Moviprep getting anxious

Hi Taff

Many of us are apprehensive of this procedure, myself included, so I can sympathise.

Many hospitals have different bowel prep procedures, I myself have had Picolax for both of my colonoscopies, and the first time was fine, but the second time I did struggle towards the end of the prep, I had quite a bad reaction, but I was very tired, hadn't eaten for ages, the meds I have to take don't sit on an empty stomach very well, and there was an hour slot where I thought something bad is happening here, but it did pass and I was able to get through the prep. Another factor for the bad reaction was my health and fitness had deteriorated since my first colonoscopy, so I was a lot weaker than I was. The prep is the worst part of it, make it through that and you've done the hardest part.

As for the colonoscopy, are you having sedation? I recommend it as it just makes the procedure much easier to deal with. Honestly, I was led on my side, watching the whole procedure on the screen, even saw them take biopsies. I felt relaxed all throughout it, and only experienced some discomfort, which is relieved by passing wind, so my advice is don't hold it in, let it out when you need to, it really does help. Before I knew it, it was all over and I was out, and couldn't wait to eat something.

Drink water and plenty of it, I'm not fully clued up on moviprep, but all these bowel prep laxatives pull loads of water through your bowel, effectively washing it out. It's better to drink too much than too little in my experience.

Luckily my last colonoscopy came back fine, no problems at all other than internal haemorrhoids, even the biopsies came back clear, so I shouldn't need another one for quite some time.

I'm a total wuss when it comes to any type of hospital procedure, and my anxieties went through the roof both times, but if I can make it through two, I have no doubt you'll make it through yours.

HI

I too have a colonoscopy soon with Moviprep rather than Picolax which I have had before. You should have received specific instructions from the hospital about what your diet for 2 days or so before the procedure. Here is my brief outline of my prep as outlined by my hospital..also based on experience as I have had 6 colonoscopies over the past 15 years

1. Stop taking any iron supplements one week before the colonoscopy (iron makes the bowel dark and the scope/doctor won`t be able too see properly the inside of your bowel. (consult your gp about this or about any other medication you are taking or are in any doubt).

2. The day before the procedure..light lunch of boiled fish (no batter etc) and mashed potato (no butter). At 6pm dissolve Moviprep in glass of water and drink. Drink one glass of water over the next 2 hours up to at least 2 litres. Expect frequent bowel movements towards the end of the 2 hours BUT stay near a toilet ALL the time!

3. Day of procedure . I don`t eat breakfast just to be on the safe side. At 8am take Moviprep again as per above with 2l or more of water.

4, After procedure you can eat but keep diet light for rest of day. Any bloating is wind that will pass out normally. Bowels return to normal in a day or two.

Look at Moviprep instructions and hospital instructions as they may differ from what I am going to do. Moviprep isn`t like an Enema where you need the toilet immediately but as I say stay near a toilet just to be on the safe side, I think with me its the amount of waster that has to be  drunk especially at 8am..rather than Moviprep that might make me feel nauseous and I am concerned I might bring it up.

See your hospital and Moviprep instruction or ask your gp for futher advice..good luck Because its a " live " scan they should give you the results soon after the colonoscopy..good luck!

The best advice I can give you is to have everything ready in your bathroom before you take the prep.  By that I mean wet wipes, soft flannel, towels, vaseline (your bottom is going to get very sore), book/kindle/tablet, music, your additional litres of water.  Some people advise mixing up the prep in advance, chilling it, and drinking it through a straw.

Mine started half way through the first prep, so I was not prepared.  I knew better before taking the 2nd prep.  I was going every few minutes for several hours so did not actually leave the loo during that time.  As you only have one, it might be best if other family members use the loo just before you start, and you have something suitable as a urinal for them to use while you are occupying the space.  After things started to slow down and I wanted to go to bed, I wore an incontinence pad.  I also wore one on the journey to hospital.

As others have mentioned, each hospital seems to have different prep requirements.  Mine required me to go on a special diet for 3 days, then 2 days of clear liquid only, before taking the prep.  I hope you get the sedation and enough time for it to become effective before they start.  Many people report not remembering a thing about the procedure, but some remember the procedure, but not getting dressed and going home.  I did find after the colonoscopy, as soon as I ate anything it dropped straight through me, for about 48 hours, but I have not come across anyone else reporting this. 

It's well worth the discomfort to get peace of mind.