Colonoscopy tomorrow, a couple of questions.

[bexymum]

As the titile says I am having my colonoscopy tomorrow and have begun eating the diet yesterday.
I already feel weak and have an awful headache but I know the worst is yet to come!
I have a couple of questions if people don't mind answering them as I really don't want to use Dr google!!
Firstly I have been given 4 senna tablets to take at 2pm today and I wandered how long these take to take effect as I don't drink my picolax until 5pm so wandered if I could risk collecting my children from school at around 4pm.
Secondly how will I know if they perforate my bowel as I really really am getting a little bit anxious about this happening and me missing it and something awful happening.
I am having the procedure at 2:30pm and have my induction at university the following morning, will I be OK to drive to university the next morning and will the laxitive have worn off (I am only 98lbs and 159cm tall so the dose seems big to me!!).

Sorry if these seem like irrational fears but they are playing on my mind!

 

[Akaimaru]

If the bowel is perforated, you would know. It is VERY painful Most hospitals will not let you drive. You will need a ride. So, you will have to make the necessary arrangements. Colonoscopy prep will have you on the toilet most of the day. But I think you will be ok till you start the drink. I have had 11 Colonoscopies, so I am very familiar with the protocol for having a ride. Most will not perform it if you do not. I had one done one time without meds because I did not have a ride. Never again. Now I know why they do not do that anymore. Best wishes.

 

[scottsma]

I had my first colonoscopy on Friday,having only had sigmoidoscopys in the past.It's interesting that you're using a different prep to me as we are both in the UK.I only had sachets of Moviprep and the name says it all.I can only speak for myself but as my appt.was at 10am I started prep at 5pm Thurs. and was still using the bathroom at 7am,so make sure the childrens school things are ready etc. The actual proceedure was no problem at all for me,the Doctor and nurses were wonderful.I had a phone call the following morning to see if I was ok.But you MUST have someone to take you home and stay with you for 12 hours.Best wishes,you'll be fine.Let us know how you got on.

 

[Axelfl3333]

They won,t perforate your bowel the prep is the worst part the actual procedure is nothing.you,ll be fine

 

[bexymum]

Thank you for your replies I appreciate all your advice.
Scottsma it is strange how all trusts do slightly different things, from what I've read I've got the drinks part lightly as it's 2 pints in total.
I'm glad I booked the day off today as the diet is giving me a bad head and I feel weak and sick, I like my food and I will never eat white bread again after this!!

 

[scottsma]

I know what you mean.I was on a restricted diet for 3 days,I couldn't eat any of the food I like,then nothing at all for 24hrs except the cursed prep and clear drinks.But by the time I finished the prep I'd lost my appetite for some reason.haha

This time on Wednesday you'll be wondering what you were worried about.

 

[scottsma]

I forgot to mention,if you just google " colonoscopy UK " a lady has written down her prep and experience as a diary.I found it put my mind at ease.

 

[bexymum]

Thank you I will have a look,I like to hear others experience, it really helps.
I just took the 4 senna tablets, I don't know why but I was shaking when I did it!! No more food no until after which is actually fine as I couldn't stomach any more white food!!
At 5 I take the first picolax which I'm nervous about but I've started now abd I feel like there's no going back, I just have to stop being a whimp!
It's been a nice day of sleeping on the sofa and watching awful tv though!

 

[scottsma]

One thing you'll have to be aware of, if, like me,you only have ONE bathroom.Whoever in the family needs to go, needs to be super quick,I kid you not. Plenty "padding" helps,if you get my drift.

 

[bexymum]

Thank you for the tip. Fortunately we have 2 and I am bathing the girls before I take the picolax so I know no one will be in there!
I also dis buy adult incontinence pants as I had to go and get the children just now and I'm getting a taxi there tomorrow so I'd rather be safe!
I'm having it done at 2:30 tomorrow, do you think I will be able to drive on Wednesday morning.

 

[scottsma]

Not sure about that,I just know you must have someone to take you home and keep an eye on you for 12hrs.I had sedative and pain meds intravenously and I talked all the way through the procedure and walked to the car which was parked a good way from the entrance.I felt a wee bit dopey,more relaxed really,and was fine in an hour or two.You'll be fine I think,but best to ask the nurse.Keep them at home if you're not sure. Good Luck.

 

[TaraBuschHill]

The prep is by far the worst part! Especially if you have a weak stomache. The procedure itself is a piece of cake!

 

[bexymum]

Thank you for all your advice it is really helping me deal with some of the anxiety I have around this.
I drank the picolax an an hour ago nearly and the fun has just begun!!

 

[scottsma]

Just to let you know I'm thinking about you.You'll probably be on your way to the hospital now,so the worst is behind you (excuse the pun). Best wishes.

 

[bexymum]

It's done! It really wasn't too bad, I'm waiting for hubby to collect me now.
They didn't say much about my results but did take 3 biopsies which apparently is routine.
It really wasn't too bad though and out of the prep day, the diet and the procedure the diet was the worst bit for me!!
I'm passing quite a lot of blood now so I'm hopeful that will settle, I feel very slightly drowsy but not out of it either!!
I honestly don't know what I would have done without this forum the past few days, it honestly has helped me get through this and I can't thank you all enough.
Now wait for gp to get results and hopefully get more answers. I'm so glad that I did it as I was on the verge of leaving when I arrived!! The staff were so fab too I really was very blessed to have such an amazing team caring for me. (i think I may be high on sedation still!!)

 

[scottsma]

That's great news.You have a good rest when you get home.It doesn't hurt to "milk" it a wee bit.I hope your results are manageable.All the best.

 

[FrozenGirl]

I'm glad to hear all went well. A great team can really help make a crappy situation better . I hope you get answers and can make a plan to get it under control.

 

[bexymum]

Thank you again for all your support, I still feel a little out of it, more relaxed than anything and I'm looking forward to chatting with my gp in a couple of weeks in a less sedated state so I can sort everything out.
Thanks again x