Colonoscopy with colostomy....

eihtak
eihtak Member Posts: 1,473 Member
in Anal Cancer #1
I know you're probably all jealous about this, but thats what I'm doing tomorrow! Today is prep day so two fun days in a row. My question is....I have a colostomy as a result of my Anal cancer and this is my first colonoscopy since having it. I know very few of you end up with a colostomy, but if anyone has is there any thing specific I may need to know about this procedure? I am seeing a Gastroenterologist who was recommended by my Onc. I had a consult with him and all went ok, he didn't impress or un-impress me either way, but I do feel comfortable with him. I just want it to be tomorrow eve. so all is done and I can eat something and relax with hopefully no issues. Thanks, hope you are all having a better day than I.

Comments

  • Cheyenne
    Cheyenne Member Posts: 77
    #2
    I don't have personal
    I don't have personal experience but I did find this thread on the subject on this site:

    http://csn.cancer.org/node/183793

    That doesn't come up as a link but you should be able to copy and paste that the address bar of internet explorer or type "colonoscopy with colostomy" in the search box of this site.
  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    #3
    eihtak--
    I can't give you any advice on this, but just want to wish you all the best. I'm sure it go well and by tomorrow this time, you'll be breathing a sigh of relief. Good luck!
  • RoseC
    RoseC Member Posts: 559
    #4
    Sorry, I can't help with
    Sorry, I can't help with information either - but I too wish you all the best!
  • lowens
    lowens Member Posts: 37
    #5
    No expertise here...
    I wish I could be the one to have some helpful information for you. I hope my prayers for you give you some comfort. One day at a time, one hour, one minute... You will get through it with so many others thinking of you this evening and tomorrow!
  • Ann_i_
    Ann_i_ Member Posts: 47
    #6
    I have a colostomy
    I have a colostomy (ileostomy)- The stoma is before the colon.

    I have had two flexible sigmoidoscopy's and there is nothing to them.

    I get put under for them (I'm not awake for them) the first time I woke up to my bag being inflated. (And wondering how the heck that happened considering I'm not connected.)lol

    I have to have a ride home (and they insisted on the person coming up to claim me.)

    I'm not sure of the difference between a colonoscopy and a flexible sigmoidoscopy though I've had both but I was 'under' for each one. (The chances of me doing them awake are probably slim to none, the radiation damage is extensive.)
  • eihtak
    eihtak Member Posts: 1,473 Member
    #7
    Ann_i_ said:

    I have a colostomy
    I have a colostomy (ileostomy)- The stoma is before the colon.

    I have had two flexible sigmoidoscopy's and there is nothing to them.

    I get put under for them (I'm not awake for them) the first time I woke up to my bag being inflated. (And wondering how the heck that happened considering I'm not connected.)lol

    I have to have a ride home (and they insisted on the person coming up to claim me.)

    I'm not sure of the difference between a colonoscopy and a flexible sigmoidoscopy though I've had both but I was 'under' for each one. (The chances of me doing them awake are probably slim to none, the radiation damage is extensive.)

    Thank you
    Thank you all for your concern but now I'm kind of feeling down. Apparently I'm having some reaction to the prep and have to reschedule the colonoscopy. After drinking just one glass I started to vomit. The doc said to wait an hour and try again. I laid down, planning for a rough night, got up took just a few sips and ...sick again. When I called him he said I should call his office in the am that we would need to reschedule. I am really upset, I knew it would not be fun but wanted the test done and over with anyhow. Now next time I will be even more concerned, I wonder if there is any other type of prep?? Anyhow, thanks for your concern, at least its not a serious issue on the whole scale of our lives, just something to work out.
  • Cheyenne
    Cheyenne Member Posts: 77
    #8
    eihtak said:

    Thank you
    Thank you all for your concern but now I'm kind of feeling down. Apparently I'm having some reaction to the prep and have to reschedule the colonoscopy. After drinking just one glass I started to vomit. The doc said to wait an hour and try again. I laid down, planning for a rough night, got up took just a few sips and ...sick again. When I called him he said I should call his office in the am that we would need to reschedule. I am really upset, I knew it would not be fun but wanted the test done and over with anyhow. Now next time I will be even more concerned, I wonder if there is any other type of prep?? Anyhow, thanks for your concern, at least its not a serious issue on the whole scale of our lives, just something to work out.

    I'm so sorry. I know that
    I'm so sorry. I know that the prep day for most people is the worst part of the entire procedure. It sucks that you have to do it all again. But as you said, it is a minor aggravation on the scale of life's ups and downs.
  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    #9
    eihtak said:

    Thank you
    Thank you all for your concern but now I'm kind of feeling down. Apparently I'm having some reaction to the prep and have to reschedule the colonoscopy. After drinking just one glass I started to vomit. The doc said to wait an hour and try again. I laid down, planning for a rough night, got up took just a few sips and ...sick again. When I called him he said I should call his office in the am that we would need to reschedule. I am really upset, I knew it would not be fun but wanted the test done and over with anyhow. Now next time I will be even more concerned, I wonder if there is any other type of prep?? Anyhow, thanks for your concern, at least its not a serious issue on the whole scale of our lives, just something to work out.

