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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I haven’t heard of water exchange colonoscopy. What is that? I had a poor prep despite eating low residue food for five days with Miralax every night. Also I fasted for two days before, drinking magnesium citrate prep two nights before and Golytely the night before.

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Hello,
I can’t drink the prep mix, so my GI Dr gave me the pills to take. My prep with these pills were so much better. Contact your Dr about these pills

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Are you talking about the 12-pills the day before and 12-pills the day of?

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Profile picture for bjmullins @bjmullins

Are you talking about the 12-pills the day before and 12-pills the day of?

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Yes the 12 pills

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Profile picture for rcairjam @rcairjam

Hello,
I can’t drink the prep mix, so my GI Dr gave me the pills to take. My prep with these pills were so much better. Contact your Dr about these pills

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What are the name of the pills 💊?
How do you take them , /still liquid diet day before ?

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Profile picture for rozy288 @rozy288

What are the name of the pills 💊?
How do you take them , /still liquid diet day before ?

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I think the name is Sutab prep
https://sutab.com/HowtoPrep

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Profile picture for rcairjam @rcairjam

Yes the 12 pills

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Good. Really glad to know it works... I could not swallow another liquid prep again... thank you

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Your very welcome, I hope everything works well for you.

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Profile picture for oceanone @oceanone

I have all your problems & I totally understand your situation. I had serious issues with diverticulitis Every time I had an attack I had to have a scan & go on antibiotics which almost killed me. i lost 25 pounds. So I had a colon resection. They removed the part of my colon which was the most diseased & re-attached it. I do not have a bag & I am doing quite well with the right diet which is why I suggested to you to see a Nutritionniste. You need fiber in your diet but just the right amount
When our colon gets inflamed can be because we react to certain food or even because of stress it causes scar tissue which means your colon can be narrowed in certain places; it is called a stricture or stenosis. Which is why your doctor cannot pass with a scope even a small pediatric scope (child scope) By the way my gastro wanted me to do a short colonoscopy (rectal only) to assess my situation & because my colon is narrowed like yours I got in trouble with the prep...it could not go down.. so I started to vomit it ended up with a partial blockage in agony at the ER! They had to in-tube me to get the prep out! A barium enema or hydro soluble enema where the put a contrast in your rectum & take pictures has helped me.
Try to avoid a full colonoscopy prep just eat very lightly 3 days prior the procedure & use 2 fleet enemas the 2 days prior your barium enema.
1 at night & 1 in the morning. Best of luck 🍀🍀🍀 keep us posted.

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How did the barium enema help you? What did it show and what was it used for?

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Profile picture for JVS @lacy2

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.

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Did they suggest a barium enema instead of the ct colonoscopy?

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