Colonoscopy Booked - Worried!

[GemmaH]

So I met with the consultant on Friday and he said I need an urgent colonoscopy - so its booked for 22nd January 2016. They have given me all the instructions and the sachets for the prep drink - Klean Prep - and I have to be on a low residue diet for 3 days before the procedure.

I'm worried about this procedure - they are giving me sedation but I'm terrified of needles which isn't a good start and then I worry about how much pain I will be in afterwards.

I'm also really not looking forward to drinking this stuff - 4 litres! I thought it was dangerous to drink huge amounts of water in a short space of time?:eek2:

Any hints / tips / or just general re-assurance?

Hoping after all this I will get a diagnoses and be on the way to feeling better.

 

[Nicnack]

Hi Gemma. I've lost count of the number of colonoscopies I've had done so I hope I can reassure you.

I'm sorry, I can't help with the 4 litre bowel prep. I have never had that kind. I have always just had to do a glass at a time.

Tell them at the hospital that you are really scared of needles and that you are very nervous about the procedure. Maybe the will give you atavan or something to help you relax before proceeding.

I have never felt any kind of pain during or after a colonoscopy.

 

[Nicnack]

Oh yeah. Good luck!!

 

[my little penguin]

Definitely talk to the hospital about the needle fear
Ds was dx at 7 and is now 12
He has had 6 scopes so far
Never any issues with prep other than a burning bum
After the procedure ate soft foods like jello ( he has upper scopes as well )
But just a sore throat
Completely fine by the next day
Typically his crohns feels better for a day or two from the clean out
Good luck

 

[ronroush7]

I don't remember bring in any pain afterwards. Keep us updated.

 

[scottsma]

Mix your prep early and put it in fridge.I started drinking it at 5pm as my scope was in the morning.I found using a straw was better.I put my night clothes on and told my hubby,if I need to go I need to go NOW,so if you he needed to P make it quick.It took about an hour to start working,then for me,I was back and forwards until nearly 6am.Use baby wipes and Vaseline or sudocreme after each visit as you will be sore.Explain about your needle phobia,but honestly,it's not to bad.The scope was no prob.for me.I had mild sedation and chatted to the staff and watched the screen.It's best to get a lift home,or they will keep you in longer.Once you get home you'll feel relieved it's over, and wonder why you were so worried.Rest and have what you fancy to eat.You're symptoms might be easier for a few days.Best wishes,keep us updated.:ghug:

 

[GemmaH]

Thanks all for the replies.

My colonoscopy is schedule for 1:30pm so I have to drink 3 litres at night and a further litre in the morning.

Luckily we have 2 bathrooms so hubby will have to use the downstairs one if he needs to go.

Does your body give you warning that you need to go? Like do you get enough time to get to the bathroom - I really don't want to end up having an accident in my sleep or anything!

 

[ronroush7]

Yes , it does give you enough time.

 

[scottsma]

Yes,I think you're particularly aware and alert.I hoped to go to bed at the usual time,but opted to stay up as I didn't feel confident.I dozed on the sofa and I think I went to bed about 3am.But I was still running to the toilet prior to leaving home,and also at the hospital. Also noted on my notes that I wasn't completely clear higher up.I remember thinking "you've got to be kidding !!!" It didn't make a big difference to the scope though.
But please remember,we're all different,so don't worry.Just go with the flow.

 

[shankar]

I had a colonoscopy about a month back and its my first.. I didn't have sedation, so i don't have to worry about needles.. I do have fear of needles, i always look away when i have a blood test.. sometimes i forced myself to see it.. Sometimes it gives me worst anxiety like something is gonna go wrong.. other times i feel normal.

I had a slight feeling on my anal opening, when scope goes in, and i didn't have any idea where is this, Until i have a feeling that my stomach is gonna burst , then my doctor said its in my terminal ileum, and i have to let the gas out.. I was struggling for a while, anxiety creeps in.. after like 3-4 mins, i passed out huge gas and then the pain subsided.until the scope passed till colon everything was fine. Its quite embarrassing three people are watching my anus spurting out huge gas(maybe a bit of liquid, i dunno..). Maybe sedative could have helped me relax, but my doctor said i don't need it..

I never had problems drinking huge amounts of liquid, i need to take 2 litres of prep+ 2 litres of water/clean liquids.. I had 6 litres in 4 hours .. As you were taking 3 litres of prep at night, you will have liquid bowel movement while taking prep and after it. it doesnt taste good,you might feel like vomiting, so take precautions like smelling onto something(i smelled a lime cause i hate that prep smell)/sucking onto something for taste..I had a cigarette after a prep.. I actually only had 4 bowel movements, but it can go upto 10..
Nothing will happen while you are in sleep.. You will just get the urge to get to the toilet, and you will be just fine...

 

[kiny]

You're worrying too much.

Needles only hurt in your mind, you get used to them quickly. There is no reason why you would be in more pain after the colonoscopy.

 

[DEmberton]

The stuff we get is only one large glass but they tell you to drink lots of water as well; one litre per hour if I remember correctly. It'll help it work and it's important that you don't get dehydrated.

You'll get diarrhoea an hour or two after the dose and again after you take the second dose in the morning but it won't be terrible or keep you up all night.

I've found the worst thing is the not eating.

 

[Nicnack]

My first colonoscopy, the diarrhea hit me within minutes. For the others I waited and waited and the diarrhea never came. I was in full flare for the first scope.

Use wet wipes rather than toilet paper. Diaper rash cream is your friend.

 

[Scipio]

I add some crushed ice to the prep drink. It goes down a lot easier and is less foul tasting when it is ice cold.

Overall the whole procedure is not much fun but it's not so bad either. With the sedation there will be no pain or discomfort.