I was supposed to be having my colonoscopy this morning, but I 'flunked" the prep.

A little history. Twelve years ago I had a barium prep. Late that night I went to the bathroom and fainted off the toilet... not too sure how long I was out. When I came to I couldn't stand up. I lived alone so I crawled to the phone and called 911. They said I had gone into shock and took me to the hospital. I was able to go through with the barium test the next morning.

Well this time I totally blew it. Wednesday nite I had to take 2 tbsp Milk of Magnesia. I was told no food after midnight. Thursday at 2pm I drank a 10-oz bottle of Magnesium Citrate. Then at 4pm I started drinking 8-oz of GoLytely every 15 minutes. After the fourth glass I started feeling cold and shakey. Two glasses later I was shaking violently and throwing up. I called the on-call doctor and he told me to stop drinking the stuff immediately. He said he'd call in something else to the pharmacy. Well there was no way I was going to drive anywhere. I shook uncontrollably for an hour and finally made myself something to eat.

Has anyone else experienced this reaction? My doctor said it's pretty rare, but it does happen. Thankfully this was just a preventative test, I'm not experiencing any problems. It'll be a frigid day in you know where before I'll do that again.

P.S. What the on-call doctor didn't tell me was that even though I didn't drink the entire prep, they could have done an irrigation this morning and continued on with the test. Well it was too late when my doctor called this morning because I'd already eaten.

the golyghtly prep is quite harsh we give our elderly patients a bottle of mag citrate the lemon lime the first day of the prep the next day when they are to get the go lyghtly prep we give them 2 more bottles of the mag citrate follow by the bisodol tables that evening and then the am of the prep they get a suppositoory and they do very well all are always cleaned out and its not harsh my cuzin who is in her 50s couldnt tolerated the golyghtly prep so she follow this same prep and she did great she was so clean in there pased the test with colors try it next time and you dont have to check with the dr just do it they will never know

Thank you Delrae for your response. I'm not elderly yet, only 57 ;-), but my reaction was pretty severe and frightening. I spoke to the nurse yesterday and she said there is another prep they use infrequently that involves the Milk of Magnesia, Magnesium Citrate and approx 40 pills. If they aren't "horse-sized" pills I might be able to tolerate that.

I'm a little gun-shy right now, so I might wait a few weeks and try again.

i understand that good luck to u

Hi everybody,
I am hving a cololoscopy 4/10. I'm not worried about the procedure just the prep. I have been given visicol tabs and after reading the side effects now I'm afraid to take them. I am afraid of all new meds because I have had reactions to a lot of stuff.
This is just a screening test because of my age (62) I am temptrd to just cancel.
Any body out there ever take visicol?
Thanks for listening,
Cass

Maybe you have some good suggestions for these folks - It would be awful if they choose to not go throught with having their colonoscopies just because of problems with the preps! The initial one mentioned sounded quite severe to me so I was surprised that it didn't work. You have good ideas!

Hi, Cassiebel... I posted my Visicol prep experience in another thread further down. After "flunking" my first prep I used the Visicol pills the second time and it was a breeze. Here's what I had to say in the other thread...

"I had my first colonoscopy screening last Thursday. I "flunked" my first prep a few weeks ago as I wasn't able to drink the gallon of GoLytely. After one bottle of Magnesium Citrate and 6 glasses of the GoLytely prep, my body started shaking uncontrollably and I started vomiting... the doc called a halt to the prep. So... last week I used the Visicol pill prep and it was a breeze, even though I often have trouble swallowing pills. The evening before my colonoscopy, I swallowed 3 pills every 15 minutes (for a total of 20 pills) with 4 oz apple juice and followed up with 4 oz of water. After the last of the pills I drank a 12 oz bottle of ginger ale (it helps dissolve the pills). I repeated this procedure the next morning for a total of 40 pills.

