Ellen101
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 35432
posted
I have a colonoscopy and an endoscopy sched for the end of the week and I'm starting to get really nervous about it. The prep alone is worrying me as I got severely dehydrated several yrs ago when prepping for a hysterectomy. I told the doctor and suposedly he is giving me the milder of the two choices, mag citrate.
I need to drink some at around 7 pm the night before and then again at 4 am . I noticed they have gatorade included in the prep so that should help avoid dehydration. I really hate to drink it especially since changing to s squeaky clean diet but I guess I have to. One concern I have is the clean out will totally disrupt the flora and how will I get the good bacteria back in. Will probiotics be enough?
Unfortunately on another forum somebody posted about being alert enough during the endoscopy to fight the procedure the entire time. Not what I needed to see!! I'm ok with the colonoscopy but a tube going down my throat when I'm alert no way... Posts: 1748 | From United States | Registered: Dec 2011
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Carol in PA
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 5338
posted
I'm with you, I hate bowel preps. True, once ALL the bowel contents are cleaned out so that you're "squeaky clean," you may need some help to repopulate the good bacteria.
How about Kefir? You can buy it already made, or make it from starter powder.
Making it from the grains, or established colonies, is the best, but alot more work, as you have to keep them alive whenever they use up their food supply.
Be sure to tell the nurses and doctors that you're nervous about being too alert during the endoscopy. BTW, I've read that redheads may need more anesthesia than usual.
You could use kava to calm yourself this week.
Posts: 6947 | From Lancaster, PA | Registered: Feb 2004
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posted
I had both procedures done 2 years ago and it was a piece of cake. They rolled me into the room, had Van Morrison playing, dimmed the lights and next thing I knew I was in recovery.
I did ask for a little extra drugs so I wouldn't have the chance of remembering or feeling anything.
I took extra probiotics and kefir after.
Posts: 486 | From USA | Registered: Jan 2012
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map1131
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 2022
posted
It's not as bad as people make it out to be. Just follow the steps to a tee, so you are completely cleaned out.
I've seen patients sent home because they didn't follow the protocol and weren't clean as a whistle.
Enjoy the clean colon feeling. It truly will make you feel like you have some energy, not dragging around all that mucor/garbage that lines the colon from years of poor diet and toxins.
I hope the stuff they use to put you under is easy on you too. It doesn't badly effect me. A nice sleep is always welcomed.
Pam
-------------------- "Never, never, never, never, never give up" Winston Churchill Posts: 6478 | From Louisville, Ky | Registered: Jan 2002
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steve1906
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 16206
posted
I total agree with Pam & Bird I've had both of these a number of times, they are both a piece of cake.
Do make sure as Pam said, FOLLOW all the steps to a tee - (Completely cleaned out).
Good luck, you'll do great!
Steve
-------------------- Everything I say is just my opinion! Posts: 3529 | From Massachusetts Boston Area | Registered: Jul 2008
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- You might want to talk with your doctor beforehand regarding any Rx that will be used there before or during the procedure.
It's easy to just avoid it. They just need to know.
Epinephrine is in many anesthetics (not sure about anesthesia, though). Some discussion on why epinephrine (EPI) can be a rough ride for someone with lyme (especially if they have adrenal issues):
EPI & medical / dental procedures / colonoscopies -
[ 01-20-2014, 03:00 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- There are healthy electrolyte formulas. Check out the brand made by EmerGen-C, they make an electrolyte packet that you mix with water.
Gatorade is not a good chemical mix for anyone, IMO. Ever. The excito-toxins in it can cause all kinds of problems for those with neuro lyme. You'd also not want any of the food dyes they use.
[For anyone with seizures, it's especially important to avoid food additives yet just as important to keep up electrolytes (just in a better way).]
In addition to some healthy electrolytes, If you need a little glucose, melting just a little bit under your tongue might be of help. You will need some calories, IMO.
Some STRAINED lemon juice and sea salt in water could provide all you need, mixed with a little honey for some glucose for your brain. Honey won't spike blood sugar and drop you like gatorade can (with the sugar). It is longer lasting regarding glucose stability.
A clear bone broth (strain and strain again until clear) would also be of help. It has to be clear, within the instructions they give you. You don't have to use the same brands of junk foods but do stay within the "intent". -
[ 01-20-2014, 02:52 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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GretaM
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 40917
posted
Hi Ellen,
Yes, just follow the steps exactly.
I am one of those individuals who was awake during the entire procedure, even though they gave me three times whatever it is they give in the IV.
Another nurse came in to help the main nurse hold my hands down so the doctor could finish the colonoscopy.
I kept trying to pull the scope out and pushing away the doctor and the nurse.
Also, swearing like a sailor and accusing them of all sorts of things.
In fact, I remember asking them if waterboarding was next on the menu.
Yelling it, more like.
They said I was scaring the other patients.
How embarassing.
Something genetic, where I get amped up, when I am supposed to get relaxed and sleepy.
