Prep question please help!!

[EmilyElizabeth]

First timer here... I've been instructed to take Pico Salax for my colonoscopy (once in the afternoon, then again the very early morning of), but my GI also wants 2 doses of laxative pill taken along with, they said any kind and weren't really clear on what time I take them. Does it make more sense to take the laxative pill an hour or two BEFORE the Pico Salex, or after?? And what is a good laxative to use, I was thinking a more gentle one, senokot maybe?, because doesn't it seem like overkill..

 

[InChristAlone]

Hi EmilyElizabeth,
I have taken Dulcolax before I started my prep, but it was under specific instructions from my GI. Not sure if this helps you out or not.

 

[Grumbletum]

It does seem a bit like overkill to me. That Picolax is vicious stuff! It can sometimes take a wee while for things to get going, so maybe he's advising the laxative to start things off. I'd say something gentle, and maybe only take it if you don't have any action after the first sachet. You will know all about it when the Picolax kicks in.
Drink plenty of water as it helps clean you out and keep you hydrated. Wet wipes are gentler than TP and something like a baby nappy rash cream can stop you from getting too sore.
Hope it all goes OK.

 

[Patricia56]

You could also use Miralax which is widely used for prep here in the US as it is gentle but works well. It makes the poop slippery which is different than the way most of the other laxatives work. You can flavor it with artificially sweetend beverage mix - lemonade flavor is best since it doesn't have a lot of coloring in it.

It doesn't sound like they gave you much advice. Here's a few additional tips:

don't drink or eat anything bright colored especially red, blue or purple as it will color the inside of the bowel.

as grumbletum said, be sure to drink lots of water. the prep is dehydrating and you don't want to be dehydrated when they try to get an IV into you. Ow.

you do want to have a good prep because having stool left in you makes it much more likely you will have complications like a perforation. so even if it's difficult, don't stop too soon.

how do you know when you're done? when you are passing nothing but mostly clear liquid, no solids at all.

you don't say when your scope is scheduled but you may want to do a soft semi-liquid diet for 1 to 3 days before the clean out to make it easier on you. If you're having constant diarrhea then forget I said that.

 

[EmilyElizabeth]

Thanks all, I'd be lost without this forum! I do have 4 days until my scope so I am going to go out and get the things suggested, clear stuff to drink and wipes, creams etc. so I will be prepared! Maybe I will start with a bit of Miralax then switch to the Pico, I definitely want to make sure I do it right and finish as Patricia said. I'm 90 pounds now and do already have some diarrhea, so I was just scared of going too overkill with the different laxatives and needing my fiance to carry me into the hospital lol. But if I make sure to drink lots of liquids in between I will hopefully prevent that

 

[bumble_bee]

I have to have a colonoscopy next week. I've never had one before either and I'm NOT looking forward to it! I've had other tests where the prep was nasty and this one I've heard is the worst of them so I'm a bit anxious about it!

My prep sheet says take 2 Dulcolax tablets (5mg) 3 days prior, again 2 days prior and then on the day of just take the Pico Salax first thing in the am and then again around 2pm. Maybe this would work for you also....Hope it helps and good luck

 

[wacko847]

Personally the pills have always put me in a world of pain. I use magnesium based laxatives. It's a liquid and you usually just have to drink one bottle. Goodluck

 

[Thermo]

I highly suggest getting some preparation H and drinking lots of water, you can stop taking the stimulants when you are passing pure liquid, the more liquid you drink the more it cleans you out.

 

[EmilyElizabeth]

Thanks for the advice! I found out that Miralax = Restoralax in Canada. Bumblebee, I'm surprised how early they are getting you to start the laxatives, I'm supposed to start mine the day before, then real early day of because my appointment is first thing in the morning. But I have to do the no fibre/reside diet couple days before then only liquid the day before. Anyway good luck to you as well! I'll be feeling your pain haha.

 

[Scaryman]

Just remember your allowed to drink plain water within your 24 hour scope. I used to go in dehydrated and the nurses would gripe at me for it, cause my skin was like leather and couldn't get a if line in me. That's just a pointer, I also used warm water enemas.

 

[ChefShazzy]

EmilyElizabeth; I've had the same prep as you. You take 2 Duloclax pills a few hours before you take the first sachet of Pico Salax. My doc even suggested having a bottle of magnesium citrate on hand in case things weren't clear on the morning of the procedure. (I really didn't need the magnesium citrate, but some might).