Colonoscopy prep

Welcome reluctantpatient

Hmm, thats a tough call... the good patient in me says that you have to follow his instructions. I have taken Golytly before and I feel for you. My doc allows me to take the pills (Visicol) so I'm much happier about that now. Some people here will tell you that they have done the prep that makes them feel comfortable with or without their docs blessing so I can't steer you one way or the other. My advice would be to personally talk to your doctor (not the nurse or receptionist) and tell him that you had a previous bad experience with the Golytely and would like some more suggestions. Some docs won't waiver and some give you 3-4 different options which mine does. Good luck

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"Des"

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I had a colonoscope two times and the first time

I had to drink this stuff that tasted like jolly ranchers and then do an anema

the second time i have to take all these pills and i couldnt eat anything!

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I'm in Canada... I've seen all sorts of clinics here that prescribe the Pico... I'm beginning to think that my doctor either has stock in the dreaded GoLitely, or just isn't up on the latest - Or maybe the pico doesn't do an adequate job, and I just haven't been able to access the info on-line.

Still not sure what to do; I bought both preps. I'm such a worry-wart that my bet is that if I go with the pico, it will cause so much stress that the whole prep experience will be equally unpleasant. I must admit, the whole thing is stressful - the last time I had a colonoscopy, I received no pain killers or relaxants... It was the most painful procedure (and I've had a few) I've ever experienced. I know that this doctor does use some anesthetic, so I'm not too worried about the procedure itself.

Best of luck to you (Canyonbabe711) - From my research and my sister's account, get the Pico.

Just remember, that you do not have to just lay there and take something that is so painful that you are screaming; tell them to stop. They are legally obligated (in the US, although I'm sure in Canada too) to stop the procedure. You can withdraw consent for a procedure any time you are conscious. If they refuse to stop, start screaming that you'll get a lawyer. That'll stop a doctor quicker than anything in the US, lol.

That's why I'm a militant patient: I won't accept abuse anymore. I've been abused and I won't put up with it again.

Just thought you'd be interested to know...
I ended up taking the pico salax, and it was pretty much the worst prep I've ever done. I drank 24 oz of water before taking it (1 package with 5 oz water), and then every hour I drank 8 oz of gatorade and 16 oz of water.

Diarrhea started within 15 minutes. My fingers and toes went numb. I experienced nausea, chills, very bad throbbing head ache, confusion, etc. I was pretty much incapacitated. It was bad enough that I phoned the pharmacist to make sure I was OK. He said to hold off on the second dose, and not to take it if the symptoms didn't subside, which they didn't.
I also phoned a telehealth number, and the nurse there recommended going to the doctor. I was concerned because I didn't know if I was suffering from dehydration, or perhaps had over hydrated myself. Anyhow, doctor's office was closed at this point, so I stayed home and endured.

Next day I went to the appointment, told the Doctor about what happened, and that I hadn't taken the second dose. Apparently, I was cleaned out enough (phew). Procedure itself was a walk through the park compared to the one I had without sedation - I didn't feel a thing, and woke up to the news that all was clear.

Anyhow, I guess the moral of the story is that everyone reacts differently, and that pico salax isn't for everyone. Now the big question is is how will I prepare for the next one. Ahhhhhhhhgggghhhhhh!

The instructions actually say 8 ozs per hour - I drank so much because the instructions from a reputable clinic (not my Doctor - he didn't have any!) I was also concerned about dehydration - When my sister used it, she just drank 1 cup or so an hour, and she had no trouble at all. I am curious what happened to me - allergic reaction perhaps?

I guess my point is that I did all sorts of research on the Internet, and found no negative comments about the pico, quite the contrary. I wouldn't let my experience influence you too much. My doctor actually said that the pico is easier (usually!!!) for patients, but in his opinion doesn't quite clean you out as well (I wonder if he's ever done a blind "taste test". I do wonder if any else experienced my type of reaction.

Cheers,
RP

Ithink Sarita may be right. You said you drank a lot of water before you even started. I know that I could never consume as much water as you did as you did. That is 24 oz every hour. Not too many people can handle that but it seems your reaction was extreme from the beginning. I just wonder if someone gave you the wrong directions.