I don't remember anything about the procedure itself. They inserted an IV and got down to business. Believe what they say about not driving... I don't remember coming home or much of anything that evening. Apparently I had a bowl of cereal because I found the bowl in the sink the next morning ;-) The next morning I drove to the bank and couldn't remember my ATM # or the drive there. Yikes! It took me most of the day to feel "normal". The doc said they may have given me just a wee bit too much knock-out juice.

Anyway... I was extremely nervous to have this procedure, but I was surprised at how easy it really was. Thankfully they found only one small polyp and it appeared to be okay. Just waiting now for the lab results.

Good luck... and check into the Visicol. I don't understand why more doctors don't use it."

Hi, all. I am having my first colonscopy May 13th. and I am terrified. I live in Canada and the prep. might differ. I have to take 1 pill called "Reglan" one hour before I start drinking "Colyte" But it sounds almost like the prep. mentioned here. I am really nervous about it and thinking of cancelling the appointment. I am having this procedure because my mom died very suddenly with cancer with mets to the liver, unkown primary. It was suggested by my doctor to start screening with a colonoscopy. I am scared silly to say the least. any suggestions? This prep sounds like the prep that is mentioned here. doing the same thing, pills and liquid, cleaning you out. but isn't there any easier way, like an enema or something? I can handle not eating anything the day before and only clear fluids, But the side effects mentioned here has me on pins and needles. Help!

Elsabet:
PLEASE DON'T CANCEL!!! It is true that prep is the hardest part of the procedure, but it is tolerable!!! Drink the product COLD... it helps it go down. Elsa, you KNOW you HAVE to go in and get checked. The reglan is a motility drug (and anti-nasuea) so that will help you. PLEASE DON'T BE Scared by other posts. EVERYONE has different experiences. It's NOT THAT BAD!!! But PLEASE DO WHAT YOU KNOW IS RIGHT.

FOR the rest of you who are scheduled and thinking about backing out, DON'T LET THIS BE YOUR EXCUSE. Peace of mind is 1000 times better than this experience, and NOT KNOWING!!!

Best of Luck to ALL of YOU!!
CancerDad

Elisabet-

CancerDad is probably refering to my post yesterday.

Yes, I'm canceling my appointment today because I could not tolerate the prep. Not eating for more than 24 hours is intolerable (shaky, sweaty) to me. I need to speak with my doctor to see if her instructions are indeed correct.

Having said that, I will be re-scheduling my appointment in the near future! I have a strong family history of colon cancer and I MUST do this exam VERY soon. CancerDad is correct, everyone is different. DO NOT cancel your appointment just because I couldn't eat for almost two days. My problem could very well be the instructions my doctor gave me.

Believe me when I tell you I've spoken with numerous people who had colonoscopies and they all said the procedure is nothing.

My husband had to fast for only 24 hours. He could have clear liquids--jello, broth, soda, etc, so he did get some salt, sugar and calories. The procedure went fine. I couldn't go longer than one day without eating.

Hi, Cassiebel... I posted my Visicol prep experience in another thread further down. After "flunking" my first prep I used the Visicol pills the second time and it was a breeze. Here's what I had to say in the other thread...

"I had my first colonoscopy screening last Thursday. I "flunked" my first prep a few weeks ago as I wasn't able to drink the gallon of GoLytely. After one bottle of Magnesium Citrate and 6 glasses of the GoLytely prep, my body started shaking uncontrollably and I started vomiting... the doc called a halt to the prep. So... last week I used the Visicol pill prep and it was a breeze, even though I often have trouble swallowing pills. The evening before my colonoscopy, I swallowed 3 pills every 15 minutes (for a total of 20 pills) with 4 oz apple juice and followed up with 4 oz of water. After the last of the pills I drank a 12 oz bottle of ginger ale (it helps dissolve the pills). I repeated this procedure the next morning for a total of 40 pills.
Thanks Kadey,
I already have the pills, just hope I have the courage to take them. As for as the actual procedure my husband has one every year. He drinks the nasty stuff with no problem but then he doesn't ever have a problem with meds. ( he's an old tuff Marine). I have side effects and problems with all medication.
I am determined to get this done though so keep me in your thoughts May 9th and 10th.
Thanks again,
Cass

