Colonoscopy advice?

[justbreathe8]

So I just saw my surgeon today. I currently have two setons. He said that he is going to go in on Tuesday and if the tissue is healthy, he will take out the seton that is higher up (through the rectum) and do reconstruction to close it up and leave the lower one in to keep it draining. My GI doctor will also be in the operating room to do a colonoscopy and endoscopy before the surgery. I am currently undiagnosed and am hoping that the colonoscopy can either confirm or deny crohns or another disease. Ive heard horror stories about prepping for the colonoscopy. I don't want to hear any more of those stories lol, but hoping to hear of maybe a way to cope with the prep? I am doing Prepopik. Since I have the two setons, having a BM isn't all that comfortable to begin with, so Im dreading having to go for hours at a time. Any help would be great! Thanks in advance!

 

[lgpcarter]

I don't know anything about that prep, but generally I would say to use some sort of barrier cream (diaper cream would work) to protect the skin from the stool. It gets liquids and acidic. Use a squeeze bottle or sitz bath to clean and limit wiping.

On the bright side, at least it sounds like they are putting you out for the scope and hopefully you will finally get a diagnosis.

 

[justbreathe8]

Okay thanks! I appreciate the advice about the barrier cream, I didn't even think of that.

 

[Grumbletum]

Yes, I agree with lgpcarter. Spritzing with warm water and patting dry also helps you from getting too sore. Drink plenty of water with the prep and until you have to fast totally so that you don't get too dehydrated. Hoping all goes well with the surgery.

 

[DCCrohns]

I'm guessing you may have fecal matter that normally comes through your fistulas? If so, for BMs, you can try holding gauze with light pressure over them to avoid the pain of fast-moving fluid as the prep goes on (and diverting most of it to where it normally would come from). In addition to diaper cream, I'd also recommend an adult diaper when going in after prep, even after your gown is on. I've had prep and then surgeries where my bowels still had some stuff in there an caused an embarrassing mess pre-op. I usually just advise the nurse and they can remove and toss.

Best of luck!

~~~~~~~~~~
Diagnosed with Fistulas: 2000
Diagnosed with Crohn's: 2002
Past Meds: Pentasa, Remicade, Cimzia, Asacol, Cipro, Flagyl
Current Meds: Humira, Lialda
Surgeries: Fistulotomies & Seton Placements/Adjustments (September 2011, January 2013 & August 2013); Advancement Flap (December 2013)

 

[justbreathe8]

awesome thanks so much guys!