Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Prepping for colonoscopy today - any tips?

Hi all - On the lighter side - I'm prepping today for my colonoscopy tomorrow. Does anyone have any good tips? Thanks, Wanda

Oops! I guess I should clarify a bit. In particular, tips to help control nausea. Thanks again, Wanda

Hi Nonnie, sorry to hear you have to go through such a horrible invation of self. I haven't had to do such a thing yet but years ago was 3 days away from having a colonoscopy when they found out I had giardia. You could probably feel the sigh of relief from 2 miles away. The only thing that I have heard to do the day of prep is to stay very close to the bathroom. My mother in law was sitting on the toilet while drinking that stuff at the end because there was no way she would make it there otherwise. I'm sorry I can't be more help. Good luck today and tomorrow
Jill

Thanks Jill,
Looking at previous posts, it looks like hopefully the prep is worse than the test.
I get nausea pretty easily , especially if I don't eat. I've taken my protonix this morning, but have already had a bout of bad nausea. Maybe I made my tea too strong for an empty stomach. I ate some jello though and that seems to have helped.
I don't have to start the pills and drinking stuff for about another hour and a half. The dr.'s office told me to put crystal lite in the solution I have to drink.
Your other advice sounds pretty good too. Ha! Thanks, Wanda

I don't think there is a way to prepare for it.If you could I would say get very drunk the night before but the alcohol is a no-no. Just know ahead of time that you will endure a bit of discomfort (trying not to scare you) but it should'nt last too long. Just make sure you know where the bathroom is when you get there and make sure you have a clear, unobstructed path to it for when you are done.
Also make sure it is stocked with plenty of wipe and that it is not located beside a room full of people.
Seriously though, it aint that bad, coming from a guy who's had it done twice.
Good luck,
Steve

Hi Steve,
Thanks for the info! Actually I'm nervous but in good spirits about the whole thing. I see it as a stepping stone to Remicade. And thanks Steve, I'm not sure if you meant to, but your post was really good for a chuckle. Wanda

Wanda, giving you a chuckle was exactly what I meant to do. Keeping a sense of humour about things will help you get through all of the tough times.
Good luck,
Steve

Having just gone thru this last Friday, do not mix the solution with any flavor that you like - you will never drink it again!!!! I inadvertently mixed my 2nd set with apple juice and now it curls my eyelashes to even look at the juice bottle!

I cannot stress enough - drink, drink, drink (water, juice, whatever). Drink until you feel like you're going to float.

I became quite ill after the 2nd set of 3 doses (I don't know what you're doing, but I had to drink my stuff in 2 sets of 3 doses). I don't do salt and since this stuff is nothing but salt, it was very difficult to deal with. The prep is the hard part -- the scope is a breeze in comparison.

Good luck!

Sherree

Thanks Sherree,
I have to take 4 pills in about a half hour. In about 3 hours I start drinking the solution (2 liters)in 8 ounce intervals every 10-30 minutes. Does that sound like yours? No one said anything about it tasting salty. But then they wouldn't, would they. I bought the little tubes of crystal lite that you mix in a bottle of water.
I hope your test turned out ok. I know you're relieved to be done with it. Thanks, Wanda

Start early enough that you give yourself 7 hours before it finishes. I was once instructed to take a preparation before bed time and then I was up all night running to the bathroom. I'm having a colonoscopy done next month, this time I'm going to take the prep around 2 pm so it'll be done before bedtime!