Colonoscopy and Endoscopy: Preparation

Thank you so much for the info! I haven’t even met the doctor who’s going to do my colonoscopy because when I went to the clinic I met with a nurse practitioner. It bothers me that there are doctors who don’t believe in SIBO because there’s information about it on the National Institutes of Health website. I wouldn’t be surprised if you did get it from taking Cipro. I hope I don’t have diverticulitis because the doctor will probably prescribe an antibiotic and I’m not going to take one because I’m allergic to almost all of them and I agree that they mess up your gut biome something terrible. I’m on a very limited diet due to multiple allergies and the inability to digest lots of things after they removed my gallbladder. I’m kind of on a FODMAP diet, but not 100%. I eat very healthy though. I’ve been a vegetarian for almost 60 years. And now I’m allergic to dairy, wheat, eggs, and soy, so I’m kind of vegan, although I did add some salmon and sardines into my diet (when I’m able to digest them) because I need the protein. Anyway, thank you so much for the info. I remember taking charcoal pills when I was a teenager – probably for IBS. I don’t remember that they helped me, but that’s a thought. My best to you as well! It’s sure no fun to have your stomach hurt all the time and to not be able to eat. Kind of important! You take care.

I forgot to thank you for reminding me that they wouldn’t be able to do a biopsy with a virtual colonoscopy. I’m hoping that they do one. I think that’s important. Thanks again.

I agree. Miralax with Gatorade is the way to go. I have to have one every 2 years due to UC. But no one knows how to calm my IBS. Wish I could afford a chiropractor. Can't take the pain!

I highly recommend Sutab. Pills are easy to take, rather than the disgusting liquid, and they proved more effective for me. I had 2 colonoscopies at age 80 using Surab.

@robertatheriveter in Canada doctors expect their patients to use the prep they prescribe. A lot of them still want their patients to use the ghastly gallon stuff! I have been fortunate that my doctors have been okay with Pico Salax, which is the lesser of the two evils for me!

In any case, I don’t think Sutabs are available here anyway … but if available, probably pricey and not covered under our government health plan.

Hi, @rashida - this is not a new publication at all, but what was studied and its findings may still be useful:

- A blinded clinical trial comparing conventional cleansing enema, pico-salax and golytely for barium enema bowel preparation https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0009926096801371

That is a new name Pico-Salax and apparently not FDA approved in USA. Anyone know why not?

@lisalucier What I like about Pico Salax is that you need to take each sachet dissolved in just a half cup of water (it has to be room temperature, otherwise the solution heats up in cold water) twice later in the day, and during the rest of the day you can drink clear fluids of your choice, instead of choking down a gallon of ghastly prep.

@kathy49 here is some info on Pico Salax.
https://well.ca/products/pico-salax-bowel-prep-medication_105987.html