Do I need some sort of flush out for a Colonoscopy?

[RATTER15]

Due to a minor lower abdo pain, I visited my GP to be told I need to go to hospital so they can stick a camera up my jacksie,. Ive had my appointment for the Colo rectal surgery Clinic. I haven't been told or supplied with anything about flushing me out prior to the invasion, is this normal. I thought I needed meds to clear me out? or will they just give me an enema? I'm confused.

[ladyalex]

They'll send you some strong laxative nearer the time.

Get in plenty of toilet roll (softest possible) and don't plan any journeys.

[PatriciaH]

Good luck when you have it x

http://digestive.nidd...onoscopy/#preparation

[ladyalex]

Meant to say, the actual examination is not bad at all. I found downing the laxatives the worst part of it by far.

Good luck when you have it.

[albaqwerty]

Have some vaseline handy too as well as the softer loo roll as suggested by ladyalex.

They'll send you a small parcel of Picolax (or equivalent) through the mail a week or so before your appointment, or as in my OH's case, the picloax and the appointment inthe same envelope.

[RATTER15]

Sedative!!! what the hell for, My appointment is at 10.00 I was going to go to work at 14.00, I don't need a sedative!!

[ladyalex]

Yes, you do and no, you won't.

[RATTER15]

The letter from the hospital hasnt told me nothing, just the time of my appointment, thats it.

[ladyalex]

You'll get another one nearer the time.

A big fat one with the laxatives inside.

And information leaflets all about the procedure.

[pond50]

when it is over you cannot go home alone someone must be with you and at home because of the sedative the day before you are allowed to drink tea without milk and eat chicken

[albaqwerty]

AS ladyalex says, yes, you;ll be given a sedative and there is no way you will be working afterwords.

The nicest thing is the tea and toast as you will not be eating for about 24hours beforehand.

You will not be allowed to drive, operate machinery or sign any important documents either.

[Maydup]

There are two tests, one camera up jacksie and second Barium Emina.

Camera looks at the first section of the bowel and there is no need for flushing out. It takes a few seconds to carry out, is painless and will not stop you from going back to work.

Barium Emina is where they pump a solution up there and then take a series of xrays. For this you need to be flushed out andake the picolax the day before. If this is what you're having you'll receive instructions in the post. Its not too uncomfortable a process once you've done the flushing ouyt, but you would be wise to take the rest of the day off as you'll be full of gas.

I've had both recently and can answer more questions if you ahve them!

[ladyalex]

Other than having to have someone take me home and not driving for 24 hours, I wasn't given any other instructions after the examination.
I could eat anything and drink anything afterwards.

[anneasquith]

when is your appointment ratter, do you have any other symptoms apart from the abdominal pain ?

[Maydup]

PS i didn't have a sedative on either occasion

[albaqwerty]

eek Ratter, I've only just cleaned my specs and noticed it was you who was posting. Sorry, hun, it's not as bad as it sounds, just very uncomfy, hence the sedative. Relaxes everything.

OH had one a couple of weeks ago (his third colonoscopy, maybe 4th)

[ladyalex]

The colonoscopy I had involved the camera going all the way up and round my large bowel as far as my appendix.
I could see my insides on the TV above my bed.

[Cowtipper]

Everybody I know that's had a 'scope done told me the preparation was the worst part. The sedative is just so you don't mind a bunch of people standing around while you've got your butt in the air.

[Maydup]

So we're all different Ratter and the best advice is to wait and see what your instructions are, but book the day off work just to be sure.

If you have either a full colonoscopy like ladyalex or a Brium Enima you'll need and deserve a sofa afternoon

[albaqwerty]

Ladya, is that not a sigdmoidoscopy? I get confuddled about them both

Ratter, you'll be fine dear x

When is your appointment?

[anneasquith]

and near a toilet !