First time having scopes done

[JillianGrace]

My nephew just had is first GI appointment yesterday and the doctor had said that he wanted to do scopes and I'm completely clueless on them so I'm just looking for any info or tips or advice on them :sign0085: His appointment for scopes is October 23.
Thank you

 

[Clash]

The GI May do upper endoscopy to view down through the stomach and just the top part of small intestine as well as a colonoscopy, in through the rectum, through the entire colon and just the last bit of the small bowel. Twilight sedation is generally used so that they feel nothing nor remember anything. Since it isn't full sedation they go home shortly after the procedure.

A day before the scopes there will he a clean out different places uses different types. My son's cleanout included miralax mixed with Gatorade and four dulcolax. It is a lot of liquid to get down and is taken in over a 2 hour period. Then the fun begins, the miralax take in is usually between 2pm and 4 pm and my son is cleaned out by bedtime but it differs for everyone.

The cleanout is the worst part for me when I had a colonoscopy but my son didn't seem to mind it so I guess that differs as well.

If he does upper endoscopy and colonoscopy there is still a large part of the small intestine that isn't seen so they may opt for imaging to check that part out as well.

Good luck hope all goes well!

 

[Lisa]

Jillian - here are some links for you to check out -

http://www.crohnsforum.com/wiki/Colonoscopy
http://www.crohnsforum.com/wiki/Endoscopy

Some things to ask about -
sedation - what type - twilight (aware/able to respond but may not remember), propofol is getting more common - I don't remember a thing past them starting to sedate me (I used to be able to watch years ago with a different doctor)
prep - again, what type of prep. Personally, I find the Miralax prep to be MUCH better than the go-lytely (makes me vomit)....I think at least a few others will agree here.....
It is usually a good idea to eat lightly a couple of days before the procedure(s) - helps make the clearing out process a little easier - less in, less out!
For sedation, there will be an IV, with medications given through that - some type of pain relief usually, and then the sedation too.

For a child, it is probably a good idea to keep them home on prep day - it can get pretty darned frustrating watching others eat etc when you can't - I try to schedule mine for a Friday so I have the weekend to 'recover'......being 'older and wiser' (ha) - I actually work a full or half day on prep day - depending on my schedule that week.

If you have any specific questions, please ask away!!!

 

[Axelfl3333]

The actual procedure isn't,t the tough part the prep is difficult as all the preps are horrible try not to worry, I found drinking the prep really cold and in Scotland mixing with American cream soda helps get it down. The suggestion of a lighter diet beforehand would help as well.good luck

 

[Dexky]

I think kids handle all these things better than adults because they have fewer preconceptions. My son has had 4 upper and lower and he never dreads them or complains. I think kids are the best patients I hope they go well!!

 

[Farmwife]

Prep for a 4 yr old is different then a teen.
Good idea's for prep.
Sprite or Ginger-ale to mix the prep in (thanks CarolinaAlaska).
Make a goal/gift for afterwards. Grace knew she would be able to get a toy afterwards.
Maybe his favorite food (when he's up for it) or clothing store or music cd???

Remember to stay away from red, orange and purple colored drinks.

 

[Tesscorm]

My son's first scope, when he was in the hospital wasn't great - he had a rough time with the whole procedure. I think, what made it worse, was that he wasn't diagnosed yet, so no treatment and maybe had more than usual to clear out???

But, his last prep was so easy, you wouldn't even know he was prepping! I think, partly what helped, was I actually started his 'prep' a few days earlier... a few days early, I started him on a low residue/fibre diet, two days before the prep, he had almost only nutritional shakes (and a bit of broth with some chicken), the day before is clear liquids only (right?) and then prep day we followed the instructions. I think this left very little for him to actually clear out with the prep... It was a very easy prep the second time around.

Good luck! :ghug:

 

[JillianGrace]

Thank you for the info I'm a lot less worried about them now. ( I still
Think I'm more freaked out then he is but )