OT: Colonscopy, CPAP, Pre-Diabetic, Prep

[WearyOne]

I’ve read some past posts on this. Based on what I read, I have some questions that it looks like some of you have had experience with.

I was on CPAP at my first colonoscopy 8 years ago. No machine at the procedure. Didn’t have any problems. I have a horrible time in recovery from general anesthesia (even with my CPAP), but no problems with what they give you for colonoscopy. Should I bring the machine even if doc says I don’t need to? (I've also had an endoscopy with no problems in recovery. Obviously during the procedure they have a tube down your throat, so kinda hard for it to collapse for this.)

On that first colonoscopy, I had to do the liquid mag citrate and Dulcolax because I threw up the prescription stuff (Golytely or whatever it is). I’ve read on here where a lot of folks like a Gatorade/MiraLax prep. I am pre-diabetic, so I’m concerned about drinking a lot of anything with sugar in it. Is there something else that others have used like Gatorade that doesn’t have sugar or has very little sugar? (I do plan to talk to my endo.) Or maybe I should just stick with the mag citrate/Dulcolax.

I already take MiraLax daily (PCP’s recommendation), and I drink it in water. Doesn’t taste bad to me at all. I guess using just water wouldn’t be good due to loss of electrolytes or something? Someone mentioned “electrolyte water.” What is that? No or little sugar?

Has anyone used Linzess as part of a prep? It's for IBS-C (which I have) and I believe also CIC. I take this every day as well, but wonder if taking more of it in combo with one of these other things would work.

Thanks all!

[D.H.]

I always bring my CPAP to a colonoscopy. The bag was never opened, but it should be in the room with you (and they should know about it). You also need it to be with you in case you should need to be hospitalized.

BTW, have a CPAP packing list, in the CPAP bag, at all times. You don't want to forget the power cord, or the hose, or anything else. Good for colonoscopy and other medical procedures, vacation, planned hospitalization, or unplanned hospitalization. In the last instance, it's critical, since somebody else will need to pack your bag.

[Physician]

I’ve read some past posts on this. Based on what I read, I have some questions that it looks like some of you have had experience with.

I was on CPAP at my first colonoscopy 8 years ago. No machine at the procedure. Didn’t have any problems. I have a horrible time in recovery from general anesthesia (even with my CPAP), but no problems with what they give you for colonoscopy. Should I bring the machine even if doc says I don’t need to? (I've also had an endoscopy with no problems in recovery. Obviously during the procedure they have a tube down your throat, so kinda hard for it to collapse for this.)

On that first colonoscopy, I had to do the liquid mag citrate and Dulcolax because I threw up the prescription stuff (Golytely or whatever it is). I’ve read on here where a lot of folks like a Gatorade/MiraLax prep. I am pre-diabetic, so I’m concerned about drinking a lot of anything with sugar in it. Is there something else that others have used like Gatorade that doesn’t have sugar or has very little sugar? (I do plan to talk to my endo.) Or maybe I should just stick with the mag citrate/Dulcolax.

I already take MiraLax daily (PCP’s recommendation), and I drink it in water. Doesn’t taste bad to me at all. I guess using just water wouldn’t be good due to loss of electrolytes or something? Someone mentioned “electrolyte water.” What is that? No or little sugar?

Has anyone used Linzess as part of a prep? It's for IBS-C (which I have) and I believe also CIC. I take this every day as well, but wonder if taking more of it in combo with one of these other things would work.

Thanks all!

I've had four colonoscopies with absolutely no anesthesia or sedation. Too many patients seek it when there usually (in skilled hands) has little to no pain. GI docs like giving anesthesia because then there's fewer complaints, anxiety is reduced, and profit is enhanced. Best to try the procedure at least once with no meds, and if needed, meds can be administered in the IV line and the meds are effective in under 15 seconds.