Hi, all. I am having my first colonscopy May 13th. and I am terrified. I live in Canada and the prep. might differ. I have to take 1 pill called "Reglan" one hour before I start drinking "Colyte" But it sounds almost like the prep. mentioned here. I am really nervous about it and thinking of cancelling the appointment. I am having this procedure because my mom died very suddenly with cancer with mets to the liver, unkown primary. It was suggested by my doctor to start screening with a colonoscopy. Help!

quote [CancerDad is probably refering to my post yesterday.] quote from Red Hering.

Red:

No, I was speaking about Elsabet's consideration to cancel her procedure. I believe yours is an extremem circumstance, and I was trying to address Elsa's concerns. Especially since your mom died suddenly with ca and mets to the liver. PLEASE DON'T CANCEL!

Red, I am proud of you for rescheduling, as again, I believe this was extreme.

Regards to all,
CancerDad :angel:

I recently had my first colonoscopy. The biggest problem is the prep. The instructions said I could have apple juice, but in return it severely inflamed the last six inches of my rectum. Our neighbor had problems and failed his prep as it interferred with his electrolytes.

Dear Cancerdad
Thank-you you for your encouragement it means alot. For now I will keep the appointment. I am just plain scared!. You see On March 2/05 My mom was told she had cancer, They first found it in her liver, but said that is not the primary source. By the end of all the scans and test etc. we were told that it was everywhere throughout her body and bones. up until this time, my mom was healthy, and didn't have a clue that she even had cancer somewhere. What brought us to this point, was a sever headache and pain in her back. My mom died 10 days later, march 12/05. I've been told that this was very rare as far as, it got this far without any clues. we didn't even have time to try and fight it. (darn! that sucks) sorry, Because we don't know where the primary was, I know that I need to have this colonoscopy done, it is important, But I am just so scared of everything. mostly the prep. but the results too. during my mom's illness and after I had taken her home, One of the visiting nurses had told me that I was brave. I don't think so thou, I am the biggest whimp ever. I am just plain scared. I want to run away and hide. I know, I know thats not a good idea, But still........... In case you were wondering. and if it makes any difference. My mom was 69 yrs old. and I am 48.

Thank-you dwallech, for the tip on the apple juice. That would have been my choice of beverage to drink during the prep. Maybe I will go with another fruit juice. any suggestions?

Anyway, I am sorry to ramble. I just wanted to say thank-you.
God Bless
Beth

Hi, all. I am having my first colonscopy May 13th. and I am terrified. I live in Canada and the prep. might differ. I have to take 1 pill called "Reglan" one hour before I start drinking "Colyte" But it sounds almost like the prep. mentioned here. I am really nervous about it and thinking of cancelling the appointment. I am having this procedure because my mom died very suddenly with cancer with mets to the liver, unkown primary. It was suggested by my doctor to start screening with a colonoscopy. I am scared silly to say the least. any suggestions? This prep sounds like the prep that is mentioned here. doing the same thing, pills and liquid, cleaning you out. but isn't there any easier way, like an enema or something? I can handle not eating anything the day before and only clear fluids, But the side effects mentioned here has me on pins and needles. Help!

As dwallech said the prep can interfere with one's electrolyte balance. this would account for the shakes and fainting as could being slightly anemic. If you are aware of an existing anemia please make sure the doc already knows about it.

