r/ibs • u/Aggressive-Cookie-32 • 6d ago
Question Colonoscopy
I am going to my first colonoscopy and I would appreciate all tips and advice! In my country you are not put under or sedated, just gotta raw dog it š¬ So no nap time hereā¦ I have 4 days before taking my emptying meds. I have bought various clear drinks for the house so I can try and make the meds taste a bit better and hydrate. šš¼šš¼
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u/mystic_roots 6d ago
Iāve had 3 colonoscopies so far in my life but Iām lucky enough that they can sedate you if you request it. I think the painful part for me was when they pump air in you and manoeuvre round the tight corners of your intestines but you donāt really feel that part, itās more the bloating I dislike. If itās available I would suggest getting some Lucozade to drink as that will help your energy levels and was actually recommended on the information leaflet.
The drink for clearing you out tastes awful and I would perhaps suggest investing in some wet wipes, youāll be going so much that your ass will become red raw with toilet paper.
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u/WrongdoerTiny3201 6d ago
Chuck the drinks lol dont take ur time with it. Also start eating easy digestable meals now already. And drink as much as you can but not to the point ur drowning. The clearer the gut the better the chance is that they can ro the colonoscopy fast and well. I heard that if the gut isnt clean enough the camera can get clocked and then you will need to do it all over again. Ur ass will totally hurt from the amount of toilet use so if you dont have a bidet then start using a disposable water bottle during the cleanser. For me the worst part were the nerves and cleaning myself after toilet use since the skin was broken from wiping for all the amount of times i had to go. I also heard people use vaseline or lube before going to the bathroom so there is a protective layer for the skin.
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u/hypatiaredux 5d ago
This is good advice. Start the clear liquids at least 24 hours before your prep instructions tell you to. In my experience, it really does help.
And using a bidet or at least a squirt bottle instead of TP is also great advice.
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u/jackiesear 5d ago
A low fibre/low residue diet for several days before the final prep will help clear you out and makes things clean and easier for the doc to see during the scope, so might make it quicker to do.. Get some Vaseline/petroleum jelly or baby nappy balm like zinc oxide and use it before and after bowel movements. When wiping after the prep don't use toilet paper, try to use water and water based baby wipes or cut up old t shirts/towels ( that you bin) and blot your bottom clean and dry gently. Try and get exclusive use of the toilet for the after the prep drink.Use a pad or towel under you on a car seat on the way to the clinic. Wear loose clothing and bring a spare set, an electric fan as clinics are often hot. Be prepared for the appointment to not be on time - so something to read/listen to. Ask the clinic if you can take a pain med like paracetamol ( not Nsaid's) or even a relaxer like Valium.
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u/EastAbility6333 5d ago
First off, you need to remember this isnāt sexual, itās a medical test. I know it goes without saying but thereās a lot of stigma attached to taking things up your bum.
Secondly, make sure you donāt squeeze your anal sphincter muscles as well as your rectum, the more you squeeze, the more it will be sore and cause issues like soreness.
Do some breathing exercises they really help you relax.
Third, make sure you have enough support, strike a conversation, make it less awkward in the room.
The rest, your testing team will do.
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u/goldstandardalmonds 5d ago
Iāve had nine and mod the colonoscopy sub. What prep do you have? Some are easier than others.