What do I need to know before getting colonscopy

LDS4ME · Aug 27, 2004

I would like to know what sort of info I need to know before getting a colonsopy sorry mispelled. I heard from one member here her husband went off coumadin for the procesure and a few hours later he had a massive stroke he was a very healthy man when he went in i dont want that to happen I know we can choose to contiune using it . also what sort of questions do i need to know before i go into the dr thank you chris

Nancy · Aug 27, 2004

Ask for the Miralax and Gatorade prep instead of the Go-Lightly prep. It is much more palatable and less volume. The Go-Lightly or New-Lightly preps are horrible.

I'll let others address the Coumadin issue.

Bunny_Rabbit · Aug 27, 2004

I've never had a colonoscopy before, but I just saw a little thing on the news last night about it. They were saying that the test is 96% accurate at detecting cancers/polyps...HOWEVER you must follow the prep instructions to the "T". Otherwise anything left in the colon can cover what you're in there looking for.

Good luck.

P.S. I know I'm supposed to have antibiotics before the procedure. You should ask you doctor about that.

Here's the link that was on the news.
http://www.pulse24.com/News_Features/Pulse_on_Health/20040826-001/page.asp

Nan · Aug 27, 2004

I had a colonoscopy and was bridged with IV heparin prior to the procedure....3 days in the hospital and then I think 2 after. I was already in with A-Fib so I didn't have to go in especially for the procedure. But it is certainly not safe to go off Coumadin unless you are bridged with something else.

Good luck.

bvdr · Aug 27, 2004

Check out Al's website for accurate information about colonoscopies for people on coumadin.

One bit of advice would be to start a low residue diet a few days before you need to take your prep. I hated the prep and I felt like I couldn't drink another drop...but I did...every single drop of it!

Good luck with your test and I hope your report is a good one.

Bryan B · Aug 27, 2004

I'll be getting one in the next 2 months (not on Coumadin though). I've been waiting until I reach the 6 month post-op mark at the recommendation of my surgeon. The doc I'm using has already given me the Miralax prescription and instructions to use with Gatorade. It will be my first, but my Dad had CC so I have to start getting them early. Luckily he was good about having them done regularly and they caught it early in his case.