Colonoscopy?

Question

I have to have a colonoscopy in a week. My doctor said to purchase a bowel cleanser from my local drugstore. Can anyone recommend a good colon cleanser that will empty my bowels? What have you taken prior to having a colonoscopy?

Answer 1

Colon Blow

Answer 2

Colonoscopy is a test that allows your doctor to look at the interior lining of your large intestine (rectum and colon) through a thin, flexible viewing instrument called a colonoscope. A colonoscopy helps detect ulcers, polyps, tumors, and areas of inflammation or bleeding. During a colonoscopy, tissue samples can be collected (biopsy) and abnormal growths can be removed. Colonoscopy can also be used as a screening test to identify and remove precancerous and cancerous growths in the colon or rectum (colorectal cancer).

The colonoscope is a thin, flexible instrument that ranges from 48 in. (121.9 cm) to 72 in. (182.9 cm) long. A small video camera is attached to the colonoscope so that photographic, electronic, or videotaped images of the large intestine can be made. In some cases, the colonoscope may use fiber optics. However, digital video technology has generally replaced fiber optics. The colonoscope can be used to view the entire colon as well as a small portion of the lower small intestine. Another test called sigmoidoscopy shows only the rectum and the lower third of the colon.

Before this test, you will need to clean out your colon (colon prep). Colon prep takes 1 to 2 days depending on which type of prep your doctor recommends. Some preps may be taken the evening before the test. For many people, the prep for a colonoscopy is more trying than the actual test. Plan to stay home during your prep time since you will need to use the bathroom frequently. The colon prep causes loose, frequent stools and diarrhea so that your colon will be empty for the test. The colon prep may be uncomfortable and you may feel hungry on the clear liquid diet. If you need to drink a special solution as part of your prep, be sure to have clear fruit juices or soft drinks to drink after the prep because the solution tastes salty.

Answer 3

Your doctor should either give you a prescription for a gallon bottle of some nasty stuff that lets your colon be clean enough to make chitlins...or tell you EXACTLY what to take.

Citrate of Magnesia is a good colon cleanser for the night before. Doucolax should be taken 2 days before. Clear liquids the day before.

Do NOT take a fiber laxative. Doc wants your colon clean...not full of fiber. I know this from years of working in the medical field.

Answer 4

Ask the druggist. I had a colonoscopy done a couple of months ago and my doctor wrote a prescription for an off the shelf item . I had to mix it into 64 fluid oz. of lemon & lime Gatorade which I had to drink all within two hours. This had to be done at least 12 hours before the procedure , no solid foods after and nothing to eat or drink morning of the exam which was at 8:30A.M.

Answer 5

The Dr should have given you better instructions, and a prescription.

Most people who have had a colonoscopy would agree that the preparation is the worst part, since during the procedure, patients are sedated or given "twilight sleep" so that they do not feel any pain or even remember the test. However, preparation is usually done at home, and it can be quite challenging.

Why? The goal of colonoscopy prep is to eliminate all fecal matter from the colon so that the physician conducting the colonoscopy will have a clear view. There are several ways to achieve this, and some [doctors and patients will have their own methods that work best for them. There are, however, three main types of preparation: Golytely (also called Colyte, or Nulytely), phospho-soda, and sodium phosphate tablets (Osmo-Prep and Visicol).
Golytely

This preparation will require a prescription from the doctor.
It consists of a gallon jug with a powder mix inside. The patient will fill the jug with water to make a drink out of the powder. The instructions are usually to drink one 8 oz glass of the mixture every 10 minutes until the entire gallon is finished or eliminations are clear. After the first few glasses, bowel evacuation (in the form of diarrhea) will begin. Before the gallon is finished, many people find that their evacuations are totally clear and all the waste material is gone from the colon.

If eliminations do not become clear after the gallon is finished, an enema may be needed. Some people do experience nausea when drinking so much liquid, so the physician may prescribe an anti-nausea medication in case it is needed. Golytely now comes in several flavors to make it easier to drink.
Phospho-soda

Phospho-soda is a powder that is available over the counter either by itself or as part of a kit that also includes a laxative and an enema or suppository. The physician performing the colonoscopy will give instructions on which type of kit to purchase.

