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Any tips for colonoscopy prep with a colostomy?
I got a colostomy in mid Feb 23 and have my first followup colonoscopy in mid February. Anyone have tips for doing the prep when I only have 1/2 a colon left? Will I need to drink the whole prep? Best way to handle the output? My stoma placement will make it rather messy with a large rapid output to just let it run through the bag into the toilet.
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I'm going to have a colonoscopy on Feb. 8th. I am going to use one or more of my disposal bags to tape on my stoma. That way I won't have accidents getting to the bathroom. I take 1/2 of the prep the night before and the 2nd half in the morning. That way if the colonoscopy is a success, I will have the surgery that next day as I will be already clean for the surgery. My doctor's office suggested that route.
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1 ReactionHi @pilottd, you're asking great questions. I hope you saw the helpful response from @ams as well. Did you have a chance to ask these same questions of your ostomy nurse?
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3 ReactionsHi Colleen, thanks for following up! I always do the split prep, have done 10 - 12 preps before, just none with a stoma. It's the how do I not make a mess in the bathroom or get a backache bent over the toilet that I was looking for suggestions. My stoma placement and toilet shape make for not a great pair to have stuff just run through the bag into the toilet while seated without splashing all over everything or getting a backache standing over the toilet to prevent splashing. I'm thinking I might just buy a short pvc pipe and put the end of the bag into that and let that flow into the toilet. I don't have an ostomy nurse at this point in time, will supposedly get a referral to a place after the colonoscopy, otherwise I have to do an office visit before getting the referral and that seems like a waste of resources/time.
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2 ReactionsDefinitely seek the advice of your gastroenterologist.
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3 ReactionsFunny you mention the PVC piping; I just made a drawing of basically that for my boyfriend for his upcoming procedure.
But instead of PVC, I was thinking of using a small portion of (flat) 2” diameter rubber tubing which is normally used for draining the jacuzxi or backwashing a pool filter.
Then prior to drinking the Koolaid, insert the bag end into the tubing as much as possible and tape well. Place tubing in toilet and tape to edge.
Before attaching yourself like a balloon to the toilette, find a favorite book and a comfortable chair and WAH-LAH (viola)!
Or for mobility, just attach a bucket with an airtight lid around the neck (ooh-la-la…, the bouquet), and then create a small slit in the lid in which to insert the bottom half of the bag. 😳🤔😬
Good luck!