Colonoscopy Advice!

[sraebaer]

OK, I know I mentioned this before, but my experience with a colonoscopy was horrible. I know we have to have them at a certain age, but when you do, please sit down and totally discuss the relationship with a colonoscopy and the sleeve. I told everyone, but I don't think they paid much attention.

First of all my prep was horrible, I had to drink 64 ounces of Gatorade mixed with an entire bottle of Mirolax starting at 4 pm, along with some laxative pills. When I explained that was quite a bit of liquid for me, they said to start earlier. It was torture. There has to be a prep that doesn't involve that much liquid.

The procedure went fine. (No cancer!!) Left for vacation. After not using the bathroom for about 6 days, I started with horrible diarrhea that lasted an entire 5 days. Pretty much ruined my family vacation, as when I wasn't in the bathroom I was in bed. The doctor advised the BRAT diet; bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. Didn't do a thing.

There must be some research here. Like maybe my tiny stomach wasn't able to absorb any food after being emptied out completely? I've had this procedure before the sleeve with no complications at all.

Sometimes I feel like a science experiment!

[KiwiGal]

Yikes! What a horrible experience. It's ironic that something that is done to keep us healthy is so (temporarily) detrimental.

[Ann2]

sraebaer -- do you think it's possible you caught an intestinal bug that didn't have anything to do with the colonoscopy (unless you picked it up at the hospital)?

I suppose there's really no way to answer that question, so ... never mind.

How's your tummy doing now?

BTW, I've got my next colonoscopy coming up in November. Based on your report, I will be SURE NOT to schedule any travel for at least a week post-procedure. Thanks for the heads up.

[sraebaer]

I don't think it was any sort of bug, but who knows. I just would love to know if there is any medical research on the subject.

[Lcajnike]

Before one colonoscopy dr allowed clear liquid diet for 3 days prior and high colonic on day of colonoscopy. Much easier than taking prep. He told me I was perfectly cleaned out for procedure. Unfortunately for my next one he said they no longer did high colonic. So I had to do regular prep which normally is horrible I wonder if this might be a sensible alternative a high colonic.???? Just a thought. Ps this was before my VSG

[Christie13]

That sounds absolutely horrible. I am so sorry. And if the experience wasn't bad enough, then you had your vacation ruined. Hugs Sraerbaer.

[Christie13]

sraebaer -- do you think it's possible you caught an intestinal bug that didn't have anything to do with the colonoscopy (unless you picked it up at the hospital)?

I suppose there's really no way to answer that question, so ... never mind.

How's your tummy doing now?

BTW, I've got my next colonoscopy coming up in November. Based on your report, I will be SURE NOT to schedule any travel for at least a week post-procedure. Thanks for the heads up.

You will definitely have to update us after your procedure to see if it is a sleeve thing.

[tinman]

I have a colonoscopy every year or two. I have found magnesium citrate is the ticket. About 20 oz and man, it really works....

Be sure to ask your doctor first. When I told mine I was sleeved, he immediately told me to drink that. You can get it at the grocery store and it’s cheap.

I found it to be tolerable as long as it’s cold.

Good luck next time.

[sraebaer]

Thought I was better yesterday, but no, up all night again. Time to call the doctor. Again. Day 6 of this.

And Tinman, I will definitely request that prep next time, thanks!

[AnnieG]

sraebaer, oh my goodness!

I don't have those anymore, since I had a colectomy (sorry if TMI). But they do have pills now instead of all the liquids. I would maybe ask your bariatric doctor for some guidelines, because there are people who have gone before us in this.

I did find a link https://www.cityofhope.org/blog/colo...iatric-surgery

[sraebaer]

sraebaer, oh my goodness!

I don't have those anymore, since I had a colectomy (sorry if TMI). But they do have pills now instead of all the liquids. I would maybe ask your bariatric doctor for some guidelines, because there are people who have gone before us in this.

I did find a link https://www.cityofhope.org/blog/colo...iatric-surgery

Thanks Annie, I will definitely be more demanding about the prep next time. Interesting article!

[Stacey03]

Oh no how horrid, and your holiday was ruined!!! Such a shame. I hope you are feeling much better now x

[Ann2]

AnnieG ... thank you, thank you, thank you for that article. I'll print it out and take it to the doc who'll be doing my colonoscopy in the fall.

Really, thank you!