I will soonish have to get my first colonoscopy. My dad died of colon cancer, so I’m anxious to begin with. To make matters worse, I have medical/sexual trauma and the thought of being put under and having such an invasive procedure is my worst nightmare (well almost - I think being conscious while it happened or dying of cancer would be worse). Has anyone been in a similar boat? How do I communicate with my care team? Are there any accommodations that might make this easier?

Hello

Im due to have colonoscopy on 28th of this month, and I've been prescribed Plenvu.

Have a mega fear of vomiting, and the thought of drinking these foul powders is stressful to say the least.

I am having it done because of a positive FIT test, I'm in the UK

Back story, I have had 2 colonoscopy before, once in 2001, and the second 2008. I was given Picolax for them, had no trouble getting that down it just tastes like lime/lemonade.

The problem in 2008 was that it took a while to work, and I know I didn't drink enough and ended up dehydrated.

That's why they're prescribed the Plenvu now, but I would prefer the Picolax with extra fluids

I am going to try find out if I can take anti-sickness tablets with it, I have some Ondansetron I was given a few months ago, when I had food poisoning.

Would appreciate any positive stories or advice as to make this more tolerable.

To be honest, I'm not even dreading the test itself, just the prep!

The timing of it as well is concerning. First dose 6pm and 2nd 9pm the day before.

I have high blood pressure and am on Ramipril which I have to take the morning of the procedure.

Thanks for reading

Well after going back and forth I ended up completing my colonoscopy. I almost canceled several times because I was certain it was probably just hemorrhoids and I was overreacting. The prep wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be. I took the clenpiq once the night before and once more about 6 hours before the start time and 5 hours before I was meant to arrive. I thought I’d be glued to the toilet and with a nursing 1 year old I thought I was in for it. I went a few times back to back but j wasn’t glued to the toilet and had breaks and I was able to sleep. I went more after the second dose but with both kids asleep it was much easier. The procedure itself was a breeze. The doctor found no polyps and no hemorrhoids. What he did find was what he’s pretty certain is ulcerative proctitis and he sent off a biopsy. He told me we’d be in touch and there was pretty good inflammation and ulceration. I’m really glad I didn’t cancel and that now I have answers.

Had a colonoscopy and endoscopy todat at 1pm. Now that its getting close to bed time and I dont feel the propofol one bit, is it safe to smoke some weed? I have some pretty bad sleep problems and my job requires me using machinery that can both crush and chop off my hands if I'm not attentive, so i just want to make sure its safe to smoke so i can get enough rest to safely work tomorrow. Thank you.

Hello, new here. I took Golytely for a colonoscopy that never happened because I was too unwell for the procedure after taking the bowel prep. I got 3/4 of the way through the solution and was already having clear/green/yellow movements at that point. I ended up in the ER because I woke up in the middle of the night was a racing heart and feeling profoundly week. In the ER, they gave me three bags of sodium chloride but nothing else because they didn't want to interfere with my ability to have the procedure.

When I arrived at the GI office, the nurses were concerned I was unfit for the procedure and sent me home to eat and replenish.

Fast forward a few weeks, I had a wonky day where I went rock climbing with friends and forgot to eat until about 3pm. I ate and went about my day. In the middle of the night, much like during my bowel prep process, I woke up with a pounding heart at 140-160 bpm. Again I went to the ER and was treated for heart palpitations.

I have been in and out of the emergency room for episodes much like this one of the last few weeks. All of my labs have been positive with nothing to point at as the cause of the tachycardia. I finally have appointments with specialists coming up soon but I am wondering has anybody else had these types of episodes post Golytely?

Male - I found out I have had low iron for 7-9 years with normal CBC not anemic and was told to do a colonoscopy and endoscopy since I had low iron and a uveitis this summer. This week I experience some blood when wiping and possibly in my stool. Went to the gastro today and he did a DRE test and confirmed there was blood in stool. I did strain the other day when going. I was trying to hold off on the colonoscopy but the amount of blood I saw when wiping has changed my mind to do it next week now. Just curious if anyone experienced something similar to this?

I made it halfway through the colonoscopy without sedation and then they asked me are you ready for it and of course I squealed like a piglet and said yes please. They found 3 polyps and a large mass he wants me to have surgery in 2 weeks to remove it as it was too big for him to remove. I guess this will be a continuing journey.

I just realized that the prescription for my colonoscopy (next week) only includes the liquid part of the prep and I need to buy the tablets separately. My instructions just say "two Dulcolax tablets." Can I take this to mean it doesn't matter which one I buy? I take them at 2 pm the day before.

Also, the instructions say "Any flavor of Gatorade" for the liquid prep, but I read elsewhere you're supposed to avoid red or purple. True?

