7 replies to this topic

[scaldedcat]

Hi everyone

Just wanted to see if anyone had some advice on what to expect and how best to prepair for a colonoscopy. I am having this done as a requirement to finding out my suitability for a colostomy. My bowels are terrible to control at the best of times so I am really dreading having to go through the process of completely evacuating them .I'm sure that this is not pleasant for AB's,(as one member demonstrated with a Billy Connelly video description of his colonoscopy,hilarious)so when you have no sensation below the waiste and no feeling of the need for a movement, I just don't understand how I should deal with this. Other than staying on the toilet for hours on end, it seems that things are going to get extremely messy.

As we all how having an accident is a depressing side affect of SCI, so having extreme and regular ones while I am cleaned out is really concerning me. I am certainly not looking forward to getting a colostomy, but as I have posted before, it has taken over my life dealing with bowel accidents so it looks like the only option left. I just wasn't aware that I was going to have to have a colonoscopy first, and I haven't been given any information or advice from the hospital or doctors.

If anyone has any advice or suggestions on how best to deal with this, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Tim

Edited by scaldedcat, 16 September 2011 - 11:00 AM.

[mcjane]

They are not encouraged by the medical profession, but I am a proponent of COLONIC IRRIGATION...or high colonics as they are sometimes called. People who say colonics are bad are full of sh**.

[Millard]

Hi Tim,

I put off having a colonoscopy for a long time because off bowel preparation. My doctor talked me in to it and I prepared for the worst. I did NOT use GoLyTeLy but instead he ordered MoviPro. It was not bad tasting and had to drink two quarts instead of a gallon. I charged my phone and got ready. I went to the commode at about 6:30 P.M. and started surfing with my phone. At about 8:30 P.M., I got off the commode and watched tv. I went to bed at 11:30 P.M. Just before going to bed I went back to the bathroom and had just a little left. I woke up the next morning and did not have to go to the commode. I went to the hospital and about a 1.5 hours later, went home.

I hope yours can go this easily...

Good luck.

[Chilepepper]

scaldedcat, on 16 September 2011 - 10:56 AM, said:

Hi everyone

Just wanted to see if anyone had some advice on what to expect and how best to prepair for a colonoscopy. I am having this done as a requirement to finding out my suitability for a colostomy. My bowels are terrible to control at the best of times so I am really dreading having to go through the process of completely evacuating them .I'm sure that this is not pleasant for AB's,(as one member demonstrated with a Billy Connelly video description of his colonoscopy,hilarious)so when you have no sensation below the waiste and no feeling of the need for a movement, I just don't understand how I should deal with this. Other than staying on the toilet for hours on end, it seems that things are going to get extremely messy.

As we all how having an accident is a depressing side affect of SCI, so having extreme and regular ones while I am cleaned out is really concerning me. I am certainly not looking forward to getting a colostomy, but as I have posted before, it has taken over my life dealing with bowel accidents so it looks like the only option left. I just wasn't aware that I was going to have to have a colonoscopy first, and I haven't been given any information or advice from the hospital or doctors.

If anyone has any advice or suggestions on how best to deal with this, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Tim

Hi Tim,

I was the guy who put the video on with Billy Connelly talking about his colonoscopy, and I must say it is just like he explains. Myself I've gone through it, and it's not fun. In fact the easy part is the colonoscopy, the hard part is the prep the night before. Tim here is a little advice: after you have taken the liquid, just make sure when you stomach start to rumble and make funny noises that you get close to a toilet, as the flood gates are going to be opening wide. Plus if you are living with someone besure to tell them that the bathroom is off limits until after you have finished with clearing of your bowel. Also you would get much sleep that night as your bowels will more than likely still want to evacuate more. It's pretty intensive stuff, but it's for your health. You will feel better after the colonscopy is done... Good luck and we would like to hear back on how you did.

Cheers

Marty

[scaldedcat]

Thanks for your replies guys, very helpful. And Marty, as uneasy as I am about the procedure and even knowing what he was demonstrating was more fact than comedy, I still couldn't stop laughing at the Billy video. Guess you'd be lost without a sense of humour.

Thanks again

[Chilepepper]

scaldedcat, on 19 September 2011 - 02:11 AM, said:

Thanks for your replies guys, very helpful. And Marty, as uneasy as I am about the procedure and even knowing what he was demonstrating was more fact than comedy, I still couldn't stop laughing at the Billy video. Guess you'd be lost without a sense of humour.

Thanks again

Yes I have to admit we would be lost if we did'nt have a sense of humour. I myself must say that everytime I watch that video I too am laughing. It's one hell of a funny skit. :o)

PS

I know I'm getting off of topic here, but if you want a good laugh, check out the video with Robin Williams talking about Viagra... It is just too funny.

[pete785]

Hi
I have been having the great debate about getting a colonoscopy done as well. I have managed to put it off for 5years because of the dreaded prep. I have even talked to a surgeon as well as My FP all they say is I should do it but they really don't have any experience in prep for a person with SCI. (I am a T-8 complete.) I am finding it hard to get reliable info. There is one prep I read about once called Angel of Mercy I think It is a water based prep that cleans you out via a special machine you lay on supposed to take about an hour . My doc's were skeptical and had never heard of it . Would like to hear from anyone that has done it or what othere have done. I am 55 so about 5 years over due according to my F.P. I do have blood in stool think its from hemmoroids ( another issue I am seeking unput on) Any help appreciated . this seems like a good place with decent people so hope someone has some experience or input to share.

[Priscilla]

Ugh, I am dreading my colonoscopy due in April. I hated the prep part back when I was healthy but to not even feel the urge to evacuate is just way too much. I am 35 years old and they found pre-cancerous polyps 8 years ago now. The last 2 colonoscopies I had did not find anything. However, my grandmother died of colon cancer and I feel it is my duty to get preventative maintenance done. I just dread the part of pooping my diaper in the middle of the night and to never even feel it! UGH!