many of the details of the conversation that I had with the GI doc during the procedure, and I can remember watching the progress of the scope on the monitor screen (and that's not supposed to happen).
A year or so later, I broke my left arm when a strong gust of wind caught me by surprise and caused me to fall backward out of the back of a semitrailer, as I was climbing into it so that I could load it. When the ER doc was ready to reset the arm into position, he told me that they were going to use a spinal injection to kill the pain. When I told him that pain medications were ineffective on me, he laughed at me and informed me that it always works.
After waiting a few minutes for it to take effect, he poked the arm and asked if I could feel that. Since I obviously could feel it, they gave me another dose. It didn't help much either. Flustered, he asked me what I wanted them to do. I told him to set the arm; that's why I was there.
He warned me that it would hurt. I told him, "Hell doc, it already hurts. Hopefully it will feel better after it's set back into place."
IMO the loss of effectiveness of painkillers for some of us is due to neurological damage caused by a vitamin B-12 deficiency, rather than by the MC itself. But of course if we didn't have MC, we wouldn't have a vitamin B-12 deficiency, either.
Both Polly and I strongly believe that taking plenty of vitamin D is the key to preventing polyps from forming. It is known that vitamin D helps to prevent colon cancer, but doctors don't know how it works. We believe that the way it works is by preventing the formation and development of polyps. Polly has posted that she always had polyps that needed removal with every colonoscopy. After she was able to get her blood level of vitamin D up into a much better range, her colonoscopies have been polyp-free.
Tex
I had a miserable time too, during and after my colonoscopy (and during the "prep" process). I couldn't even get rid of the gas that they pumped into me for a couple of days afterward.
Prior to several different procedures, I tried several different cleanout solutions. I wouldn't consider any of them to be acceptable. But Prepopik wasn't available back than. You might want to consider it, because the discussion at the following link gives it high marks (compared with the alternatives).http://www.medschat.com/Discuss/Prepopik-240234.htm
Regarding pain: I had a stenosis in my sigmoid colon at the time, so the pain was definitely noticeable. The doctor had a tough time getting the scope through that section. Like you, the stuff they gave me was rather ineffective. I can still remember many of the details of the conversation that I had with the GI doc during the procedure, and I can remember watching the progress of the scope on the monitor screen (and that's not supposed to happen).
A year or so later, I broke my left arm when a strong gust of wind caught me by surprise and caused me to fall backward out of the back of a semitrailer, as I was climbing into it so that I could load it. When the ER doc was ready to reset the arm into position, he told me that they were going to use a spinal injection to kill the pain. When I told him that pain medications were ineffective on me, he laughed at me and informed me that it always works.
After waiting a few minutes for it to take effect, he poked the arm and asked if I could feel that. Since I obviously could feel it, they gave me another dose. It didn't help much either. Flustered, he asked me what I wanted them to do. I told him to set the arm; that's why I was there.
He warned me that it would hurt. I told him, "Hell doc, it already hurts. Hopefully it will feel better after it's set back into place." IMO the loss of effectiveness of painkillers for some of us is due to neurological damage caused by a vitamin B-12 deficiency, rather than by the MC itself. But of course if we didn't have MC, we wouldn't have a vitamin B-12 deficiency, either.
Both Polly and I strongly believe that taking plenty of vitamin D is the key to preventing polyps from forming. It is known that vitamin D helps to prevent colon cancer, but doctors don't know how it works. We believe that the way it works is by preventing the formation and development of polyps. Polly has posted that she always had polyps that needed removal with every colonoscopy. After she was able to get her blood level of vitamin D up into a much better range, her colonoscopies have been polyp-free.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
I also had trapped gas afterward that was very painful and lasted a long time. I was awake through the whole procedure and did not feel sleepy at all. Like you, Tex, the doctor had trouble getting through the sigmoid and had to start over. He seemed to think that my height - 5 feet, 2 inches - had something to do with the difficulty in knowing where he was in the bowel. Short person, short colon??
In my city there is no choice of prep. You do what the hospital says. One thing that seems strange is that everyone gets the same dose no matter how much they weigh - 200 pounds or 90 pounds.
I have been taking 4000 units of Vitamin D for years. I just increased it to 6000.
In my city there is no choice of prep. You do what the hospital says. One thing that seems strange is that everyone gets the same dose no matter how much they weigh - 200 pounds or 90 pounds.
I have been taking 4000 units of Vitamin D for years. I just increased it to 6000.
Just want to echo what Tex said above about our thoughts on polyps, vitamin D and cancer.
I have always had the same concern....... about everyone getting the same prep. In pediatrics, we base every treatment on the weight of the child. So how could a 110 lb. woman need the same prep dose as a 300 lb. man??? That defies logic. For the first 2 colonoscopies, I used Go-lytely and only finished about 1/2 to 2/3rd of the jug. Both times I was well-cleaned out. Really, you are adequately cleaned out once your D becomes consistently a clear light yellow color, no matter which prep or how much you use.