Three ounces of the Phospho-soda liquid is mixed with water, or if the physician allows, other clear liquids such as ginger ale. After drinking the Phospho-soda mixture, most patients are instructed to drink at least 3 glasses of another clear liquids. If part of a kit, the rest of the kit (laxative, enema, or suppository) will then be used according to doctor's instructions.

This preparation usually results in a bowel movement anywhere from 30 minutes to 6 hours after it is taken. Phospho-soda is also available in flavors to make it more palatable.

Most physicians will instruct patients to call their office if the preparation does not progress as expected (for example there is no bowel movement at all or the evacuations never becomes clear).
Sodium phosphate (Osmo-Prep and Visicol)

Sodium phosphate tablets are prescribed by the doctor doing the colonoscopy. There are two different brands, depending on which your doctor prescribes -- Visicol, a 40-tablet regimen, and Osmo-Prep, a 32-tablet regimen.

In Visicol, 7 doses are taken in 15-minute intervals: 3 tablets are taken for 6 doses, and then 2 tablets are taken for 1 dose (20 tablets total). The next morning, 3 to 5 hours before the test, the same dosage is repeated (3 tablets for 6 doses, and then 2 tablets for 1 dose in 15-minute intervals for a total of 20 tablets).

The prep begins to take effect about an hour after the first dosage of tablets is taken. A liquid diet is usually prescribed starting about 12 hours before starting the regimen. Potential side effects include bloating, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

In Osmo-Prep (the newer form), the tablets are taken on the evening before and the morning of the colonoscopy. The evening before the test, 4 tablets are taken with 8 ounces of a clear liquid every 15 minutes for a total of 5 doses (20 tablets total). The next morning, about 3 to 5 hours before the test, another 3 doses of 4 tablets are taken at 15 minute intervals (12 tablets total).
Tips for the prep:

* To reduce any anal discomfort, use adult wet wipes or a water spray to clean off instead of toilet paper.
* Keep plenty of clear liquids on hand to drink. Water gets boring and you need to stay hydrated.
* Follow doctor's instructions. You wouldn't want to have to do the prep all over again because you didn't get it right the first time.
* Be prepared to spend most of the day before your test on the toilet. Bring a book.
* Call the doctor's office for help if you have any trouble or don't understand the prep instructions.

Answer 6

Having undergone this procedure several times, I've had most of the preps Richard T mentioned except GoLitely. I also had Neoloid, which is an emulsified form of castor oil.

All are effective. Unfortunately, for this valuable diagnostic procedure to be effective, you must endure the prep. It has to be complete and thorough.

Two bits of advice: Apply some plain Vaseline Intensive Care to your rear when wiping. Have a spouse or friend drive you both to and from the hospital or clinic.

Answer 7

Ask your pharmacist we purchased a small bottle like a small coke bottle of something and we did not have to have a prescription for it. It was over the counter and it came in two flavors, but I won't lie the one I got did not taste that great but it was effective. Don't worry the test it's self was not that bad and it is a very important test to have done.

Answer 8

Explanation of bowel prep:
the day b4:
clear liquids (Golytely)drink this all day and nothing else
the day of:
Magnesium Citrate(8:00 am)
Managing Medicines:
medicines to stop
7 days b4:
Aspirin
Ibuprofen/Motrin
naproxen,celebrex....all NSAIDS!



this is what the Doctor told me to do when i had mine done.

Answer 9

actual, I even have had one. I cherished it so properly, i offered the business business enterprise and altered its call to Colonoscopy for men club. we grant purchase 4, Get the 5th one loose-very properly-known! "i'm no longer in uncomplicated terms the owner, i'm a shopper too!"

Answer 10

The best think to do is to go to the chemist and explain what you need it for, and hi will advise you. I live in Australia, so my doctor gave it to me with instructions how to use it. I wish you good luck, it's very unpleasant.

Answer 11

The pharmacist at the drugstore will help you. Shouldn't your doctor have prescribed one for you?