Finally, I heard some people are instructed to follow a low fiber diet for three days before. My doctor didn't say anything about this. How important is it?

I have chicken stock made from chicken bone broth and I poured into a glass and it’s not clear. I’m currently prepping. Not safe to drink?

Hey folks, just posting this here as a tad concerned about Picolax not kicking in.

Following stuff I have referred to in previous posts regarding initial colonoscopy attempt I was given Picolax and told to commence the low fibre diet and to take Senna last Friday. I have been doing the diet and took Senna from last Friday to Tuesday this week (was told to stop by Wednesday). The Senna definitely helped with feelings of constipation and I was able to go to the bathroom on a daily basis.

I have an afternoon appointment tomorrow at 2pm took the first dose of Picolax between 6:00- 6:10pm several hours ago (had to stir it a fair bit and cool it down) and have been drinking some water, Sprite (lemonade style drink) and a clear energy drink. The only real bowel movement I have had since then was some small lumpy stool between 7:30pm-8:00pm and I felt rather constipated in passing that. Apart from that I have felt the need to urinate a few times since 6pm (feeling like I might need to go again soon on this front). I am feeling and hearing some occasional rumbling, bubbling and movements around bowel area but I still do not feel like I need to go urgently.

I understand that this particular type of prep can take a while to kick in given it is low volume compared to Plenvu I was previously assigned and especially if you have constipation at times (mentioning that I had this is one of the things that prompted me to get referred) but am a tad concerned that it has been 3 hours and I have not had anything major happen yet and I am worried that the urination is an indication something has gone wrong. Hoping that effects kick in within next few hours and if not that that the second dose in the morning does more.

Thanks again to folks for advice and support so far, have really appreciated it <3

EDIT: felt some sudden movement so got to bathroom and some slightly more watery stool come out so seems it is starting to have some effects 3.5 hours in.

Part of what I was looking forward to regarding my colonoscopy was starting with a blank slate - being cleaned out.

I read here and heard from my doctor’s office that things may take a few days to “get back to normal”. I have to say, I have been regular since the first day after and my poops feel complete and normal. For a few weeks before the colonoscopy, I had been either constipated or had a bit of diarrhea….

Anyone else feeling better after the procedure ? I feel so much better !

Hi. I will be using colonoscopy assist. I have multiple chronic illnesses and I'm wondering how accommodating they are.

I will definitely need them to use the vein finder ultrasound thing due to not being allowed fluids/electrolytes the day of. (I'm pretty sure many/most would do this anyway.)

I will need extra bags of IV fluids (I'm pretty sure most would be willing to do this anyway.)

My biggest concern is the wait on appointment day. Ok let's say all of the CA drs close enough to me have comments saying their colonoscopy didn't start for hours after their scheduled appointment. I get that shit happens (haha pun not intended) and they get behind, but would they make sure mine was on time if it's critical to my chronic illness?

Or should I just try to find one that doesn't have tons of reviews about them being late?

Had my first endoscopy/colonoscopy yesterday not bad the worst part is the sore throat and the night before was AWFUL. My doctor said he takes micro biopsies to send off to see if anything is wrong even if it looks normal. Test for all the stuff etc. I had 8 total 4 upper, 4 lower. is that normal? I feel fine sore throat so just wanting to know for future bc I may need another one (feel good now btw)

My dad has colon cancer and I (25F) have had stomach/digestive/poop issues for the past few years and after years of putting it off- I have finally gone to the GI and got a referral for an endoscopy and colonoscopy! :) I’ve seen people online talking about the prep being the worst part and as someone who HATES throwing up and nausea I want to see y’all’s opinions on which is better- the pills or liquid prep. Also any additional tips would be appreciated 🫶🏼

En 1 semana tengo cooonoscopia, algunos tips? Por lo vistó té rojo y café sí, x comidas, paseos y relax, y nada de fibra

Buongiorno a tutti,

volevo condividere la mia esperienza con la mia prima colonscopia.

Sono una persona piuttosto ansiosa e dopo mesi di problemi gastrointestinali, che sono tornati dopo 3 mesi di pausa post eradicazione helicobacter pylori in cui sono stato bene.

Principalmente ho sempre molta aria nella pancia e ho perso un po' di peso, ero quindi piuttosto in ansia per quello che avrebbero potuto trovare.

La colonscopia era al pomeriggio alle 16, quindi ho fatto la preparazione tutta nella mattinata, con Plenvu.

Prima dose ore 7

A dispetto di molti commenti che ho letto, questa dose al gusto mango non è per niente male.

Ho usato cannuccia e bevuta fredda, come consigliato, finita in circa mezz'ora.