Good luck. Do they use Propofol as the anesthetic? I have found that to be excellent! Of course, it depends on the anesthesiologist who administers it to keep you just deep enough for the time needed.
Polly
I have always had the same concern....... about everyone getting the same prep. In pediatrics, we base every treatment on the weight of the child. So how could a 110 lb. woman need the same prep dose as a 300 lb. man??? That defies logic. For the first 2 colonoscopies, I used Go-lytely and only finished about 1/2 to 2/3rd of the jug. Both times I was well-cleaned out. Really, you are adequately cleaned out once your D becomes consistently a clear light yellow color, no matter which prep or how much you use.
Good luck. Do they use Propofol as the anesthetic? I have found that to be excellent! Of course, it depends on the anesthesiologist who administers it to keep you just deep enough for the time needed.
Polly
Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves, for they shall never cease to be amused.
It is an intravenous medication which is probably some kind of fast acting tranquilizer. It did nothing for me. There was no anesthesiologist there, just the doctor and an assistant.
I have given birth to my children with no medication and the colonoscopy was much worse than that so I am not a wimp.
I have given birth to my children with no medication and the colonoscopy was much worse than that so I am not a wimp.
I had prep tablets last time...can take them with any clear liquid so the taste is better. The effect was the same.
Also had propofol administered by an anesthesiologist. I highly recommend it.
Also had propofol administered by an anesthesiologist. I highly recommend it.
Theresa
MC and UC 2014
in remission since June 1, 2014
We must all suffer one of two things: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. ~Jim Rohn
MC and UC 2014
in remission since June 1, 2014
We must all suffer one of two things: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. ~Jim Rohn
I took Pico - Salax plus Dulcolax for the prep. I think the Dulcolax was overkill.
During the procedure I had intravenous Midazolam and fentanyl. They gave me the maximum amount. The doctor thought I had a sigmoid loop which caused a problem. They reached the cecum at 60 centimetres which seemed to surprise him. I guess my colon is short because I am short.
During the procedure I had intravenous Midazolam and fentanyl. They gave me the maximum amount. The doctor thought I had a sigmoid loop which caused a problem. They reached the cecum at 60 centimetres which seemed to surprise him. I guess my colon is short because I am short.
I went to my doctor today. I wanted her to do some tests to see what is going on. Why my hair is falling out, my nails are splitting and breaking, I am getting hemorrhages and bruises under my skin on my arms and legs, sometimes breaking and bleeding, why I have hyperhidrosis, especially from the scalp and face, so badly, and wildly fluctuating BP, though it doesn't go very high anymore. It does drop precipitously though.
She sang her usual song. MC goes away, doesn't stay forever. No such thing as remission. If I still have to manage something it is definitely IBS. She will check whether I need another colonoscopy.
Lactulose is a VERY harsh laxative and I shouldn't be taking it. She will ask my GI why he gives it to me. Lactulose is the only thing that has improved motility so that I don't have permanent and painful C. I play with the dose as I need it. He has no problem giving it to me. One good thing about him. Only one.
Vit D - you don't need it to be over 20. Mine was 45 last time though I am taking 15,000 ius daily. WAY too much. Stop taking it. In fact, stop all supplements. Yeah, right! Polly and Tex, I bet you will have something to say about that little gem.
B 12 - checking today, but according to her, everyone is taking WAY too much, and their levels are way too high.
I didn't even address LDN. I have told her about it several times, she has ignored me, so I will not bring it up again.
OTOH - my urinary incontinence has improved SO much, and I have not had an infection for months. Others on different forums taking LDN have reported the same result. My urogynie is fascinated and wants to investigate. She is the only one who is any good.
I also have an extremely high pain threshold. 10 is childbirth with complications and no meds, or major abdominal surgery. When I broke my back I got up and took Licorice out. I managed a fx'd vertebra and 2 ruptured disks with no pain meds.
The last colonoscopy I was NOT under, and it hurt way worse than any of that. I am dreading they will make me do another one.
She sang her usual song. MC goes away, doesn't stay forever. No such thing as remission. If I still have to manage something it is definitely IBS. She will check whether I need another colonoscopy.
Lactulose is a VERY harsh laxative and I shouldn't be taking it. She will ask my GI why he gives it to me. Lactulose is the only thing that has improved motility so that I don't have permanent and painful C. I play with the dose as I need it. He has no problem giving it to me. One good thing about him. Only one.
Vit D - you don't need it to be over 20. Mine was 45 last time though I am taking 15,000 ius daily. WAY too much. Stop taking it. In fact, stop all supplements. Yeah, right! Polly and Tex, I bet you will have something to say about that little gem.
B 12 - checking today, but according to her, everyone is taking WAY too much, and their levels are way too high.
I didn't even address LDN. I have told her about it several times, she has ignored me, so I will not bring it up again.
OTOH - my urinary incontinence has improved SO much, and I have not had an infection for months. Others on different forums taking LDN have reported the same result. My urogynie is fascinated and wants to investigate. She is the only one who is any good.
