Colonscopy Prep--Fun, fun!
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Colonscopy Prep--Fun, fun!
| Thu, 09-16-2004 - 8:37am |
Yup, it's time for another colonoscopy for me...Because GoLytley made me very sick to my stomach last time, this time my doctor is having me use Fleet Phospho-Soda (ingested, not an enema). Any insider tips from folks who have used this before? Can I expect the same level of discomfort as with GoLytley (i.e., should I plan on spending a day in the bathroom)? I heard from a friend that it's easier to take it in one shot, undiluted, rather than diluted in soda/pop as the directions suggest. Any experiences with this? Any tips would be appreciated!

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Hi and Welcome to iVillage.
Hi Kismet!
Ah, my favorite topic of conversation.
Thanks again. I'll let you know how it went.
I agree with everything on the list. Yes, do make yourself comfortable. My prep was the Ducolux two days prior and then the Fleet prep - "yummy" Lemon flavor. I put mine in a 4 oz glass and topped it off with water. I chugged it down as quick as I could (remember that old 'trick' of holding your nose?), with a Sprite chaser. All this fun and I had to work the days before so I told my boss ahead of time I wouldn't be attending any meetings (nothing more embarrassing that having to RUN out of a meeting with the big wigs... except not making it of course!). I took the heating pad to work and alternated between having it on my back and my abdomen (depending which was cramping at the time). All in all, not the worst experience, but I've had better :-).
Also, regarding the long post-procedure recovery time... My G-doc recently opened his own clinic for both colonoscopy and endiscopy (know that isn't spelled right - too tired to figure it out). I went for my semi-annual 'event' at the new clinic for the first time a few months ago. Amazingly, whatever they gave me, I wasn't a zombie the rest of the day like before. I was in-and-out in two-three hours - I'm talking from signing in to walking out the door. And my husband and I went home, having a light lunch (since I didn't want to overdo it in case some of the Fleet prep was still in effect), and went to the mall in the late afternoon.
Good luck... relax. You deserve it!
I believe I mixed the fleet with water (sorry hard to remember); it was easy, over within a few hours. I would say eat lighter meals a few days before; no vegetables. I can honestly say the fleet worked like a charm and I was done before the four hours was up. After stressing myself to no end about the colonoscopy, it was nothing more than embarassing for me. I can't remember anything from the actual procedure, only before and after. Good luck.
Thanks again for all of the suggestions.
Congratulations
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