Colonoscopy prep: make it easier

Regarding the suggestion to use a straw, I add this:

I found it much better to place the straw opening as far to the rear of your mouth as possible. I could gulp the maximum amount at one time that way. This may work for you, too.

In two weeks I'm scheduled for my first colonoscopy at age 70 - strictly routine. And, I'm scared to death. I live alone and am worried about dealing with this by myself. A friend is coming over to keep me company for a few hours - has anyone else endured the prep alone? and what was your experience? Including sleeping (or trying to) the night before the procedure. Not sure I'll be able to sleep a wink worrying, unless I can find someone to sleep on an air mattress. . . or maybe I'll do that and let them have my bed - and put the air mattress outside my second bathroom door. Of course there's always 911 in a true emergency! Thanks

Hello @berekann

I certainly understand your concern about the colonoscopy prep, and it sounds like you want to make the procedure safer. You mention that you fear being alone.

What is it that you fear the most about being alone while you do the prep?

@hopeful33250 Becoming weak and not being able to leave the bathroom to get more drink, or get back to the bathroom in time; getting ill from the drink. And, not being able to sleep worrying that something could go wrong.

@berekann I’m 78, and due to family history, I’ve had colonoscopies every five years since I was 45. Even though my husband is in the house, I would prefer being to5ally left alone. It’s no walk in the park, but it’s mostly just needing o stay near your bathroom. You should be timed, so that you are able to sleep. The friend is most important to drive you. And, the procedure itself, well, it is a walk in the park. (One friend even told me recently that she loves the nap.) I have memory lapse for about an hour after, during which I’m told I’m quite hilarious. Best thing you can do for yourself - well, almost.

Ann, you will do fine. I have had three colonoscopies, and I am almost your age. The prep as you may have figured is the worst. The solutions taste salty and awful, and the patient has to drink large quantities. Some taste better than others, and Medicare doesn’t pay for the preferable prep solution. Whatever instructions your doctor has given you, follow them strictly. You only want to go through this once. If you are not cleaned out completely, the procedure is canceled. The doctor needs to be looking at a completely empty colon.

Basically, you will be confined to the bathroom or within a quick several feet away. Your entire system will be flushed out. It’s highly desirable that you rinse your bottom with water after every bathroom experience. This will save your skin which may take a beating. I should add that after your first or second bathroom trip, you will be passing liquids—not solid poops. Great a great experience, but you know the preps are working.

Have some magazines on hand to read in the bathroom. You probably will not get a lot of quality sleep that night. However, the MD will give you sedation, and you will not recall anything about the experience. Many people come out of that feeling like they had a great night’s sleep.

You mentioned you live alone, but I assume you have someone bringing you to the place where the procedure will be done. Many medical centers insist that someone be waiting for you, so you can be discharged to them.

As long as you have an experienced, Board-certified physician who does a large volume of these procedures, you are in good hands. Let us know how it went for you, OK?

@shorts thanks for the encouraging words. My prep seems pretty intense with six Dulcolax two bottles of MiraLAX and three bottles of Gatorade, I’m going to give it my best shot. One normal serving of MiraLAX and two Dulcolax gives me plenty diarrhea so it will be interesting.

@barbaradh thank you! I’m sure I can survive 12 hours of a liquid diet and pooping everything out. And no, I probably won’t get a lot of sleep, but I guess the day after I won’t be doing much anyway. And yes, I do have someone to drive me and I will let you know how it goes. Thank you again.

@berekann
Make sure you stay hydrated with extra water and clear juices. Seems counterintuitive, but important. You’ll be losing the liquid they’ve prescribed for you. I’ve only used the pills with the gallon of GoLytely prep, so don’t know about the difference. If you are wondering about anything, call your gastroenterologist’s office and ask to speak with their nurse. Ask the nurse anything you want to know, and tell them your concerns. The prep is pretty icky, but they need you squeaky clean.

Am sure you are going to do fine. Unless you have some underlying health issue, you won't be "weak". You can drink clear liquids like ginger ale or sprite (has sugar to keep you from feeling weak, etc if you are worried about that). Lemonade without pulp is ok too... chicken broth...