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Colonoscopy prep: Pills vs liquid prep?
Colorectal Cancer | Last Active: Jan 18 6:57am | Replies (33)Comment receiving replies
I recently had an "abnormal" Cologuard result and will have to undergo colonoscopy. I've had 4 before and had no problem with the MiraLax/Gatorade/Bisacodyl prep, but this GE team is prescribing 2 liters of GoLytely plus Dulcolax x 3 times, starting 2 days before, 1 day before and day of, for total of 6 liters. Is that much laxative safe? How bad is GoLytely?
Replies to "I recently had an "abnormal" Cologuard result and will have to undergo colonoscopy. I've had 4..."
@luhn I’m there now. A lot worried. A little hopeful. 2 previous Colorguard tests three years apart (2018, 2021). Had another in December and got a positive result, unfortunately. I’m 65, healthy, walk 5 miles a day but just scheduled my first ever colonoscopy for two weeks from today (1/28/26). Reading about the prep scares the almost literal crap out of me, which is why I’ve avoided having a colonoscopy up to this point (plus no history in my family)…
I’m fretting over the prep with all the serious possible side effects. Considering canceling having it done altogether… I just don’t know what to do. Colorguard’s false positivity rate is only 13%, which is not encouraging. I feel good, I feel the same as I’ve always felt. I’m youthful , busy, keep up with six grandchildren, walk 5 miles a day as I earlier stated, I have no symptoms of any kind from abdominal pain/bleeding/NOTHING. I really think that positive result was a FALSE positive. But now I’m told I will never have a colorguard test again and will always have to have colonoscopies. I’ve never feared the colonoscopy itself. I just don’t think I can handle the prep. And honestly, the pain and discomfort, side effects, of the prep truly frighten me. Like a phobia.
Wondering if I should contact Dr office & ask for pills instead. Not even sure they would consider it. Was my first visit ever to this dr 2 weeks ago (referral from my MD) and honestly the Dr was “nice” but firm. I don’t think they’re very likely to be “soft” about my attitude.
Also what is your opinion about the fact that I have a Colorectal specialist doing the colonoscopy versus a gastroenterologist? I always thought gastroenterologists performed colonoscopies but I was referred to a colorectal specialist by my doctor because of different bowel movement symptoms the previous several months. Here’s some TMI, for 64 years I pooped once or twice a week, but this past year I’ve pooped daily so with that change, my doctor referred me to the colorectal specialist. That’s all. No other pain, bleeding, etc. Last June my doctor said I was six months away from my next colorguard test. but in December due to some vomiting and diarrhea, Norovirus (24-hr stomach flu), she decided to send me the colorguard test and get it done sooner. Then…the positive result. UGHHH
I’ll take anyone’s comments/remarks/helpful hints/advice.
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It is safe but I won't sugar coat it. The taste is horrible. Definitely use ice. Get it as cold as possible and if you can drink it fast. We are not all the same but I had a hard time keeping it down. Best of luck.