Dieci minuti dopo la fine ho iniziato già ad avere scariche, durate in totale un'ora e mezza.

Nel frattempo ho bevuto un altro litro di acqua.

Seconda dose ore 11.30

Questa per me ha avuto un sapore molto peggiore della prima.

Ho fatto un po' fatica a finirla, intervallata con Gatorade al limone, ci ho messo 40 minuti ma sono riuscito a berla tutta.

Dopo sono riuscito a bere solo il mezzo litro di acqua indicato.

Anche per questa, dieci minuti dopo averla finita é iniziato l'effetto, durato circa due ore.

Alle 15 sono uscito per andare all'ospedale.

Mi hanno preparato e quando è arrivato il mio turno sono entrato.

Il medico mi ha fatto qualche domanda e poi sono stato sedato.

Mi sono svegliato nella stessa saletta dove mi hanno preparato, non so dire se ho dormito proprio o se non ho alcuna memoria della procedura.

Poco dopo il risveglio è arrivato il medico che mi ha detto che hanno trovato solo due piccoli polipi <5 mm. e diverticolosi non complicata.

La pulizia del colon è risultata perfetta.

Tra due settimane avrò l'esito dell'esame istologico sui due polipi rimossi, e saprò se devo rifarla

tra 3 o 5 anni.

Sono molto sollevato perché avevo davvero paura di avere qualcosa di grave, soprattutto per via della perdita di peso.

Riassumendo, la colonscopia e come se non l'avessi neanche fatta, la preparazione è noiosa ma non dolorosa.

Consiglio di farla a tutti, soprattutto dopo i 50 anni, può salvarvi la vita!

A few weeks ago, I was panicking as I (28, F) was getting my first colonoscopy done due to chronic diarrhea.

Admittedly, I was mostly worried about the prep day(s) because I had this image in my mind that it was going to be truly awful, lol. And sure, it wasn’t fun. But I was okay. My anxiety was worse than anything I experienced. I stayed near a bathroom at home and I was perfectly fine. I was definitely tired as I didn’t get good sleep between having to go to the bathroom a lot and my cat being extra clingy (I think she could tell I was going through it and wanted to comfort me), but I wasn’t as hungry as I thought I would be. Even when we went to the office for the procedure, I honestly didn’t feel super hungry. I was more lethargic than anything.

The actual procedure was basically a nothing burger at the end of the day. The anesthesia knocked me out. I don’t even remember falling asleep! All I remember was waking up and my Aunt was there, asking me what I wanted to eat as soon as I was fully conscious again.

When the results came back, there was no sign of IBD, no autoimmune issues, and honestly everything looked pretty normal. I do have BAM, though. And I still have my gallbladder, haha, but I’ve had several other tests done in the past from blood work to stool samples, and they couldn’t really pinpoint any specific cause or issue.

After I have been taking cholestyramine for a bit now, I’ve noticed a huge difference. I practically have a normal-functioning GI tract again. Which is a blessing, since my issues have progressively gotten worse to the point I can’t go out in public or travel in fear that I wouldn’t make it to a restroom in time. It was embarrassing and it made me cry sometimes because I couldn’t go out with my friends or even by myself much anymore. But now I feel comfortable again to go out and do things because I don’t have those issues at all really after taking the cholestyramine twice daily as of right now.

My only complaint is that the medication tastes pretty awful. 😂 But! It works, so I guess that I can’t complain too much. I would absolutely keep taking this forever even if it tastes terrible so long as it helps.

Hi I just want to share my story. I have done my colonoscopy yesterday October 14 here in the land down under. I’m M 31. No polyps found just internal hemorrhoids and in the report the prep was good but I was nervous as well because after the 1st prep my poop was yellow already but the final prep I was still pooping some orange. The prep for me was fine, vaseline is really helpful and gatorade.

Go for your colonoscopy guys it’s all worth it all the health anxiety will be gone. Thanks for my wife for pushing me since I have some symptoms. Now I will be back for 6-10 yrs I will still take pre/pro biotics and eat fruits with lots of fibr everyday.

Thank you for this group. Goodluck to all.

Anyone of you needed to redo Calprotectin after colonoscopy and it was still high?

I took Golytely, finished 3 hours ago, stool is running clear every 20 to 30 minutes but I still feel very bloated and swollen in the bowels. Is this normal and will it pass as I get all the liquid out? I have a history of ibs-c.

I just did my first colonoscopy & EGD today.

