Colonoscopy - not eating for two days.
Discussion
I've never had one before, but having returned a positive FIT test I am due for one on Tuesday at 3pm.
I've to collect the prep tomorrow and I assume there are instructions (yes, I've seen the PH threads about Picolax!) but something concerns me: The nurse who called said I cannot eat the day before and my appointment is 3pm. If I follow my usual meal times that will be around 48 hours with no food at all.
I am quite unwell at present and am on my second course of antibiotics for a bacterial infection. So probably not the ideal time to give up food.
Anyone know about these things? Given how late the scope is, could I get up early and do the prep on the day as opposed to the day prior?
I suppose they want to go quite high up and it takes that long. Can you ask the consultant?
https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/colonoscop...
https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/colonoscop...
Hoofy said:
I suppose they want to go quite high up and it takes that long. Can you ask the consultant?
https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/colonoscop...
I've only had access to nurses.https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/colonoscop...
When you pick up the “kit” it’ll come with instructions. You can also ask the nurse who issues it to you. Don’t come away unless you are very clear in what you have to do and when.
If anything like mine, the medication is pretty weapons grade stuff which obviously isn’t exactly pleasant. However, take heart, it’s nothing to the procedure itself!
Remember to fart - regardless of how pretty the nurse is….. don’t ask me how I know.
If anything like mine, the medication is pretty weapons grade stuff which obviously isn’t exactly pleasant. However, take heart, it’s nothing to the procedure itself!
Remember to fart - regardless of how pretty the nurse is….. don’t ask me how I know.
Furbo said:
I am quite unwell at present and am on my second course of antibiotics for a bacterial infection. So probably not the ideal time to give up food.
Do they know about this?? Worth telling them in advance in case they want to delay, rather than do all the preparation crap(ping)* and be put off when you get there.*Sorry!
Furbo said:
Just picked up the prep and it is Plenvu.
Apparently I can eat until 1pm the day before. Contrary to what the nurse said. 3pm scope which is not ideal but it s better than 48 hours with no food.
May see if they have any cancellations for the 11:00 am slot.
I was told 12 hours before. After the prep, there will be nothing left Apparently I can eat until 1pm the day before. Contrary to what the nurse said. 3pm scope which is not ideal but it s better than 48 hours with no food.
May see if they have any cancellations for the 11:00 am slot.
Furbo said:
Just picked up the prep and it is Plenvu.
Apparently I can eat until 1pm the day before. Contrary to what the nurse said. 3pm scope which is not ideal but it s better than 48 hours with no food.
May see if they have any cancellations for the 11:00 am slot.
Yes, morning and afternoon appointments generally have different Don't Eat start times. I welcomed getting to the procedure as it meant I was on the 'home straight' and would soon be able to have a sandwich in the recovery ward. For me taking the laxative was the worst part, 2 x 1 litre jugs of some vaguely lemon flavoured powder dissolved in water. Apparently I can eat until 1pm the day before. Contrary to what the nurse said. 3pm scope which is not ideal but it s better than 48 hours with no food.
May see if they have any cancellations for the 11:00 am slot.
Followed by a nervous wait after each one until...
Not too much to add but just wishing you all the best as a colonoscopy regular over the last 25 years due to IBD. The preparation is the worst part as others have mentioned, but just stay hydrated, get some reading material ready, don t go far from the bathroom and follow the instructions.
The actual procedure will be over before you know it. I found that due to the massive advances in imaging over the time I ve been having them, I m always amazed at watching the screen and the clarity of the view! I m sure the cameras have got smaller too (viewing your own innards is optional obviously, you can choose not to watch!)
Finally, do accept the offer of gas and air if you need it too.
The actual procedure will be over before you know it. I found that due to the massive advances in imaging over the time I ve been having them, I m always amazed at watching the screen and the clarity of the view! I m sure the cameras have got smaller too (viewing your own innards is optional obviously, you can choose not to watch!)
Finally, do accept the offer of gas and air if you need it too.
Edited by Stuart-77 on Saturday 5th July 22:51
I’ve had two in the last year and echo what others have said, the preps worse than the procedure.
I found chilling the solution made it easier to drink, plus you can sip clear liquids like sprite which helped.
Good luck, mine were for a positive fit, it was polyps, 16 of them on the first and 5 on the second!
I found chilling the solution made it easier to drink, plus you can sip clear liquids like sprite which helped.
Good luck, mine were for a positive fit, it was polyps, 16 of them on the first and 5 on the second!
Antibiotics will be killing your gut bacteria and the pump-out for the colonoscopy is going to drain you as well so make sure you have a decent nutrition / diet plan to get back to better health again afterwards. Gastro surgeons are obviously concerned with getting in to have a look but sometimes don't appreciate how laxatives can lower your immunity if you have an existing condition. Good luck 
bigpriest said:
Antibiotics will be killing your gut bacteria and the pump-out for the colonoscopy is going to drain you as well so make sure you have a decent nutrition / diet plan to get back to better health again afterwards. Gastro surgeons are obviously concerned with getting in to have a look but sometimes don't appreciate how laxatives can lower your immunity if you have an existing condition. Good luck
This is a good point.I suffered life-changing damage because a doctor had no cross-disciplinary knowledge, when really he should have.
The antibiotics end tomorrow (day before the procedure). Maybe I need to up the probiotics.
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