Questions for those who have had a Colonoscopy

It depends upon a lot of things. Most times the day before the colonoscopy is when the clean out process happens. So by bedtime, it is all over. But, it can change depending upon what laxative is being used, how much your husband has had to eat, what issues he has and so on. Keep in mind once the clean out is done, he cannot have anything to eat so starting too early is not a good idea.

If I remember correctly, I started my process at 3 the day before the procedure. But each clinic is different in the timing they give the patient to follow. The most important thing to remember is if the patient does not get "cleaned" out enough the procedure will be canceled and he will have to reschedule and do it all over again.

My Dh was pretty much cleaned out by bedtime. He took the drink laxative. Through the evening he was running. The laxative wasn’t uncomfortable or painful for him. Those procedures have all been cancelled here. No elective procedures for the duration of the pandemic to divert resources.

I had one last July as I turned 50 last year and was having some iron issues. I had a few friends have them within months of me, so we could compare experiences, and some of us had different things we had to do.

For me, I was given a large (maybe 1.5 gallon?) container with some powder to mix with water. I had to start drinking in the evening, 16 hours before the procedure, and I had to drink 3/4 of the mixture - basically I think it was like 8 ounces every 10 minutes until I drank 3/4 of the mixture. Drinking that much that often was really diifficult towards the end. The "cleaning out" started within a half hour and actually pretty much stopped even before I finished drinking. Then I had to get up 6 hours before the procedure (4am for me) and finish the last 1/4 of the mix - and really as far as cleaning out it was all gone by then.

I think people are different so hard to know what will happen with your husband but yes he will definitely want to be close to a bathroom.

The procedure was really no big deal, as I found and most people say - the prep is the worst. They did find and remove polyps so I have to get another one in 5 years vs. the 10.

Good luck to your husband.

My DH and I have both had them and the best thing we feel we did to get ready for the prep was to change our diets 4-5 days before. If you google it, there are some good resources on things you can do to make it easier.

DH was able to drink the gallons of prep stuff with gatorade. I have a strong gag reflex, don't like gatorade and asked for something different. I was prescribed Clenpiq which is two 5 oz bottles. I checked the feedback and suggestions on it and followed them - it was as easy as I could have hoped for. I never had a panic moment but stayed near the bathroom (we only have one too) for both rounds.

I would definitely recommend the Clenpiq but it is one of the few that costs more than most. I had a coupon that brought the $60 charge to $40. There were other coupons for other health plans so definitely look into that if he wants to try that.

I’d have him closer to the bathroom than a set of stairs. It seems like everyone has a different reaction!

I had the go-lightly stuff and was still having In urgent need for the bathroom about 20 hours after beginning the clean out. The two hour drive to the hospital (military & DC traffic!) was miserable. But I was also having digestive issues that triggered the need for the procedure.

I brought a little table into our WC and hung out in there until the spasms passed. So for about 2 hours after drinking the prep, I had no control. I had my iPad and drinks in there with me. After that, I was able to get to the bathroom, but there wasn’t any dilly-dallying around!

Taking the second dose at 3 am was the worst of it all. I was really tired by then, hadn’t slept well (all 3-4 hours) and wasn’t able to go back to bed again before we left for the hospital. I was cold and nauseated drinking the last of the prep, but I powered through because I don’t want to do it again another day.

One thing that I will say—if you’re DH is a redhead or has that family lineage, he may require more anesthesia, it may take longer to take effect, and longer to wear off. I always warn my docs that I’m a natural redhead and give them the case study. Most anesthesiologists know about it, but I’m finding that doctors are only vaguely familiar with it. Some redheads carry a gene that affects how anesthetics are metabolized, with the above issues. I’m finding that I’m brought in while the room is being prepped to begin the anesthesia (to keep them on schedule) and I’m given a longer recovery time before discharge. I’ve had three eye surgeries and the colonoscopy in the past two years and we learned a lot after that first eye surgery!

Make sure he gets the shorter prep- I know there was a longer version that my insurance company approved but the doc office told me to bring that to them and they would exchange it for the shorter. Less to drink and cleans you out faster. The longer prep is much longer and I simply couldn't choke it all down.

Eating only broth and jello (not red) the day prior is all DH and I have had to do. We did not change our diets days prior.

I’ve had 2 and didn’t really wake up during the night. I would say I was done by 8 or 9. I threw up both times too. I know the first time was because I drank it too quickly but I really tried to pace myself the second time and still threw up.

Hope they can figure out what’s going on.

Look up a low residue diet. It will help immensely. I did low residue for almost a week before mine, my prep was so easy.

I've had one 5 times now. I have stomach issues. The more you eat, the more you have to "go". He needs to stay near a bathroom as soon as he begins the drink.

As a Sidenote, because I've had issues with gastro blockage, I've taken the drink and have gotten so very swollen, as if I'm 9 months pregnant. I get intense cramping but nothing passes. I've wound up in the ER for the last few tests, so beware of complications in case he has blockage issues. Call the gastro or whomever is doing the test if he can't "go" after a few hours. Most people don't have a problem at all. It's a bit uncomfortable and gross, but the prep is worse than the procedure. Good luck!