(Type 2, oral meds, mother died of bowel cancer) I had two colonoscopies, three years ago - a couple of small polys removed immediately and then booked in for removal of a larger one a couple of months later. Histology came back clear, but was told I would be on 3 year call back, so had a third colonoscopy a week or two ago. 4 small polyps removed, awaiting results (and another three year call back for 2028).
The prep was different this time. I had to start on low fibre diet 5 days before and take sennakot twice daily. I was worried about the fast element, so decided to go low calorie, low fibre from Sat to Wed before the fast. Stuck to everything on the green list, checked the white bread had no added fibre, almost no fruit or veg and still had about 12g fibre a day - but the bowel was clear on the day. I ended up on around 60g protein, 60g fat, 120g carbs, and 1,250 calories on average each day. I had quite a lot of white fish, eggs, and cheese.
I recall getting a headache with the prep drinks three years ago - from drinking too much. This time I made up the 500ml prep and a second 500ml jug of water and sipped 100ml from both every 12 minutes or so over an hour. I started to shake 15 minutes from the end, but also my nose suddenly started running, so I decided I was not dehydrated, and just had a small cup of water before going to bed.
I was also worried about leakage, so bought those granny pants/nappies, but in the event they were not needed on the day itself before or after. Fasted from 1pm the day before, took the drinks as prescribed at 5pm and 9pm and could probably have gone to bed at 11pm, but I was tense, and stayed up to 1am. No liquids allowed for the two hours beforehand, so I had a slight headache from dehydration when I drove over.
There was a suite of rooms at the GP Surgery for colonoscopies, 100% female staff - I presume this changes for the men. Several "pods", so I had my own small room to change and leave my belongings.
I chose entonox (gas and air) because I wanted to drive there and back. I was told the entonox would be fully worn off after 30 minutes, and it was. Like another poster, I too ended up with fish and chips for lunch! No post procedure pain at all. Sucking in the entonox rattles loudly, so the team could tell when I was being a wimp. "What was the problem?" I described it as cramping, so they pressed on my tummy to push the air back out, which helped.
The debriefing paperwork was diagrammatic, indicated where polyps were removed and where pictures were taken (pictures not included for me).
I might be less nervous in 2028?
I hope all goes well for you.