I found out afterwards an entire side of my family reacts the same way to sedatives as I do.
Oops.
So if when you take sedatives you have a normal sleepy reaction, you'll do just fine.
In fact, you'll probably remember nothing and wake up groggy and drink the juice they give you to releive the gas pressure and feel light as a feather. Posts: 4358 | From British Columbia, Canada | Registered: Jun 2013
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steve1906
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 16206
posted
I'm not sure exaxly what pain medications the docotrs has given me in the past (but has never caused me any problems).
This should ans. all of your questions>
Read this> Click on both colonoscopy and endoscopy to the left.
-------------------- Everything I say is just my opinion! Posts: 3529 | From Massachusetts Boston Area | Registered: Jul 2008
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map1131
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 2022
posted
GretaM, oh my goodness. Now my mother when she had her first colonoscopy about 6 yrs ago was not under all the way.
I freaked out when she told me she could feel it going up inside her. She tried to say something but her mouth wouldn't work.
She also thought that was just the way it was suppose to be. No, mother, you are not suppose to be awake when they scope you.
I freaked out and she was like, I'll try to remember in the future to tell doctors prior to procedures that she is hard one to knock out.
Don't worry if my mother has another procedure I will be there to tell the doc knock her out good. Which I did do when she had a thyroid biopsy a year ago.
Greta, I can't image your fear. That's not acceptable medicine to me. Talk about post traumatic stress syndrome. OMG
Pam
-------------------- "Never, never, never, never, never give up" Winston Churchill Posts: 6478 | From Louisville, Ky | Registered: Jan 2002
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map1131
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 2022
posted
Oh no, we've scared Ellen to bits. No fear Ellen, just tell them whatever you use to knock me out that's not too awfully harmful.....
just knock me out.
Pam
-------------------- "Never, never, never, never, never give up" Winston Churchill Posts: 6478 | From Louisville, Ky | Registered: Jan 2002
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linky123
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 19974
posted
Also, swearing like a sailor and accusing them of all sorts of things.
In fact, I remember asking them if waterboarding was next on the menu.
^^^^^
Oh my goodness, that is so funny. Can't stop laughing!
Ellen, it will be fine. I've had three of them and don't remember a thing.
-------------------- 'Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.' Matthew 11:28 Posts: 2607 | From Hooterville | Registered: Apr 2009
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Swearing is part of the drug reaction, too. Our filters are off. It's really pretty typical for some folks to swear under such conditions. Think nothing of it.
I don't think anyone is trying to scare you, it's just that once we've had some hiccups, if we can share with others things to consider so that they can sail through their journey, it can be a good thing.
I know I wish I had known a lot more detail about specifics before various procedures that could have prevented "hiccups" &/or made a nice improvement.
Preparation does take more thought for those with complex considerations (as most of us have).
Here's to some smooth sailing. Create a special visualization journey for your time there! Take music that will entrance you.
Go for laughs where you can, too.
And remember this is all about love. So feel the love in taking care of yourself so that you can have love of all kinds in your life for a long, long time to come.
Take a good organic vegetable juice & walnuts, or humus, etc. for afterward to help you get back on your feet.
From my learning experience: if you drink beet juice afterward, just know that what your colon "lets go of" later will be red. Just good to know in advance so calmness can prevail. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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GretaM
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 40917
posted
That's a great suggestion for snacks afterwards, Keebler.
Yes, I did not mean to scare you, Ellen. My intention was share my experience, a "worst case" scenario, (genetic causes of anestethic not working), and the fact that I was still OK, just slightly humbled by the experience.
And I am so grateful to find out this genetic glitch during a minor procedure, rather than a major surgery.
Ellen-maybe mention to them that you are nervous. Most pre and post op nurses have hearts of gold.
If you would feel better with a "play by play" when they prep you, don't be shy to ask them for one.
Or if you would feel more comfortable to look away and make small talk, tell them that.
Or, if like Keebler suggested, maybe some soothing music beforehand will be most helpful to you beforehand, let them know that also.
Whatever you require to make you feel as comfortable and as involved as you want.
Just ask them.
If you have any fears beforehand, talk to them about it.
Don't be shy, or hold things back.
You will do great! We'll all be thinking of you.
Posts: 4358 | From British Columbia, Canada | Registered: Jun 2013
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Ellen101
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 35432
posted
Thanks everyone for all the advice! Steve thanks for the links! I know I will get through this, not sure why I am so nervous as I have been through far tougher procedures...I know they typically use Demerol which I am allergic to so curious what they use instead. Unfortunately I awoke with a sore throat today, sure hope its nothing.
Posts: 1748 | From United States | Registered: Dec 2011
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Ellen101
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 35432
posted
Thanks everyone for all the advice! Steve thanks for the links! I know I will get through this, not sure why I am so nervous as I have been through far tougher procedures...I know they typically use Demerol which I am allergic to so curious what they use instead. Unfortunately I awoke with a sore throat today, sure hope its nothing.
Posts: 1748 | From United States | Registered: Dec 2011
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