1. < Digestive Health

Failed prep for colonoscopy: What can I do?

Posted by robbinr @robbinr, Mar 21, 2016

I recently failed two preps for a colonoscopy, and I can't imagine putting myself through another attempted prep (stuff makes me hurl). Initially, prior to my 2nd failure to prepare, the PA put me on Raniditone - which is apparently just Zanactz - but now my heart burn is out of control!<br /> I wake every morning with a sinus-load of stomach acid. I already was taking emepresole (sp?) in the morning. This double-dose of anti-acids seems to be on its way to doing me in. BUT, if I don't take the Randitone - I get the original issue back, which is a horrible pinching pain in my side and massive diarrhea all day. I am at a loss.

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Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | May 23, 2018
In reply to @azcyclist2018 "hello @robbinr sorry to hear about your experience, but for me it is of interest that..." + (show)
@azcyclist2018

hello @robbinr
sorry to hear about your experience, but for me it is of interest that others have experienced the same thing as me. My first prep was PEG, 2 day prep period-nothing happened the first day...nothing. The second day was not much better, but had the procedure anyway. My "failed prep" sort of seemed as though it was my fault- that chastising thing reported by Colleen. Not a nice feeling to leave the center with that hanging over my head! No excuses; yes it does not taste like that latte supremo, but I am not in this for joy and grins- I want answers, and will do what it takes. The second prep was Supreprep (excuse the spelling please) and this was supposed to be the answer. Again, not so much worked, and failed prep, except this time the GI doc said OK to wait for a year and do it again. As I learned only too recently, if you do not advocate for yourself, nobody will! I said that result of the second procedure was totally unacceptable, and as cancer patient, I wanted answers. A few phone calls and I did get the reschedule. This prep was 7 days on low residue foods....not much eating there!, and then 2 full days on PEG again. Seems to be working now, and I will know in the morning (Tuesday) if it did in fact work. More details as I finish this round--but not too much of TMI-- take care,

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@azcyclist2018

I congratulate you on your amazing persistence! I have had 3 surgeries of the upper digestive tract so that makes the area that holds food and water smaller than what it used to be and I have found that the longer the time for the prep the better. Starting a couple of days on a primarily liquid/soft diet before the real prep begins is very helpful.

I look forward to hearing from you again with the results of this last prep. I hope you are able to complete the procedure to everyone's satisfaction.

Teresa

REPLY
azcyclist2018 | @azcyclist2018 | May 23, 2018
In reply to @azcyclist2018 "hello @robbinr sorry to hear about your experience, but for me it is of interest that..." + (show)
@azcyclist2018

hello @robbinr
sorry to hear about your experience, but for me it is of interest that others have experienced the same thing as me. My first prep was PEG, 2 day prep period-nothing happened the first day...nothing. The second day was not much better, but had the procedure anyway. My "failed prep" sort of seemed as though it was my fault- that chastising thing reported by Colleen. Not a nice feeling to leave the center with that hanging over my head! No excuses; yes it does not taste like that latte supremo, but I am not in this for joy and grins- I want answers, and will do what it takes. The second prep was Supreprep (excuse the spelling please) and this was supposed to be the answer. Again, not so much worked, and failed prep, except this time the GI doc said OK to wait for a year and do it again. As I learned only too recently, if you do not advocate for yourself, nobody will! I said that result of the second procedure was totally unacceptable, and as cancer patient, I wanted answers. A few phone calls and I did get the reschedule. This prep was 7 days on low residue foods....not much eating there!, and then 2 full days on PEG again. Seems to be working now, and I will know in the morning (Tuesday) if it did in fact work. More details as I finish this round--but not too much of TMI-- take care,

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Good morning,Teresa,

the prep was listed as "fair"- did not completely evacuate; enough was done though as he found a 6mm polyp and removed it. Doc said OK for 3 more years. My simple math suggests that a growth of 6mm in one year (previous colo was clear) would mean a potential for an 18mm growth in 3 years--assumes another polyp and equal growth rate for 3 years. That would be about 3/4" and that is too big for me!! I will be following with my primary next week- since the prep this time was only listed as "fair", and previous 2 colos (within the past month!) did not apparently show the 6mm growth, I have questions. The prep is annoying; the alternative seems unacceptable-this most recent 7 day prep and marginal result will put me in the research mode to find out what else can be done to be more certain. Hard to imagine that I am so unique with a significant colon resection and am the only one with prep challenges. I will stay in touch with this wonderful site, and share everything I learn!
to all, my best
Bill

REPLY
mpeters | @mpeters | May 23, 2018

I’m sorry you are going through this. I too had two failed preps. The doctor shamed me and on the third try, a nurse threatened me with canceling my colonoscopy if I didn’t do the prep correctly. This all happened at Mayo in Scottsdale. Fortunately my doctor st Mayo also had the same experience and he said that the term “failed prep” did not necessarily mean the patient was at fault. When I talked with the gastroenterologist he said the same thing. For my third try, he had me do an intensive prep. For the entire week I was to be on a low fiber diet. Two days before my procedure, I drank a small bottle that made me get up all night to use the bathroom. The next night I drank the large prep. I read on another site that it’s good to have it cold, by refrigeration, not ice. Also on another site it said to suck on a lemon or lime before drinking the prep. I have told many of my friends this and they say it really helped. The nurse practitioner who works for my doctor said I could drink one bottle of Ensure each of the two days before the colonoscopy. They must be the green apple flavor. I finally had a successful prep and because of my thirteen polyps (total) I need another colonoscopy in three years. I no longer live in dread of it because I have a plan. I hope this helps you, and if not, perhaps someone else can benefit.