I also have an extremely high pain threshold. 10 is childbirth with complications and no meds, or major abdominal surgery. When I broke my back I got up and took Licorice out. I managed a fx'd vertebra and 2 ruptured disks with no pain meds.
The last colonoscopy I was NOT under, and it hurt way worse than any of that. I am dreading they will make me do another one.
Hi Lesley,
That was an interesting visit with your doctor.
You know, looking at the symptoms that you listed in the first paragraph of your post, they are all associated with the early stages of adrenal fatigue (even including the hyperhydrosis). Of course they might also be signs of something else, but I have no idea what that might be, with that particular set of symptoms. So the question is, "Would your doctor be willing to do the tests necessary to rule out adrenal fatigue?"
I can see why your doctor was alarmed about your vitamin D supplementation, if you're taking 15,000 IU of vitamin each day. That's a lot of vitamin D. Still, if your blood level is no higher than 45 ng/ml, then you may be using most of it. If our body is fighting inflammation, it can use a lot of vitamin D (if it's available). It's a good idea to check your vitamin D level occasionally though, if you're taking that much. Too much vitamin D can cause digestive system problems.
Thanks for sharing your visit with your doctor. I hope you don't drive her to drinking.
Tex
That was an interesting visit with your doctor.
You know, looking at the symptoms that you listed in the first paragraph of your post, they are all associated with the early stages of adrenal fatigue (even including the hyperhydrosis). Of course they might also be signs of something else, but I have no idea what that might be, with that particular set of symptoms. So the question is, "Would your doctor be willing to do the tests necessary to rule out adrenal fatigue?"
I can see why your doctor was alarmed about your vitamin D supplementation, if you're taking 15,000 IU of vitamin each day.
That's a lot of vitamin D. Still, if your blood level is no higher than 45 ng/ml, then you may be using most of it. If our body is fighting inflammation, it can use a lot of vitamin D (if it's available). It's a good idea to check your vitamin D level occasionally though, if you're taking that much. Too much vitamin D can cause digestive system problems.Thanks for sharing your visit with your doctor. I hope you don't drive her to drinking.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Aquilegia,
That's difficult to predict. For some people, the cleanout prep has been known to bring remission. For others it has been documented to trigger MC. Usually, if that happens, a bland diet for a week or so will restore remission. But there's no way to reliably predict in advance what will happen, unfortunately.
Tex
That's difficult to predict. For some people, the cleanout prep has been known to bring remission. For others it has been documented to trigger MC. Usually, if that happens, a bland diet for a week or so will restore remission. But there's no way to reliably predict in advance what will happen, unfortunately.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
With your understandable concern for the prep. and GI exam, you might talk to your doctor about the new colon cancer blood test. I remember seeing news articles for it a few weeks ago. It was advertised as being useful for those that have had poor experiences in the past with GI exams.
An article on the test ~
"New Home Test For Colon Cancer Now Available"
http://miami.cbslocal.com/2014/10/27/ne ... available/
An article on the test ~
"New Home Test For Colon Cancer Now Available"
http://miami.cbslocal.com/2014/10/27/ne ... available/
I don't think that test would be available in Canada. If it matters, it says that it is a stool test, not a blood test.
I just read that screening for colon cancer is not recommended after age 75. Maybe that means that it takes a long time for a polyp to become cancerous and you would already be dead from something else before that happened. Perhaps I can avoid my next colonoscopy after all.
I just read that screening for colon cancer is not recommended after age 75. Maybe that means that it takes a long time for a polyp to become cancerous and you would already be dead from something else before that happened. Perhaps I can avoid my next colonoscopy after all.
I had a colonoscopy in September of this year (which is when they diagnosed my LC). This time I was given the Prepopik because my previous experience with Golytely had been horrible. I can honestly say that the Prepopik and the Golytely are like day and night, at least they were for me. I had no problems at all taking the Prepopik (I had to do the split dose: one dose in the late afternoon the day before the colonoscopy, and the second dose in the early morning of the colonoscopy). I would take it any day. It worked fine, it was not disgusting, and it was only one cup to drink each time.
The first time I had a colonoscopy (about 10 years ago), I remember being awake and uncomfortable and completely wiped out for days after. No this time. The anesthesiologist promised me that I would not remember anything when I had the gastroscopy in May and the colonoscopy in September and he was absolutely correct. Nor did I feel exhausted for days after. The gastroenterologist told me that I have a tortuous, redundant colon (in his words a really long colon in a small belly) making it harder for him to conduct the colonoscopy. He saw diverticulosis, took biopsies, removed two polyps, and I was not the slightest bit uncomfortable!
The first time I had a colonoscopy (about 10 years ago), I remember being awake and uncomfortable and completely wiped out for days after. No this time. The anesthesiologist promised me that I would not remember anything when I had the gastroscopy in May and the colonoscopy in September and he was absolutely correct. Nor did I feel exhausted for days after. The gastroenterologist told me that I have a tortuous, redundant colon (in his words a really long colon in a small belly) making it harder for him to conduct the colonoscopy. He saw diverticulosis, took biopsies, removed two polyps, and I was not the slightest bit uncomfortable!