    Hi eihtak--
    I'm sorry your scope has to be put on hold due to this reaction. What prep are they having you use? Since I don't have an ostomy, I'm not sure if your prep would differ from someone who doesn't. My prep is very simple--two Dulcolax tablets, the @ 5 p.m. begin drinking 64 oz. of Gatorade laced with 238 gm. of Miralax. I have never had issues with vomiting, other than the very first time I did this prep 4 years ago and just couldn't hold anymore fluid in my stomach. I know there are some other preps that are used, but I'm not that familiar with them. I hope they can find another one for you and that you can get this done and over with!
  • Ann_i_
    Ann_i_ Member Posts: 47
    #10
    mp327 said:

    Hi eihtak--
    I'm sorry your scope has to be put on hold due to this reaction. What prep are they having you use? Since I don't have an ostomy, I'm not sure if your prep would differ from someone who doesn't. My prep is very simple--two Dulcolax tablets, the @ 5 p.m. begin drinking 64 oz. of Gatorade laced with 238 gm. of Miralax. I have never had issues with vomiting, other than the very first time I did this prep 4 years ago and just couldn't hold anymore fluid in my stomach. I know there are some other preps that are used, but I'm not that familiar with them. I hope they can find another one for you and that you can get this done and over with!

    Sorry
    I keep forgetting that the placement of my ostomy makes all the difference. (I don't have prep except enema's to clean out mucus prior to the procedure.)
  • eihtak
    eihtak Member Posts: 1,473 Member
    #11
    mp327 said:

    Hi eihtak--
    I'm sorry your scope has to be put on hold due to this reaction. What prep are they having you use? Since I don't have an ostomy, I'm not sure if your prep would differ from someone who doesn't. My prep is very simple--two Dulcolax tablets, the @ 5 p.m. begin drinking 64 oz. of Gatorade laced with 238 gm. of Miralax. I have never had issues with vomiting, other than the very first time I did this prep 4 years ago and just couldn't hold anymore fluid in my stomach. I know there are some other preps that are used, but I'm not that familiar with them. I hope they can find another one for you and that you can get this done and over with!

    Miralax
    Martha, they had me on a prep called Nulytely, drinking about 1 6-8oz glass every 15-30 min. for 4hrs. It has a VERY salty taste and I think thats what made me sick. When I called to reschedule they prescribrd the Miralax routine that you mentioned. With a colostomy things run through your system much faster so will most likely clean out quickly. I also need to do only clear liquids for the day prior. I have talked to someone else who has done the Miralax with no problem also, so am hoping for an easier time. Couldn't get in till May17th, at which time they will also do an Anascope to check anal area which was really my bigger concern anyhow. I am not working right now, and can't imagine what an employer would think with all my appointments....might as well consider our health care our jobs (no pay). Wishing all a good day!
  • eihtak
    eihtak Member Posts: 1,473 Member
    #12
    Ann_i_ said:

    Sorry
    I keep forgetting that the placement of my ostomy makes all the difference. (I don't have prep except enema's to clean out mucus prior to the procedure.)

    Sigmoidoscopy??
    Ann_i_.....thanks for responding. Did you have to prep before the sigmoidoscopy, and if so what prep did they prescribe?
  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    #13
    eihtak said:

    Miralax
    Martha, they had me on a prep called Nulytely, drinking about 1 6-8oz glass every 15-30 min. for 4hrs. It has a VERY salty taste and I think thats what made me sick. When I called to reschedule they prescribrd the Miralax routine that you mentioned. With a colostomy things run through your system much faster so will most likely clean out quickly. I also need to do only clear liquids for the day prior. I have talked to someone else who has done the Miralax with no problem also, so am hoping for an easier time. Couldn't get in till May17th, at which time they will also do an Anascope to check anal area which was really my bigger concern anyhow. I am not working right now, and can't imagine what an employer would think with all my appointments....might as well consider our health care our jobs (no pay). Wishing all a good day!

    Hi eihtak--
    I'm glad to hear you got rescheduled and will be trying a different prep this time. Like I said before, I have had no problems with it, other than the fact that it's a lot of liquid for someone my size to take in! I hope all will go well for you this next time around!
  • Ann_i_
    Ann_i_ Member Posts: 47
    #14
    eihtak said:

    Sigmoidoscopy??
    Ann_i_.....thanks for responding. Did you have to prep before the sigmoidoscopy, and if so what prep did they prescribe?

    Sigmoidoscopy??
    My last one was Feb 9th.

    I believe I was no food or drink after midnight the night before and an enema 4 hours prior to the procedure and then another 2 hours prior to the procedure.

    Oh and a lot of fluid's the day before. (Water, I believe 4 -16 oz glasses was what was recommended.)

    My colostomy (ileostomy - more than likely) is located just below my right breast. (And is before the colon, my gastro doc told me I have diversion colitis because my colon isn't happy it isn't being used.)

    Kim :)

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