Colonscopy prep question- does this sound right to you?

Question

Okay, so I have to have a colonoscopy (my 1st) at 7am tomorrow. I had to drink the Golytely, but got down barely half of the gallon. I just couldn't do it anymore. I tried, but I was getting sick on it.

I called the Dr.'s office and they put me through to a nurse who conferred w/him. She got back on the line and said "Take 3 Dulcolax and he says you'll be fine".

Well, I just did that...took a heck of a chance going that far away from the bathroom, but fortunately made it home okay.

Does this sound right to you, though? 3 little, tiny over-the-counter pills to replace half of the gallon of Golytely?

I'm scared that once I'm on the table, he'll have a hard time with the scope, because I couldn't drink the gallon, and I'll have to do this all over again.

Answer 1

I wish I had it that easy when I had mine done. I had to fast and  take this liquid c**p 3 times. My hemrhoids were bigger than me. It does sound a little strange if taking dulcolax is good enough, why do they put you through the torture, unless they are sadists.

Answer 2

There are many ways to do a bowel prep.  Combining certain techniques help instead of just using one technique.

You could find out if you could use a Fleets Phospho-Soda or Mag Citrate... but I'm guessing it is too late in the afternoon to call back. Plus it might be contraindicated if you have taken half the golytely.

Did the doc tell you if he wanted you to do an e***a in the morning before you go? or to do one tonight and in the morning? Only do this if he told you to do it in your prep sheet.

If you can't drink the whole golytely container, then concentrate on clear liquids for now. Make sure that there is nothing of substance in your liquids like pulp in OJ or pureed something inside of your liquids. This will give the doc a difficult time during the procedure.

For the most part, as long as there isn't any large pieces or chunks that inhibit his view he should be able to see everything. There is an attachment at the end of the hose he can use to spray a little bit of liquid around to remove or move debris that might remain in the areas he is looking at.

You should be ok for now. You will find out after the procedure tomorrow if there were any difficulties.

Good luck, drink water.

Answer 3

It is not uncommon for people to not tolerate drinking Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) and have the doctor have to switch you to finish the clean out.  Keep on the clear liquids.  You can have soft drinks (no colas), gatorade, sports drinks, jell-o, chicken bullion.  Nothing red or anything with pulp.  

That said when you go there tomorrow before the sedate you.  Tell them not to use Versed (it has side effects).  Also ask the doctor what freebies the rep gives them to prescribe such a disgusting bowel preparation knowing it has the poorest acceptance of any prep out there.  When the doctor asks who told you this just say "Pog Ma Thoin" (pronounced pog ma hon) if they're Gaelic, they'll understand perfectly and you might get a special treat.

If you have a decent pain tolerance level, you could opt for no sedation which is increasing in popularity for many good health reasons.  But, if your scared, do what's best for you.