Failed prep for colonoscopy: What can I do?

So I opted for a colonoscopy after declining one in 2018 after c,diff .... doctor last week referred me to surgeon and to cut long story short, because of narrow angle glaucoma (I had iridotomy 2020 but its still risky) I am concerned about the anaesthetic . After brief phone discussion with surgeon who I have not met ... he suggested CT COLONOGRAPHY? It sounded too good to be true and from what I have now read, it is very painful and awake through whole procedure.. even have nurses etc. with you to encourage you to get through it.

So my delima: Have the colonoscopy with some type of anaesthetic and risk problems with eye pressure (also bowel perforation can happen) or have the virtual colonography CT scan.. (and bowel perforation can still happen with this).

I feel between a rock and a hard place as have other illnesses and feel so poorly most of the time it will even be a challenge to get through the prep.

Its my choice whether or not to have either test, and I am leaning towards not having either - I dont think I can even get through the prep. Had radiation damage to pelivis 1985, ibs-d or ? since, , a little bit of diverticulitis or ?, then 2018 too many antibiotics and c.dff and since that ended fecal incontinence every day since except when take Imodium.. b.m.'s are paste no matter what I eat.

I have been through colonoscopy before 2008 but since then have been diagnosed with narrow angle gluacoma, neuropathy, internal shaking, and tinitus, ear pain, ear fullness - no cure and a dash of anxiety and depression and feel ill every single day. Also there are true articles on Internet of people having "got" glaucoma after anasthetic or glaucoma worsened; its scary!!! ... on the other hand the procedure for virutual CT scan colonography sounds like toruture and reviews by people who have had it are on Internet.... some people screaming in pain and suffering hours after etc. etc.

Is there a third choice? MRI Ultrasound X-ray of belly? Jump off a roof?

As a gneral question, WHY is it that we as patients seem to be doing all the groundwork and research for possible reactions to surgeries and medications? What happebned to the days when the doctors and surgeons got your history and current meds and health, and "they" came up with a solution?

Hurriedly written as not sure anyone will read but desperate and tomorrow have to decide. At 77 and what I have been through (I know its been much worse for many others)... I am terrified.

I have had 2 failed colonoscopy preps in a row. Looking for advice on what to do next. First round was 3 days low fiber, clear liquids only the day before procedure, and split dose Suprep. Second round was 1 week low fiber, clear liquids 2 days before procedure, Miralax+Ducolax followed by Suprep split dose. They seem unsure of what to try next and blaming it on chronic constipation. I feel I need to advocate for myself just not sure what the next step should be.

Hello @jhil9 and welcome to the Digestive Health support group on Mayo Connect. I understand how frustrating it can be to fail a colonoscopy prep. The same has happened to me and other members of Connect. I have requested that your post be moved to an existing discussion on failed colonoscopy preps. There you will meet others who have had the same experience.

I hope that this discussion group will be of help as you read about the experiences of others. Feel free to ask questions in this discussion. You are definitely not alone in this!

I have had 2 failed colonoscopy preps in a row. Looking for advice on what to do next. First round was 3 days low fiber, clear liquids only the day before procedure, and split dose Suprep. Second round was 1 week low fiber, clear liquids 2 days before procedure, Miralax+Ducolax followed by Suprep split dose. They seem unsure of what to try next and blaming it on chronic constipation. I feel I need to advocate for myself just not sure what the next step should be.

I have had 2 failed colonoscopy preps in a row. Looking for advice on what to do next. First round was 3 days low fiber, clear liquids only the day before procedure, and split dose Suprep. Second round was 1 week low fiber, clear liquids 2 days before procedure, Miralax+Ducolax followed by Suprep split dose. They seem unsure of what to try next and blaming it on chronic constipation. I feel I need to advocate for myself just not sure what the next step should be.

I have had three “ poor preps”. My newest instructions are for low residue diet and a capful of Miralax each night for seven days. Then the day before, Golytely am and pm. Day of, I’m to drink half of the Golytely. If this doesn’t do the job, then I don’t think it can be done, I feel like the doctors are all about blaming it on me. My last prep was almost as hard as this one is going to be.

I have had 2 failed colonoscopy preps in a row. Looking for advice on what to do next. First round was 3 days low fiber, clear liquids only the day before procedure, and split dose Suprep. Second round was 1 week low fiber, clear liquids 2 days before procedure, Miralax+Ducolax followed by Suprep split dose. They seem unsure of what to try next and blaming it on chronic constipation. I feel I need to advocate for myself just not sure what the next step should be.

I have had three “ poor preps”. My newest instructions are for low residue diet and a capful of Miralax each night for seven days. Then the day before, Golytely am and pm. Day of, I’m to drink half of the Golytely. If this doesn’t do the job, then I don’t think it can be done, I feel like the doctors are all about blaming it on me. My last prep was almost as hard as this one is going to be.

My preps consist of 4 Dulcolax tabs followed by whole 8oz bottle of Miralax dissolved in 64 oz of Gatorade. Works every time. My husband on the other hand did not have any results until we were on our way back home after they cancelled the colonoscopy. Do you have any results after your prep?