[WearyOne]

Thanks for the suggestion, Physician. I still remember parts of my last colonoscopy, including some major pain, but only for a short period of time. So think I'll pass on trying it without anything. I still remember the doc saying something like, "Hold on, we're just going around a bend here and will be done in a second." But it does bring up the idea of asking if they can make it lighter sedation than usual (even though I know it's already kinda light) and then increase it if necessary. Last time it was fun seeing the inside of my colon on the monitor for a minute or so until I dozed back off!

Yikes, sure hope nothing happens bad enough to be hospitalized, but I guess there's always that slight risk. I have a spare CPAP with all the needed cords and such in a bag already. I'll remove the humidifier and use that one. My husband is also on CPAP, so he's familiar with everything should the need arise and I'm halfway out of it.

Thanks!

[WRX03]

I also took mine but it wasn't needed. When they were trying to wake me I asked them to but me back to sleep and wake me in about 4 hours.

[49er]

Physician, before I was diagnosed with lymphoma, I had scheduled a colonoscopy and thought about trying it unsedated even though my doctor discouraged it. But for various reasons, I came to my senses and realized I was nuts for even thinking of doing this without sedation as my anxiety would have gone through the roof.

Since this doc was going to use Propofol and I had had zero problems with it under previous anesthesia, I was going to go with his recommendation. When I am ready to have one, this is exactly what I will have him use.

Regarding the Fentanyl/Versed combination, because of other health issues, I have been advised by two anesthesiologists at different hospitals not to take Versed as a preop med. Because I wasn't sure how well Fentanyl would work by itself, I simply decided that going with Propofol was the best option in light of my good history with it. Obviously, your mileage will vary.

49er

[49er]

Thanks for the suggestion, Physician. I still remember parts of my last colonoscopy, including some major pain, but only for a short period of time. So think I'll pass on trying it without anything. I still remember the doc saying something like, "Hold on, we're just going around a bend here and will be done in a second." But it does bring up the idea of asking if they can make it lighter sedation than usual (even though I know it's already kinda light) and then increase it if necessary. Last time it was fun seeing the inside of my colon on the monitor for a minute or so until I dozed back off!

Yikes, sure hope nothing happens bad enough to be hospitalized, but I guess there's always that slight risk. I have a spare CPAP with all the needed cords and such in a bag already. I'll remove the humidifier and use that one. My husband is also on CPAP, so he's familiar with everything should the need arise and I'm halfway out of it.

Thanks!

Wearyone,

When I had a procedure in April under General Anesthesia, I asked for light sedation due to medical issues that I feared would be worsened by getting too much. They took my concerns so seriously that I work up in the OR. Unfortunately, I was in pain and needed some medication so asking for light sedation can have it downsides. LOL. But all jokes aside, the pain was relieved very quickly.

So definitely ask for that if you that is one of your concerns.

49er

[LSAT]

Easiest prep for the procedure is Miralax and Gatorade. Our GI has recommended it for quite a while.
http://www.concordemed.com/files/232-ea ... oscopy.pdf

[Guest]

Bring the cpap if it makes you feel better. But afaik an RT is assigned to monitor you during the entire procedure. It is always best to talk directly with the doc and the anesthesiologist doing the procedure to let them know any of your concerns.

I have not had a procedure where both didn't talk to me directly.

I also remember that all day following the colonoscopy I had no back pain which was a good thing. So I called my GP to ask why I couldn't get a script for "this stuff'. Of course my request was denied. <sad face>

[WearyOne]

I also took mine but it wasn't needed. When they were trying to wake me I asked them to but me back to sleep and wake me in about 4 hours.

Ha, that would probably be me too!

[WearyOne]

Physician, before I was diagnosed with lymphoma, I had scheduled a colonoscopy and thought about trying it unsedated even though my doctor discouraged it. But for various reasons, I came to my senses and realized I was nuts for even thinking of doing this without sedation as my anxiety would have gone through the roof.
49er

I hear ya on the anxiety. That would be too.

On the pre-diabetic thing, I was quite surprised when I heard back from my endo's office today that whatever was needed just to go ahead and use it as it would not affect my sugar. I'm guessing if I was diabetic it might make a difference, but glad to hear it won't for pre-d.