I had so much anxiety for the prep. It was not as bad as I thought. I did suprep. I was worried it was going to be like stomach crampy diarrhea, it's not it's just like you pee out of your butt. The only thing that really sucked was the butthole pain. The recommended vaseline saved me, and doing sits baths in-between. Other than that everything went according to plan. Luckily the colonoscopy went fine, and same with the EGD. They took some biopsies on my antrum and duodenum due to some redness. I wonder if I will have h.pylori... The whole reason I did this, was due to unintentional weight loss, upper abdominal pain, low ferritin, fatigue. We will see! I'm sure it's gastritis from what I read. I was really worried it was a hiatal hernia from being pregnant years ago or something worse, but now I'm feeling the anxiety lift! My questions, for those with chronic gastritis, 1) is weight loss and upper abdominal pain/discomfort a big symptom? It's crazy I've lost like 17lbs in two months, I'm a 33yo woman, and as a women, whenever I wanted to lose weight in the past; it took soooo much effort. 2) What are things that will help gastritis discomfort? I've literally never had something like this before.

hi everyone! i’m a stalker of this page and became very invested in hearing everyone’s stories of their prep and procedures while awaiting mine. so i wanted to share my very positive story to hopefully help others out!

i became PANICKED reading the posts on here!!! i suffer from nausea, diarrhoea, haemorrhoids, fissures (post vaginal birth). So the thought of prep was absolutely terrifying.

my main concerns going into this were coping with the prep, feeling nauseous, throwing up, how i would deal with my kids and BREASTFED 6 month old while being stuck on the toilet. and i was particularly scared of constipation AFTER the procedure.

i honestly had the cruisiest time and wish i could tell my past self how breezy it was.

5 days before the procedure i started the WHITE FOOD DIET and i was STRICT about it. i wholeheartedly believe this made a huge difference, although it was very difficult as im someone who eats a lot of fibre. so to avoid constipation during this phase i took 1 movicol each day.

Breakfast: white english muffin with butter and a white coffee

Snack: vanilla yogurt (no added inulin)

Lunch: 2 scrambled eggs on white toast (no added fibre)

Snack: plain rice crackers with cheddar cheese

Dinner: Chicken breast (no skin), peeled boiled white potatoes, cottage cheese, white rice

Dessert: white chocolate/vanilla ice cream

The day before prep I focused on hydrating as much as I could. I must have had close to 5L of water along with some yellow gatorade.

Prep: I CHUGGED THAT SHIT. I was on the plenvu split dose. I was prepared to be absolutely stuck on the toilet for hours on end and it was so far from that. I would sit on the toilet for 2 minutes, wee out of my butt, then go lay down in bed for another hour before having to go again. it was soooooo fine. i felt completely normal!! i also drank way more water than the recommended 500ml, probably closer to 1.5L so that might have helped too.

the next morning i took my next dose and just kept up with the water and gatorade. the butt wee was definitely a lot more frequent this time but still bearable! i will say though that for some reason it made me absolutely freezing cold so i was very rugged up.

the worst part of the whole ordeal was waiting in the day surgery ward. they were running extremely late and as a breastfeeding mum, those extra hours of fasting were torture. i have never needed water so bad, i was hallucinating that i was in the sahara desert riding a camel.

Finally when I got in, I was so ready for them to put me out. They used fentanyl and I was out like a light. I woke up in the best mood ever and chugged 3 glasses of water. It was the best nap of my whole life!!!!!!

They removed one polyp and I will get more info in a few weeks time.

Its the next day and Ive already been able to have a normal bowel movement so no constipation thus far. i stayed sensible after the procedure and stayed on a light diet, only eating vegetable soup for dinner and an icy pole afterwards along with some cups of tea. i will slowly work up to my usual to avoid freaking out my gut.

all in all it was great!! such a breeze. and i really needed that nap 🤣

I'm worried. Isn't pooping supposed to happen right away? I've taken four dulcolax and four one cup doses, of Gatorade/Miralax.

And morale is LOW. Round 1, I puked up the last dose. Just couldn’t fit any more fluid into my body.

Welp, back to it.

Hello,

Im 21, this is my first time ever doing this, and im really afraid i have been fighting with constipation for weeks, im kind of afraid that when i take the meds for the cleanup, that they wont work. Its the first time that i ever have constipation, so this medicine is new for me too.

Then there is the anxiety, social anxiety and things, the fact that i'll be have to be half naked in front of a few doctors is extremely uncomfortable for me. It doesnt help that as Kid i had a lot of bad memories with doctors and hospitals.

Being confronted with needles in a very painful and very unexpected, made me Develop a phobia and the thought of having well sedation medicine inject...also just feels...very uncomfortable, i cant explain why.

These things all culminating im just- not really able to calm down, what if Something goes wrong, what if i Panic because of all the stress i have been feeling? Or what if i get bad news afterwards? This is all circulating in my head

Edit: im sorry, for all the typos, but i couldnt sleep because how tensioned in am- and its pretty late.