Prior to the prep have a bowl of chicken broth and a bottle of sport drink or pedialyte to start your electrolytes off in good shape. If you are prone to low blood pressure you also must make sure you are hydrated so keep drinking the sport drink and any other clear liquid both before and after the Colyte is done.
You may have
clear apple juice
water
clear soda pop (non-caffinated) such as ginger ale or 7-up/Sprite(go easy on this though as they cause gas

clear broth (no noodles or vegiies)
Jello any flavor, no fruit or whip cream
Sport drinks such as Gatorade
Pedialyte

As soon as you start feeling ill while drinking the Colyte stop, don't continue trying only to throw it up. Instead simply wait an extra 10-20 minutes before resuming it. The time taken to down this stuff isn't that important, a few extra minutes between glassfuls won't make a big difference. If you can get through at least half of it or better you may be 'clean' enough for the colonoscopy anyway even without an irrigation.

Colyte and Golytely are much easier to take if they are very cold Mix it the night before and store in the fridge, do not freeze it though. Although they tell you not to you may mix a little Kool-aid or Crystal Lite powder with the stuff. Best bet is to mix it without powder in the jug and to add a little powder to the glass (1/8th teaspoon of Crystal Lite was enough per glass for me). This way if the flavoring is not helping you can stop using it , if you mix the whole jug with flavoring you are stuck with it. BTW I use the unflavored Colyte, sometimes it comes with a slight pineapple flavoring already and I hate pineapple.

Also keep a bottle of alcohol based mouthwash handy while drinking the Colyte. After each glassful immediately rinse with mouthwash and be sure to get your lips rinsed with it as well. do not swallow the mouthwash I found Scope to do the job well. This keeps that taste out of your mouth between glasses.

Stay calm while drinking the prep, (easier said than done I know) have soothing music on and have a magazine in the bathroom. Reader's Digest or similar with short articles.

Hope this helps.

Thank-you jaydees for the wonderful suggestions, which I will try. Sure I can't have the noodles in the chicken broth. lol just kidding, I know I can't. I will give it my very best to go through with this.. I feel quilty, because most of you are going way more then I am, and this test is just a prevenitive one. I am such a whimp and you all have been very brave going through what you are. I thank you all for your kindness and my prayers and thought are with you. Thanks for being wonderful people. I am gald I found this board. May there always be blue skies for you.
God Bless
Beth

Hi Beth,
Just wanted to let you know you are not the only whimp out there. I am scheduled for 5/10 and am dreading it more every day.
All the people I know who have had this test say it's a breeze. I guess you and I will find out ourselves.
I join you in saluteing all the folks on this board. They are very brave and kind people and my prayers go out to them every night!
Cass

Elsabet and Cassiebel,
Just wanted to let you guys know that I am #1 whimp out there. I had my first colonoscopy last month and I was worried sick!! It was so easy, I couldn't believe it. The prep for me was not as bad as I thought it was going to be. I had lemon jello for breakfast and then chicken bouillon for lunch. I had to take four pills at 12 noon, then at 4 pm start drinking halflytely solution. I made it up the night before and refridgerated it which really helped. I didn't drink anything but that because I figured i'd be full enough. I started going to the bathroom about 5 or 6pm and it was only about every half hour for 4 hours or so. All in all not bad. I didn't think I could ever handle this, but I did! I wish you the best of luck and please don't cancel. You can do it. If I can, anyone can!!

It seems as if all of you use pills or Golytely....I had to take this small bottle of something (maybe Fleet something?) and mix it with a glass of apple juice about 4:00 pm, then a second bottle I think about 7:00? Has anyone else used this stuff? I don't think I went to bed until 2 am, that's how long before I finally stopped. The first bottle cleaned me out, but it seemed like the second one just went right through me. And I was soooo sore back there the next morning, but from what I've read on here, that's from the apple juice? My husband thought maybe it was too much for someone my size - 5'4", 115 lbs, but I didn't want to take it upon myself to not take all of it. Boy, it would be really nice to be finished using the bathroom in 5 hours instead of 8. I was also wondering if maybe the apple juice made me go more than I would have without it, as it got to the point where I couldn't even leave the bathroom. But I was told I really didn't want to mix it with water...yuck. And I don't like pop or carbonated drinks, so they suggested apple juice. Maybe next time I'll try a different juice.