Must i finish the prescribed colon cleansing medication for a colonoscopy if the stool is clear?

Question

i am going in for a colonoscopy tomorrow and have been told to drink 2 liters of medication to clear the colon

however I am finding it really hard to drink and keep gagging on it I have taken half the solution and my stool is clear (due to the fact that Iv been having running diarrhea for 3 weeks..so the solution didnt really have to do much to clear my bowels

Answer 1

I understand what you mean by gagging - that prep drink is horrible.  When I did it I managed to get down the majority of the drink before it started just rolling back up my throat and into the sink.  I had only about 1-2 inches of prep drink left in the container before I just gave up since I couldn't keep it down.  I was passing light brown fluid per r****m and was told at the hospital that was ok for the colonoscopy.  A friend of mine didn't get that much prep drink down but hospital staff told her most people aren't able to finish the entire dose of the stuff (and that they don't expect them to!).  If your gut is empty, you should be fine.

They do have a prep of pills now apparently; I'll certainly ask for that next time I need my colon empty.

Good luck with your test.

Answer 2

Call and tell them you are having problems.  If they won't, cancel the colonoscopy and find another doctor.  When they ask why say it's because you wouldn't listen.

I refuse to do the prep with any PEG product.  You are basically drinking anti-freeze.  For the future, remember you have prep choices.  If your doctor says you don't, show them you do by saying "YES, I DO!".  The best answer to a doctor is "that is NOT acceptable" and then just shut up and wait for them to speak.  The doctor WILL provide an alternative.  If I didn't like that I responded "next choice?"  

Unless you have kidney problems, the Fleet Phospho Soda is a much more palatable choice because you can chug it fast (straight) and chase it with other clear liquids (though they don't tell you that will work).  If you do the phospho soda, you MUST drink LOTS of clear liquids (sprite, gatorade, etc) to keep your kindneys healthy.  

Answer 3

Interesting question, I would like to know the answer as well. I would call your Dr.  It would seem to me if you have had the runs for the past few weeks there probably isn't that much to cleanse.