suzycat

Hi, all-- I just wanted to share my colonoscopy story in hopes of sparing someone else. I went in for a routine colonoscopy approx 1 yr ago. I had my physical 1 month prior and my kidneys were spot-on perfect, I just needed meds for mild hypertension: I was placed on lisinopril, an ACE inhibitor. When I went for my colonoscopy, I was not informed that in rare cases, Fleets, when given to people on ACE inhibitors (including lisinopril) are at risk for developing acute kidney failure. Type in "FLeets-renal failure" on the internet and you'll be appalled at what pops up. There is both an FDA warning on this, and the drug company sent out a "Dear Dr" letter advising them to proceed with caution, but many gastroenterologists are still routinely using Fleets, as they consider the danger "extremely rare." It IS rare, but I'm Exhibit A that it does happen. ANyway, I went into acute renal failure, spent about 2 weeks in the hospital, and now have late stage 3 kidney disease (CKD)with ATN. (It's permanent). I'm on the renal diet (it sucks!), and, like a significant percentage of patients with CKD, I have a problem with low red blood cell count, because the damaged kidneys shut down production of epoitein, necessary for red blood cell production. I get injections of Aranesp (at nearly a thousand a pop) to stimulate red blood cell growth. I have to see my nephrologist frequently, get frequent blood tests, and am on multiple medications. I'm writing this so that if you know of anyone who is getting a colonoscopy, make sure that they are extremely cautious about taking Fleets for a prep if they are also on an ACE inhibitor. It's not that hard to prevent: either stop taking the lisinopril for few days, or take another prep besides Fleets-- take Go-lightly or Half-lightly. I just wanted to warn people about this so they do not end up with a serious chronic disease which was caused by the procedure! Thanks!