Colonoscopy

Most of us have heard the horror stories of colonoscopies -- how terrible the prep is and how uncomfortable the procedure is. I am happy to say that this was not my experience. I just had my first one and it was NOT uncomfortable at all. Everyone is different but do not believe what you hear!. I took Osmoprep tablets because I cannot drink the volume required for the liquid prep. I had to take 4 tabs (they can be broken) every 15 min with 8 oz water at 4 the night before for a total of 20 tabs. I had to do that again the morning of, for a total of 12 more tablets. They put me under with propofol for the procedure, so I felt absolutely nothing. As far as the prep, I had no cramps and no "running" to the bathroom (but there were many visits).

The idea is unpleasant  , but the actual procedure is not too bad -- at least in my case.

They did find and remove polyps that likely would have become cancer left undetected.

I am just saying, when it is time for you to do this test, do not put it off or be afraid of the prep or the test itself -- and it sure beats getting colon cancer!!!  When the time comes for my follow up, I will not be at all aprehensive like I was this time!!

I second your comments, do not put it off or be afraid of the prep or the test itself. It absolutely beats colon cancer.

I couldn't agree with you more!! I had a good experience as well. I think all the horror stories made me expect something awful and it turned out to be not so bad.

Did you have to have a lab test for those pills?

My Dr. says I need to go in for a blood test,if I want to use the pills.

 I think they are testing the kidneys, not sure .

No, I did not need any bloodwork, but there was no way I could handle the volume of the liquid prep. They did ask me if I had any history of kidney trouble, and I checked with my WLS surgeon to get his OK before I used them.

As it was I had to drink a lot of water, but at least there was nothing yucky to CHUG!! I did not get 100% of the water they wanted me to drink, but I was close.

Go for the blood test!! I am sure it beats drinking the yucky stuff.

Please see accompanying brief summary of Prescribing Information for OsmoPrep, including BOXED WARNINGS.

OsmoPrep^® (sodium phosphate monobasic monohydrate, USP, and sodium phosphate dibasic anhydrous, USP) Tablets are indicated for cleansing of the colon as a preparation for colonoscopy in adults 18 years of age or older. Considerable caution should be advised before OsmoPrep is used in patients with severe renal insufficiency, congestive heart failure, ascites, unstable angina, gastric retention, ileus, severe chronic constipation, bowel perforation, toxic megacolon, gastric bypass or stapling surgery, or hypomotility syndrome. Use with caution in patients with impaired renal function, patients with a history of seizures or at higher risk of seizure, patients with higher risk of cardiac arrhythmias, known or suspected electrolyte disturbances (such as dehydration), or people taking drugs that affect electrolyte levels. Patients with electrolyte abnormalities such as hypernatremia, hyperphosphatemia, hypokalemia, or hypocalcemia should have their electrolytes corrected before treatment with OsmoPrep.

 

The boxed warning was why I checked with my WLS surgeon prior to using the osmoprep. Also I have had recent enough kidney function blood work (twice in the past 3 years) to know I do not have renal insufficiency.

I never did get an answer why there is a caution for gastric bypass patients, but I know of a lot of others who have used osmoprep, and as I said my surgeon OK'd it (and the gastroenterologist was well aware of my history). I tried to reasearch the reason for this particular caution, and could not find the answer ( I worked in the medical field for 25+ years, and am pretty comfortable with the lingo and the physiology, but never got this particular answer). The commonly used liquid prep has renal insufficiency warnings; not sure about the bypass warning though!

I recently received the pathology report and dodged because it showed a significant probability of becoming cancerous. I will not hesitate to go back for follow-up as recommended.

Thanks.