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Failed prep for colonoscopy: What can I do?
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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I know. I wish I woud have asked him to explain better. Usually they send a detaied summary in my online MyChart that I can read and understand better. But there is no notes or after visit summary for my colonostomy nor after the consult. I've had bowel issues since I was a little girl and we've done diet changes, pills, powders, on & on. It's just something I have learned to live with. But by never having a colonostomy or seeing a gastroentologist, the things he is telling me I don't understand. Up to now, I've just been told, your bloodwork is fine, there's nothing to be concerned about. Take Miralax and Colace when constipated and a probiotic may help, you'll just have to try and see. Take anti-diarrheaheal when you have diarrhea. Soooo, that's what I've been doing.Til now.
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3 ReactionsWe live in a very small rural area that doesn't really have any high rated facilities. I don't know if my insurance would let me switch Dr.s/facilities or not? I could check. But he didn't say anything about this being an urgent or serious matter. He just said he could only get the scope a tiny way into my colon because it was "like a colon of an 80 yr old". I just don't know what he means by that. I know he wants to see all my colon to make sure there's no cancer but a barium enema only shows the very lower portion of the colon anyway from what I have read. I'm not even sure any of this is necessary? I realize colonostomys are important, but I don't want to go through 2 days w/o eating at my unhealthy weight loss and go through being awake through a very uncomfortable procedure if there is no reason for it. I don't know what to think or do.
Oh, by the way. The barium enema is in the hospital. I have to go on a liquid diet for 2 days. They then put barium into my colon through my rectum and take a bunch of xrays to try to see my colon better. I think they also try to insert a smaller, thinner scope to see as far as they can.
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1 Reaction@meningone - I agree with @jackiem95 You should see a gastroenterologist at a major hospital or university hospital where they see many more patients with complicated intestinal illness than in a smaller town. I understand it will be difficult to get to such a hospital, but this might be the time you have to do that. Most insurances cover second opinions. There are other ways to examine your colon, such as capsule colonoscopy. I had that once. You swallow a capsule with a tiny camera that can see inside the colon. However, doctors at these major hospitals also have more experience performing difficult colonoscopies. You need a diagnosis now.
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3 ReactionsPlease understand that I'm not trying to be negative towards any of your responses. I'm just still having a hard time understanding why this is suddenly important. I've lived with stomache issues and pain most all my life and I don't know why it's suddenly turned to something "serious". Well, the Dr. didn't say it was anything serious.He just wants a complete colonostomy.I think? I'm just trying to figure out what a "colon of an 80 yr old" means to help me mke a decision if I should even go through with this barium procedure, seek another procedure, or just wait and try to get my bowels moving normally and maybe try for another colonoscopy in a few months. If I could understand what he was saying about my bowels, I could make a more informed decision. I honestly appreciate your responses soooooo much. Please continue to respond as you feel led, but I'm still just as confused as before. LOL! I'm so sorry. I guess it's because I've never been to a gastro Dr. and know nothing about any of this. I've always been told there was nothing wrong with me when I sought help for my bowel issues and pain.
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3 Reactions@meningone - I understand that this new GI problem is overwhelming. I don’t mean to push you to make decisions- I just get passionate! All of us here in this group have gone through many different ordeals with our GI tract and like you have not always understood what’s happening.
I think I can try to explain what the doctor means by saying you have a colon of an 80 year old. You say that you have had severe constipation most of your life. When that happens the colon stretches more and more- like a pantyhose. It will also affect the ability to contract and move the stool forward. That is probably why the doctor talks about doing a colostomy- you would have a colostomy bag where the stool from small intestine empties. The colon would not have any function.
It would be good for you to have him or a nurse explain your problem in detail.
We are always here to listen!
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2 ReactionsThank you all for your replies. I had to go to the town today where my colonoscopy ws performed. (An hour away & it's a small hospital, we don't have a hospital in my county). Anyway, I stopped by the Dr.'s office hoping he might be available. He wasn't but his nurse was. She said he was able to get part way up my colon but couldn't get around the loop at the top because it was so stretched. She explained I had severe diverticulosis. That it's a common condition but the advancement of mine is usually only seen in the elderly, typically around 80 yrs old. There were lots of inflammed protruding pockets. He just wants to be able to see my whole colon to be sure there are no other problems. So, that's the better explination I received. And I spelled colonoscopy wrong in an earlier paragraph. I said colostomy and didn't mean to. No, he doesn't want o do that. As far as we know there's nothing serious wrong with me. Just can't complete the procedure and I couldn't understand why. As for the pain, I've always had it and as far as I know there's nothing that can be done for it. I've just learned to live with it. It comes and goes to a certain extent.
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6 Reactions@meningone is it possible that the recent diarrhea could be from something you are eating? I suddenly started having diarrhea almost daily after I started a new medication. I thought the diarrhea was strictly from the medication but after quite a while I started to notice that it was worse when I had foods containing lactose - it took me about two years to add this up! I stopped eating those foods and the constipation went away! I still think the medication had some involvement in my case, that it triggered the lactose intolerance but I have read that as people age many, maybe even most, develop lactose intolerance. It’s just a thought, but could be worth eliminating those foods to check on that. I had been having yogurt most mornings, goat cheese on a salad for lunch, plus lactose in other foods.
JK
@meningone - That’s great that you got some answers. It makes more sense now. Get well wishes!
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1 ReactionSince the 80 year old colon is difficult (I'm 82) and you are on My Chart that usually means your clinic hospital is using Epic for medical records..Ayo is on Epic.. you should be able to go to Mayo Emergency to get help.. I t is always better to get a referral from your local doc, but at your weight, you are walking a fine edge with little room for error.. good luck
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