@jeffq and all...Hello, my friend. I've been through multiple colonoscopy preps and 2 in 2023 with Mayo Clinic gastroenterology doctors. I have a strong suggestion: Call today the Mayo Clinic and ask to speak with your gastro doctor's staff. His medical staff will give you very specific directions that they prefer for your type of preparation. They don't always direct you to do the way the prep directs on the box. So, I found it helpful, almost required, to contact the office directly for help.

They are very helpful and willing to take time with you to give you specific directions. I couldn't have accomplished this without their direct help. They know your situation, and your physical issues and will address those as they help with prep. Make the call!

I will say I had difficulty with the last 2 colonoscopies due to poor prep. I have several issues that affect this prep process and keep me from getting the results the doctor needs for a good procedure. Until someone does the research and comes up with a different preparation process, I will not have another colonoscopy. The last one was very difficult for me with 3 days of clear liquids, and several days prior taking Milk of Magnesia, which is a wonderful help for me!!! I had 2 days/nights of 2 boxes of prep solution and was in a weakened, dehydrated condition with pulmonary issues and heart concerns as I walked into the procedure.

I'm now 76 years old. I began having colonoscopies in my 50s and had them every 6 months for several years due to the number of fast-growing polyps removed. I've had one annually for several years and now, at Mayo, need one every year. I will simply opt out of them from now on due to my age and the difficulty with the prep. I have serious fluid retention, and heart failure problems and my body doesn't handle the additional fluids well. The prep isn't productive, I retain fluid and become dehydrated all at the same time and it's extremely difficult for my body. It took me months to recover well from the last procedure.

This shouldn't be a consideration for you or most folks. I highly support the procedures and have never before found such problems with prep. I had no issues for years and believe they saved me from serious colon problems. Be proactive with this care...but in my case, I'm through unless someone finds a better prep for my circumstances.

Wishing you well on your procedure.
Blessings, Elizabeth