REPLY
Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | May 23, 2018
In reply to @azcyclist2018 "hello @robbinr sorry to hear about your experience, but for me it is of interest that..." + (show)
@azcyclist2018

hello @robbinr
sorry to hear about your experience, but for me it is of interest that others have experienced the same thing as me. My first prep was PEG, 2 day prep period-nothing happened the first day...nothing. The second day was not much better, but had the procedure anyway. My "failed prep" sort of seemed as though it was my fault- that chastising thing reported by Colleen. Not a nice feeling to leave the center with that hanging over my head! No excuses; yes it does not taste like that latte supremo, but I am not in this for joy and grins- I want answers, and will do what it takes. The second prep was Supreprep (excuse the spelling please) and this was supposed to be the answer. Again, not so much worked, and failed prep, except this time the GI doc said OK to wait for a year and do it again. As I learned only too recently, if you do not advocate for yourself, nobody will! I said that result of the second procedure was totally unacceptable, and as cancer patient, I wanted answers. A few phone calls and I did get the reschedule. This prep was 7 days on low residue foods....not much eating there!, and then 2 full days on PEG again. Seems to be working now, and I will know in the morning (Tuesday) if it did in fact work. More details as I finish this round--but not too much of TMI-- take care,

Jump to this post

@azcyclist2018 Hello Bill,

Thanks for the follow up. I'm glad that it is over and that a polyp was removed. As you continue your research on good preps, keep us updated. We all dread the prep and would be glad to have more information.

Teresa

REPLY
suemer | @suemer | Aug 21, 2018
In reply to @azcyclist2018 "I had two failed preps for follow-up colonoscopies, as part of on going follow-up for colorectal..." + (show)
@azcyclist2018

I had two failed preps for follow-up colonoscopies, as part of on going follow-up for colorectal cancer (resection removed tumor, and now involved in extended follow-up). Followed the prep directions to the letter (PEG and one other); both failed and there was initial blame on me for not following directions. Believe me, since I did have a very large, malignant tumor removed, the LAST thing I would do is compromise the bowel prep process. Am set to have my 3rd colonoscopy in 24 hours, and am worried if this one also fails, what options are there for screening?
I am 67 yo, 165lbs, 5'11"; ride a bicycle at 120-150 miles per week at about 16-18 mph. I eat very healthy; was treated for GERD that eventually resulted in a subtotal gastrectomy with roun-y (?spelling?)--ie, stomach has been removed except for a small pouch about the size of a tangerine. What options are available to continue my follow up if this upcoming colonoscopy also fails?
Thank you.

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Ask for a virtual colonoscopy. My mom had it. that many in 24 hours has to deplete your body of sooo much! My Mom went through x-ray, MRI, and finally had to do the virtual colonoscopy to really get a good read on it.

REPLY
Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Aug 21, 2018
In reply to @azcyclist2018 "I had two failed preps for follow-up colonoscopies, as part of on going follow-up for colorectal..." + (show)
@azcyclist2018

I had two failed preps for follow-up colonoscopies, as part of on going follow-up for colorectal cancer (resection removed tumor, and now involved in extended follow-up). Followed the prep directions to the letter (PEG and one other); both failed and there was initial blame on me for not following directions. Believe me, since I did have a very large, malignant tumor removed, the LAST thing I would do is compromise the bowel prep process. Am set to have my 3rd colonoscopy in 24 hours, and am worried if this one also fails, what options are there for screening?
I am 67 yo, 165lbs, 5'11"; ride a bicycle at 120-150 miles per week at about 16-18 mph. I eat very healthy; was treated for GERD that eventually resulted in a subtotal gastrectomy with roun-y (?spelling?)--ie, stomach has been removed except for a small pouch about the size of a tangerine. What options are available to continue my follow up if this upcoming colonoscopy also fails?
Thank you.

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Sue, I'm glad you mention virtual colonoscopy as an option.

