Getting Ready For Colonoscopy/endoscopy

[KikiB]

I am scheduled for Tuesday. My instructions say nothing by mouth after midnight. Does that include water? I don't think I can go without water for 12 hours!

[ravenwoodglass]

Call your GI doctors office and ask the nurse.

[KikiB]

Took forever for my doctor's office to call me back. I just wanted to know how everyone else has dealt with this. It's so close, but I'm so tempted to chicken out. The idea of the procedure is kind of freaking me out.

[ravenwoodglass]

Sorry I couldn't be more helpful with your original query. It has been awhile since I had mine done and don't remember whether it was allowed or not.

Hopefully the dr's office gave you a clear answer.

Try not to worry about the tests. The prep is not pleasant but the procedures are usually very easy. Most don't remember anything of them except going to sleep and waking up in the recovery room. Just do be sure someone goes with you as you won't be allowed to drive for the rest of the day.

[Celiac Mindwarp]

I was really scared before mine last month but it was fine. Just a few more days it will be out of the way x

[GottaSki]

Hi Kiki - water is fine!

The usual instructions say clear liquids and jello fine -- just no red, blue, purple jello! I didn't feel like anything but water during the prep.

Honestly, the colon prep is the worst part of the whole deal. You will likely be given sedation meds - not anesthesia - that will make you sleepy and forget most of the procedure.

The information to be gained is very much worth having them done. If you don't have them done there will be a lot of unanswered questions hanging out there.

Even if the tests end up showing nothing or negative - at least you know any damage to your system was not severe.

You have already passed the most important test - you know your health improves gluten-free - these tests will give you more info and I think that info will be comforting in the months and years to come.

Hang in there - only a few more days and you'll be able to remove gluten completely

[KikiB]

I was really scared before mine last month but it was fine. Just a few more days it will be out of the way x

Thank you! I'm a little surprised at how nervous I am!

[KikiB]

Even if the tests end up showing nothing or negative - at least you know any damage to your system was not severe.

You have already passed the most important test - you know your health improves gluten-free - these tests will give you more info and I think that info will be comforting in the months and years to come.

Hang in there - only a few more days and you'll be able to remove gluten completely

Thanks, Lisa! I didn't think I was going to be such a chicken about it. I'm not looking forward to the prep, but I'm also nervous about the procedures. My insurance company approved the anesthetic, so I'll be out, but definitely feeling like a scaredy-cat.

[GottaSki]

You are neither chicken nor scaredy-cat. What rational person would not be nervous about doctors sending cameras into places that are generally better left alone.

I was the first time, but not any of the subsequent times. Just the unknown getting to you - I'd bet on Wednesday you'll be ready to tell others with similar fears that it really was much easier than you thought it would be.

Just imagine Mushroom waving pom poms, IrishHeart jumping up and down and me doing cartwheels to entertain you as you drift off into la-la land on Tuesday

[KikiB]

Just imagine Mushroom waving pom poms, IrishHeart jumping up and down and me doing cartwheels to entertain you as you drift off into la-la land on Tuesday

That's so sweet, it made me tear up. That's exactly what I'm going to think about!

[nicoleashley]

nothing by mouth after midnight means just that, nothing by mouth after midnight. You can have clear liquids up until midnight. You can only have sips of water to take medication like blood pressure medication if you absolutely need it. Don't worry about becoming dehydrated, they will start an IV and give you fluids as soon as you get to wherever the endoscopy is being done. Good luck.

[KikiB]

I had my tests yesterday. Should have results in 10 days or so. I had gluten free chicken soup when I got home, but my stomach has hurt ever since. Still hurts. Is that normal?

[GottaSki]

Hmmmm....what type of hurt/pain? One of my endos I felt some discomfort when I ate for a day or so after - not sure but thought it might be where they took samples. Do you know if they took samples from different parts -- like your stomach in addition to small intestine?

[KikiB]

Hmmmm....what type of hurt/pain? One of my endos I felt some discomfort when I ate for a day or so after - not sure but thought it might be where they took samples. Do you know if they took samples from different parts -- like your stomach in addition to small intestine?

I do know she took samples from other areas, but I don't know where, although I thought it was the colon. But I don't really know. Maybe that explains it though.

Of course, she told me about the biopsies when I was coming out of the anesthesia -- so no wonder I don't remember!