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Colonoscopy prep: Pills vs liquid prep?
I heard there is a pill to replace liquid prep for colonoscopy, Is this true?? I had rectal cancer back in 2010. Have not had a colonoscopy since 2014. HATE the liquid prep!
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@intuitive1
Good evening intuitive1,
I was diagnososed with colon cancer in 1999: no symptoms or signs until i found bllod in my stool. Went to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida and was admitted the following day. I completed the prep work for the colonoscopy and the following day I experienced my 1st colonoscopy. No problems with the procedure; paineless and quite interseting to me. I observed the entire process on the same screen the doctor was utilizing. Three day later I underwent surgery for stage 3 colorectal cancer; went through 3 weeks of chemo treatments then 3 weeks of radiation therapy. I ended up with a permanent colostomy, which initially I found challenging however, within 6 months of my operation I rode my motorcycle from Florida out to the Sturgis Bike rally, then up into Canada and back down through the states into Florida. I never looked back.
My wife and I still ride three wheel recumbent bikes about 100 miles per week, weather permitting. The cancer never returned. I was 54 years old in 1999 and now at 80, we still ride 100 plus miles per week. It is what it is. Talk with your Doctors and start your process; once cancer spreads the rest is unknown. Stay positive and share what your going through with your family and friends. A support system always, and in all ways, keeps you focused on tomorrow. And no one knows about tomorrow...so jump in to the rest of your life and don't look back.
Jofree
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1 Reaction@intuitive1 So good to hear from you. And am grateful you have a colonoscopy scheduled. I hadn't heard of a colorectal specialist before so did a Google search..on my. Lots and lots of training! Firstly, they have a medical degree (MD or DO), then a 5 yr residency in General Surgery followed by 1 yr specialized training fellowship in colon and rectal surgery focusing on lower tract GI diseases and then have to pass boards specific to Colon and Rectal surgery. Very impressive! Would be more specialized in colorectal diseases than a gastroenterologist who trains in all facets of GI diseases, upper and lower.
I was super scared about the prep I had too because I had to have a DOUBLE prep..meaning I had to repeat the prep a second day. I was sure my body wouldn't be able to do it, but it did (I am 72, faithful walker for 40 years, active too). The most important thing for me was to follow instructions faithfully for low fiber diet beforehand, stay well-hydrated with fluids (lots of water) starting about 2 days before the prep and all through the prep. I have a friend who did have some side effects from her prep BUT she did not hydrate enough beforehand or during. I did a bisacodyl/Miralax in Gatorade/mag stearate prep times 2. I did have some nausea with the first prep, but the second day not much. I was very constipated and believe that is where the nausea came from. My BMs have normalized now after the colonoscopy and are SO much better than they have been for years. What prep are you prescribed?
I know you were told you could never go back to Cologuard, but that isn't true. If this colonoscopy is negative (and by your symptomatology it could well be) you can return to Cologuard. I don't have to return for 3 years and only because there were some polyps (all negative though). Ultimately it is your body and your decision. I do hope you will keep the appt. As I said before, I do know it is scary. It took me 3 appts before I followed through. Mostly because my sister passed from colorectal cancer at 65 and I am a breast cancer survivor. So I sure sure it would be cancer. Thank God my fears were wrong, wrong, wrong. Praying for you!
@intuitive1 I didn't have any pain or discomfort with the prep, nothing worse than your Norovirus stomach flu...not even close to stomach flu really. Just nausea. But I had Sprite and mixed it with water...that kept me burping...and really nausea was because I was so constipated. On day two of the prep, I had no nausea because things were pretty "empty". When I had this prep 10 years ago, I had no nausea with it at all. I've never tried pills for a prep; it isn't offered at clinic where I go.
@nycmusic darn autocorrect…no a9 !
@intuitive1 lon time colonoscopy patient. 1st cancer 40 plus years ago and at least 1 colonoscopy since. I have never done the large quantity liquid prep. I've either done liquid merilax or in old days an 8 Oz bottle of lemon lime drink. Or metemusil tablets. I've had to have enema a few times but no big deal
If doctor won't talk alternative preps I'd find alternative doctor.
As for the procedure itself, with general anesthesia it's just a nice nap. You won't remember a thing and the current meds that they use to bring you back are much better than old days
If you're not happy with doc, ask to see someone else. It's your body and there are options But don't put it off for fears. Ask for a mild tranquilizer
In my opinion, horror stories of colonoscopy experience are all to gain attention by the teller. The alternative isn't worth the fear. I've had 45+ scopes and I'm cancer free.
I tried pills-they made me vomit, and instead sure-prep is my preference, I hated Gatorade.