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

Hi Panama,
I just took the 4 little pills, so it looks like I'm on my way. I'm in Virginia and it's currently 12:15 pm. So hopefully the worst will be over by bedtime. My test isn't until tomorrow at 3PM. Thanks for the info and good luck with yours next month. Wanda

Hi, I agree, its not too bad. I had one a few years ago now, no sedation or anything. It was very embarrassing however as it was performed in a very large theatre so that a group of students could observe. So in I trot, get on the bed in the required position (one my side with knees bought up to chest) when the doc says he's waiting for the rest of his students to arrive, and then tells me i can watch the procedure myself on the VERY large wide screen TV in the theatre room. I looked round to see it and there was my [**BLEEP**] on wide screen for all the world to see. I was so mortified. I laid like that with my not so peachy [**BLEEP**] on display for 10 minutes before he started

Just a tip - they pump you with air as the camera goes round the colon so they can see what's going on. This pumping was fine until quite a way into the procedure it became very uncomfortable and i started moaning out a little. The doc was most impressed with me saying most people moan out long before i did and so he was pleased at far round he'd got the camera with me. Had I moaned out when it first became uncomfortable it wouldn't have been so bad, and the resulting wind may not have been so long lasting! Defintitely make sure the loo is stocked with paper as Steve says (they use a jelly lubricant thing to get the camera up there and they seem to use A LOT!).

I hope it goes well, its nowt really, not for someone in pain every day anyway.

Hi

I did it last year, guess the preparation was worse, just take as much water during the day, as much as you can, it will be much better "home video" as my hubby called it

sanela

Hi Sarah,
What an experience! I know you won't ever forget that one. I'll be glad when this one is just a memory. I'm sure the build up to it is worse than the actual test. Thanks for the tips, Wanda

Thanks Sanela,
I'm drinking as we speak. Everything is clear liquid today, and lots of water too. Thanks again for the support. Wanda

Sarah, your story is hilarious! I hope I don't find my [**BLEEP**] on widescreen TV... it is wide enough!

I do have a question for those of you who have had this procedure done. I'm going to be sedated for mine. How long does the procedure take? And will I be able to go to work right afterwards?

Hi Wanda,

Looks like there's a lot of wisdom and experience in these here posts! I think the newer preps aren't as bad as they used to be. (Is that possible?) Several years ago we "picked a flavor". I picked pineapple, and I live in Hawaii. How stupid was that?
Hopefully you got "Miralax" which is much better - just a powder in water, made by Braintree Labs. 64 oz, glass every 15-20 minutes with 2 Ducolax at the end of the run. (sorry for the pun)
Stay close to the loo, but don't fall in.

A good bathroom humor book or two help also, maybe one of those rags at the checkout counter (Star, Enquirer).

Be grateful you didn't have to do what Sarah did:

Quote:

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It was very embarrassing however as it was performed in a very large theatre so that a group of students could observe.

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(!!!!!!!!!!)

Consider wiping the Chinese way, with a bucket of water or a squirt bottle (Even Charmin doesn't feel pillowy soft after such a workout!)

And know that you're in good company. Many of us have been there. It'll all be over soon.

Unfortunately, my prep was the Fleets phosphoro-soda, not Miralax, not go-lytely or any of the easier ones. I also had to take 4 duculax tablets about 2 hours after my last set of drinks. There is no flavor to choose from either. It comes in little plastic bottles and the liquid is clear. Personally, I would have preferred something else, but it was absolutely necessary this particular way. I did tell my GI doctor that NEVER, EVER again, would I do this prep.

Whatever you're doing, don't forget to drink, drink, drink. Hope all goes well for you.

Sherree

Hi Wanda
have not had one of these but just wanted to send you best wishes and I hope it all goes ok.
Sam

Hi Wanda,

I had this procedure few years back now.

Drank quite a bit of go-lytely to clean myself out. My advice... keep a bathroom close by.

Procedure itself was not too bad until I woke up in the middle of it... then it was fairly uncomfortable.

Had to be driven home since I had been under the gas. Take the day off from work.

Take care,

Tim