Colonscopy Prep--Fun, fun!

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-10-2003
Colonscopy Prep--Fun, fun!
11
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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iVillage Member
Registered: 10-14-2003
Thu, 09-16-2004 - 3:30pm

Hi and Welcome to iVillage.

thflowers-hahd23222.gif picture by Wren53B

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-19-2003
Thu, 09-16-2004 - 4:22pm
I used the Fleet Phospho-soda last time I had a colonoscopy. It was horrible. I mixed mine with 7-up. I think I was supposed to drink a total of 6 glasses of mixed 7up. However many it was, I couldn't make it through all of it, I was throwing up by then. I still can't drink 7-up or Sprite to this day because it still reminds me of that awful taste. I would suggest doing whatever you can to get through it quickly, taking it in one shot might be a good idea if you think you can handle it.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-23-2003
Fri, 09-17-2004 - 8:25pm

Hi Kismet!


Ah, my favorite topic of conversation.

 
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-10-2003
Mon, 09-20-2004 - 10:52am
Thanks for the great tips everyone. I can't say I am looking forward to doing this again, but hopefully some of your suggestions will make it a bit more palatable. I am scheduled for Friday. I've already stocked up on trashy magazines to keep me entertained (and distracted) during the prep. It doesn't sound like the Fleet Phospho-Soda is much more pleasant than Go-Lytley, but at least I don't have to drink a gallon of it!

Thanks again. I'll let you know how it went.

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-21-2004
Tue, 09-21-2004 - 10:53pm
I've been absent for awhile, but I see everyone is still dealing with all the same fun stuff!

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!

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-21-2004
Wed, 09-22-2004 - 6:06am
Hi-

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.
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-10-2003
Mon, 09-27-2004 - 5:49pm
Thanks to everyone for your great tips. I survived the colonoscopy on Friday (although no results back until later this week). I did end up taking the Fleet Phosphosoda undiluted and then chased it with a can of Sprite. For those who don't like the taste (I sure didn't!), I think this is the easiest way to go because the doses are so small undiluted--it's one big gulp, and then after a few gulps of Sprite, the taste is totally gone. But compared to GoLytley, I was pleasantly surprised--I thought the Fleet was much more comfortable with less cramping, etc. (although I was up literally all night). I also followed a prep diet for about a week beforehand, which I think always makes a big difference.

Thanks again for all of the suggestions.

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-14-2003
Mon, 09-27-2004 - 7:48pm

Congratulations

thflowers-hahd23222.gif picture by Wren53B

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-23-2003
Mon, 03-13-2006 - 8:40pm
bump...up you go...
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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-23-2003
Sat, 04-15-2006 - 12:33pm

bump...


 

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