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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jhil9 | @jhil9 | Dec 26, 2023
In reply to @riflemanz64 "I failed my last colonoscopy due to me drinking the gallon of prep in one sitting...." + (show)
@riflemanz64

I failed my last colonoscopy due to me drinking the gallon of prep in one sitting. I was told next time take miralax for 7 days before and then drink 1/2 gal at 5pm and the other 1/2 gal at 3am the day of the procedure. I hope it works.

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Fingers crossed for you on the next one!

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jhil9 | @jhil9 | Dec 26, 2023
In reply to @dcw "I failed my colonoscopy prep and ended up in the ER with violent shaking. I think..." + (show)
@dcw

I failed my colonoscopy prep and ended up in the ER with violent shaking. I think I was in shock from all the fluid. They told me to drink (over two days) TWO gallons of the Golytely and I think I was drowing from all the fluids. They stressed in the instructions to stay well hydrated with fruit juices while taking the 2 gallons of prep. Terrible experience. I am now waiting on results of a Colorguard.

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What an awful experience. I hope that if you ever have to go through a colonoscopy again it's easier for you.

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catherine1290 | @catherine1290 | Dec 27, 2023
In reply to @jhil9 "I have had 2 failed colonoscopy preps in a row. Looking for advice on what to..." + (show)
@jhil9

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.

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What an ordeal!!! There is a capsule that you swallow and it records pictures as it travels through your system. You retrieve it when it exits and turn it in. Ask for that!

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1 reply
mermaid7272 | @mermaid7272 | Dec 27, 2023
In reply to @dcw "I failed my colonoscopy prep and ended up in the ER with violent shaking. I think..." + (show)
@dcw

I failed my colonoscopy prep and ended up in the ER with violent shaking. I think I was in shock from all the fluid. They told me to drink (over two days) TWO gallons of the Golytely and I think I was drowing from all the fluids. They stressed in the instructions to stay well hydrated with fruit juices while taking the 2 gallons of prep. Terrible experience. I am now waiting on results of a Colorguard.

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Oh my! What an experience.
You know, with all the advances in medicine, one would expect an easy (on the patient) procedure for colonoscopy prep.

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bjmullins | @bjmullins | Dec 28, 2023

There is a pill prep called Sutab... 12 pills the day before and 12 pills the day of. Just drink lots of water... no nasty tasting prep with this one and it worked so well with the first 12 pills I didn't have to take the second half.

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1 reply
rozy288 | @rozy288 | Dec 28, 2023
In reply to @catherine1290 "What an ordeal!!! There is a capsule that you swallow and it records pictures as it..." + (show)
@catherine1290

What an ordeal!!! There is a capsule that you swallow and it records pictures as it travels through your system. You retrieve it when it exits and turn it in. Ask for that!

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That’s a pill endoscopy or pill cam .
Yes maybe can ask for that , not sure it will see as much as colonoscopy and they can’t biopsy anything suspicious w/ that .

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1 reply
suetex | @suetex | Dec 28, 2023
In reply to @rozy288 "That’s a pill endoscopy or pill cam . Yes maybe can ask for that , not..." + (show)
@rozy288

That’s a pill endoscopy or pill cam .
Yes maybe can ask for that , not sure it will see as much as colonoscopy and they can’t biopsy anything suspicious w/ that .

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They also won't use it if you have Crohn's in case it gets stuck and they have to operate. They try to limit gut operations if you have Crohn's.

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1 reply
catherine1290 | @catherine1290 | Dec 28, 2023
In reply to @suetex "They also won't use it if you have Crohn's in case it gets stuck and they..." + (show)
@suetex

They also won't use it if you have Crohn's in case it gets stuck and they have to operate. They try to limit gut operations if you have Crohn's.

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I have Crohn's and they offered it to me. I have also had two "gut" operations. One to repair fistula caused by Crohn's and the other to reverse an ileostomy.

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2 replies
suetex | @suetex | Dec 28, 2023

I've only had one operation. And not any of the complications you describe. My condolences. It was the PA that told me that. Who knows how universal it is.

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verol65 | @verol65 | Dec 29, 2023
In reply to @catherine1290 "I have Crohn's and they offered it to me. I have also had two "gut" operations...." + (show)
@catherine1290

I have Crohn's and they offered it to me. I have also had two "gut" operations. One to repair fistula caused by Crohn's and the other to reverse an ileostomy.

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@catherine1290 May I ask where you had your fistula? How was your recovery from the surgery? I am to have a rectum resection because of a new polyp and a rectovaginal fistula due to radiotherapy. I have many questions about the postop.

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