For anyone interested here's further information:
- Virtual colonoscopy https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/virtual-colonoscopy/about/pac-20385156
- Advantages and disadvantages https://www.mountsinai.on.ca/care/virtual-colonoscopy/advantages-and-disadvantages

REPLY
mjr | @mjr | Oct 7, 2019

good evening, I am a 58 yr old female and I have had colonoscopies every five years since I was 22yrs old, had IBS at that time and Polyps. I have had polyps every time so I repeat my colonoscopy at five year intervals.. I have tried so many preps and they make me so sick to my stomach that I have had to get something for nausea just to do a bowel prep..... Just 3 weeks ago I did HAPPY COLON FOODS prep kit and it had breakfast,lunch,dinner and 3 small snacks so I actually to go eat all day, wasn't a large amount , but more than enough to keep me from getting hungry or nauseated. I took a dose of this tasteless powder in a bottled water and a tablet, Every time I ate and had a snack. ALL of that was included in my kit for 45.00 plus tax and shipping. Very detailed instructions. I had no cramping, no nausea and no bloating. BEST ever, I would recommend this prep to anyone, especially people who have problems going without food, even a diabetic could to this prep. I see the GI doctor that invented this prep, Dr Jeff Scott in Oklahoma City, and I think his prep was a great invention and well past due for the GI community!!! They have a helpful website also. happycolonfoods.com I ordered kit online and got it in 2days.

REPLY
3 replies
meningone | @meningone | Oct 30, 2019

Hi. I'm 52 and had my 1st colonoscopy a couple wks ago due to 4 months of diarrhea and significant weight loss. Over the years I have normally had a lot of problems with terrible constipation, so having diarrhea was/is definately a new thing for me. When i went for my consult regarding the results he told me he couldn't finish the procedure without the risk of perforating my colon. He said I had the colon of an 80 year old. He didn't use any specific terms/conditions. He said something about it being stretched and loose and that it didn't get that way overnight. That I have had some type of IBS for a long time and I need to have a barium enema. I don't know what any of this means. I do know for the barium enema I have to go on a clear liquid diet for 2 days and that will be hard because I'm already down to 87 lbs and get weak and dizzy easy and also haave other chronic pain problems that flare with not enough rest and not eating right. But mostly I'd like to understand what he was telling me about my colon. Thanks.

REPLY
8 replies
oceanone | @oceanone | Oct 31, 2019
In reply to @meningone "Hi. I'm 52 and had my 1st colonoscopy a couple wks ago due to 4 months..." + (show)
@meningone

Hi. I'm 52 and had my 1st colonoscopy a couple wks ago due to 4 months of diarrhea and significant weight loss. Over the years I have normally had a lot of problems with terrible constipation, so having diarrhea was/is definately a new thing for me. When i went for my consult regarding the results he told me he couldn't finish the procedure without the risk of perforating my colon. He said I had the colon of an 80 year old. He didn't use any specific terms/conditions. He said something about it being stretched and loose and that it didn't get that way overnight. That I have had some type of IBS for a long time and I need to have a barium enema. I don't know what any of this means. I do know for the barium enema I have to go on a clear liquid diet for 2 days and that will be hard because I'm already down to 87 lbs and get weak and dizzy easy and also haave other chronic pain problems that flare with not enough rest and not eating right. But mostly I'd like to understand what he was telling me about my colon. Thanks.

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Too bad you did not say to him « sorry but I do not really understand what you are telling me would you mind to elaborate » may be next time you see him.. I can only assume that through years if being constipated you had to strain which damaged your colon which is why you are having problems especially if you have IBS on top. The diarrhea could be un-related caused by a bacterial infection.
Sometimes a barium enema helps but if you have a bug you might need antibiotics. Make sure they do not give you a dose to kill a horse which they often do.. at your weight it could damage you further plus you are already weak & the antibiotics side effects can be devastating! Stay away from Cipro & Amox. You do not need C-diff on top of your problems. May be you should see a Nutritionist who might help you to re-balance your intestinal flora. Good luck I truly sympathise with you having similar problems.

REPLY
2 replies
jackiem95 | @jackiem95 | Oct 31, 2019
In reply to @meningone "Hi. I'm 52 and had my 1st colonoscopy a couple wks ago due to 4 months..." + (show)
@meningone

Hi. I'm 52 and had my 1st colonoscopy a couple wks ago due to 4 months of diarrhea and significant weight loss. Over the years I have normally had a lot of problems with terrible constipation, so having diarrhea was/is definately a new thing for me. When i went for my consult regarding the results he told me he couldn't finish the procedure without the risk of perforating my colon. He said I had the colon of an 80 year old. He didn't use any specific terms/conditions. He said something about it being stretched and loose and that it didn't get that way overnight. That I have had some type of IBS for a long time and I need to have a barium enema. I don't know what any of this means. I do know for the barium enema I have to go on a clear liquid diet for 2 days and that will be hard because I'm already down to 87 lbs and get weak and dizzy easy and also haave other chronic pain problems that flare with not enough rest and not eating right. But mostly I'd like to understand what he was telling me about my colon. Thanks.

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Please see another gastroenterologist at a highly rated facility ASAP for another opinion. Tell them this is urgent and you need an appointment promptly. Have complete results if your previous tests and procedures sent to them before your appointment. Your condition sounds much too serious and complex to be waiting for input (even well meaning) from this forum or another round with your current doctor. Best of luck to you.

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