Moviprep Prior to a Colonoscopy
Posted , 10 users are following.
Hi everyone, I wanted to create this thread because last week I had a colonoscopy and used moviprep to prepare myself the day before the procedure.
Prior to this I read several forums with people stating it was the worst day of their lives and how horrible it was etc. I wanted to debunk all of this and to assure anyone going through this that it is not too bad of an experience.
My procedure was on Thursday at 07.15am. On the day before, Wednesday, I was told to follow the instructions on the moviprep. This meant a very low fibre breakfast. I made boiled eggs and had some boiled chicken. Not exactly an amazing breakfast but it is what is needed.
After breakfast (or 9am) I was told not to eat anything, but I could drink clear fluids, such as black coffee with sugar, water, Bouillon powder stock, clear fizzy drinks like sprite. Nothing colourful at all. I suggest when shopping for drinks, look at the colour and make sure it is very very low in fibre. Coconut water is good as well.
I have read that people started a low fibre diet two days before taking their moviprep, or at least a liquid diet. I didn’t need to, but each body to their own.
At 5pm on Wednesday I was told to start taking my moviprep. Now this is what I was deterred to use after reading reviews etc. It was completely the opposite and had nothing to worry about. Firstly the taste. I appreciate that Moviprep has come a long way in the last few years, but now they have a two sachets, a and b. The b sachet is the orange mix. I read that people started vomiting after taking sips, or had to suck a lollipop between sips etc. Im guessing this was the older version of Moviprep because it tastes good. I could have some right now if I had to. It tastes like orange dilute with a tangy ending. Easy to drink.
I think it was a good idea to chill your drink in the fridge as it taste even better that way. My taps produce very chilled water so I didn’t have to.
I was told to drink the whole litre, with a straw, in 1 hour (by 6pm). Then to drink half a litre of water straight after. It was a bit of a struggle to drink so much liquid in an hour. I did feel very bloated, but that is too be expected. Uncomfortable not painful. By 6.20pm I started going to the toilet and then did so every 15-25 mins after. I timed my movements after playing every game of FIFA. No issues (though I did lose a lot of games). Also I stopped drinking anything else but moviprep from then as was instructed.
Then I had to start drinking my 2nd batch at 8pm to 9pm followed by another half a litre of water. By 11.30pm I stopped going to the toilet. I did visit once in the morning when I woke up, and then again at 7am just before the procedure.
I suggest getting very soft toilet tissue, and wet wipes because you will get sore from all the wiping! Maybe take an ipad in there and watch something. You know the moviprep has worked when you only see pure liquid coming out. It doesn’t have to be clear, as it could be an orange colour. This is ok, its just the bile working. As long as its liquid and has no bits then it allows your surgeon to have a clear view inside.
As for the colonoscopy itself, the procedure was around 45 mins, but I remember 5 mins of it. This is normal due to the sedation. No pain, just slight discomfort.
All in all an ok experience. Not the worst in the world. Just something you have to do. You will get through it. It’s not too difficult. Just be positive and you will be ok.
If you have any specific questions please let me know. More than happy to assist
J
3 likes, 17 replies
gail85618 jay04036
Posted
Hi All
Well my experience today with Movi Prep has not been a great one it's not worked at all. Was due for a colonoscopy today and due to it not working couldnt go ahead.
Have been suffering since I was 16 with constipation and diagnosed with diverticular disease in 2014. Have had no assistance other than stay away from seeds for the DD. Currently I take 7 bisacodyl once a week sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't. Got a transit test coming up with a proctogram 20 min later and a rescheduled Colonoscopy when ever the hospital gets it right again.
I passed blood last year had a sigmoidoscopy which just confirmed the diverticular and was then referred but got lost in the system struggled for a year and was back at Doctors saying that I was not coping as the bisacodyl either kills me or doesn't work and ny life revolves around me emptying my bowels once a week as I can't do it any other day. I also noticed I was leaking from my back package not alot but it was there .
Finally got to see a specialist spoke to him and he suggested the 3 tests, colonoscopy, transit test and proctogram. They sent the instructions on the Wednesday I read it and gave me 10 Senna but the rest being two sachets not there. Contacted the hospital next day stating I received half and I cannot take Senna as my system does not like it what do they suggest as I suffer with constipation. They hgave me the Movi Prep.
As you know it didn't work and the nurse was dumb founded and horrified that I go once a week.
I am so frustrated and feeling so uncomfortable as my tummy feels irritated bloated and sore now.
I don't know how bad the Diverticular is and suffer badly with constipation and feel like no one is actually helping me and I can't manage it any more.
Liz1987 jay04036
Posted
I have to say, I googled everything about a colonoscopy a week before I was due to have it done. This came up and was the most reassuring... and the most accurate to my experience yesterday (thank you Jay!).
I had 3 days of eating low residue food which I followed. Then I had to take my Moviprep at 4pm. I expected to take a sip and all hell would break loose!
I had the orange flavour (which the doctor said may be changing AGAIN) and it worked out as approx 3 cups to drink within the time scale.
From my research people who sipped and took their time taking it suffered the worst. It's best to try and get it finished within an hour! Honestly!
I found it not nice to smell but fine to drink till my third cup when I mixed squash into it. It took an hour and a half from first sip to take affect, and then Yes, the term peeing out of your bum made sense. It wasn't painful or horrible compared to food poisoning and I drank tons of water and lucazade. I chased the Moviprep with lucazade (still not bubbly) to minimise taste as well which helped keep me hydrated.
It took me from 5:30pm-8pm before I felt I had a long enough gap to leave the bathroom and be worth it. By 11pm I was able to sleep through the night and woke up at 8am when I had to go as soon as I woke up. One thing ill say is to have the flushable wet wipes and Sudocreme to keep yourself from pain!
Then at 9am I went for the second round and had the next pack. This hit me harder and I felt sick for half an hour but I did chug it all down in 45 mins. It worked exactly the same as the day before and by 4pm was pretty much done. So by my 5:15pm appointment I was not worried about travelling at all. I did feel weak after the second lot and VERY nervous as I suffer with anxiety but I kept myself going.
The actual colonoscopy itself was not as bad as I thought. I asked if I should take the sedation, but as I had work the next day they said no if I wanted to go in. So I went without, and didn't need gas & air either. Only a couple of pains when they straightened my intestine. Otherwise I watched the camera footage and was perky. Even had a laugh with the doctor! I had no bad side effects and a nice NHS sandwich at the end of it all! Ha ha!
I hope this helps someone!