Now, Aren't WE Special...?

Oh; Laurie!

 

Was someone at home with you? (I hope so...)

 

Perhaps a gentler type of prep would be better in your situation, but if you haven't already healed enough to consider even that option, maybe a virtual colonoscopy would be a good substitute for the "real" thing in the interim. Biopsies can't be taken, but at least a thorough "look-see" can be accomplished.

 

Thanks for writing.

 

My best,

Hope

 

Thank you for responding so quickly.  What would a gentler prep be?  I don't know what a "virtual colonoscopy" is.

You're welcome, Laurie.

 

You didn't mention which prep you used, but I can tell you that LoSo prep (active ingredients: bisacodyl and magnesium citrate) does a good "clean out," is well tolerated, and is considered gentler and easier to use, by many people who have tried other frequently recommended bowel preps.

 

Virtual colonoscopy Virtual Colonoscopy is a fairly new method that uses a CT scanner and computer virtual reality software to look inside the lower digestive tract without having to insert an endoscope. (A thin catheter is inserted into the rectum, so that air can be passed, to temporarily inflate the colon for better viewing.) Some prepping the day before is still necessary, but overall, the procedure is much less physically and emotionally stressful than a conventional colonoscopy. However, remember that tissue samples can not be gotten, so, if suspicious growths are seen, a conventional scope will be likely.

 

Hope

Thank you Hope.  I used or tried to use the Ortho Prep.

Judi, what's up the with the flaming?

 

Ouch!

 

Hope

 

PS: I'm vegan AND, I have a post graduate degree in Health Education. Not only have I tasted turnip, rudabega, bok choy, endive, and beets, but I can probably put together a succinct, 45 minute presentation about their various health benefits, on the fly. I'm not ignorant (though, I will admit, having tasted those five veggies, I don't like any of them). And, I neither are our community members.

 

I'm so glad to have some intelligent response to my "flaming" comments. I didn't direct them to those of you who are on the right track, but most of the people I talk to eat very poorly, are ignorant of basic bodily functions, and generally don't take responsibility for their own bodies. I'm sure you know plenty of these folks. If we don't shake things up once in a while, what makes people think? Sorry if I offended you.

I'm glad to see you back, Judi; your apology is appreciated. (Since it seems you can play well with others----I hope you will find the site, and the community, useful, and will be back again.)

 

Hope

 

 

Judi,

 

We're all allowed our opinons but I must object to your tone and negativity. From your post I also can't imagine that you have IBD. for many of us with IBD or other gut issues it's not the taste of the prep that's the issue it's what's IN the prep that causes problems.

 

A colonoscopy sets me back at least 1 week, usually 2-3 weeks, every time I have one done. Why? Because it causes my IBD to flare-up. I can easily lose 5-10 pounds in that time - not good since I fight to maintain a weight of 115 lbs. due to the IBD - and can have other serious complications from the prep as well. 

 

This site is not only a place to ask questions, to get answers, and to give opinion. It's a place to share feelings, frustrations, and sometimes even anger about living with a chronic illness for which there is no cure.

 

Glad that the prep is not a problem for you. But for those of us who do have difficulty you're just being plain mean.

 

Read my shareposts and you'll see that I've changed my life, my diet, and my career hugely to live a good life despite having IBD. I eat only a whole food diet that I prepare myself. So, please, don't lecture until you get to know each of us intimately.

 

 

Elizabeth, yes I do have IBD, although compared to the symptoms you've described my case is relatively mild. My symptoms, alternating diarhhea and constipation, abdominal cramps, terrible gas, more cramping, with occasional relief for a few days, have been going on for 20 years or more. The most relief I get is when I massage my abdomen with my big, round, slightly convex massager. This takes 5-10 minutes, and the relief is amazing, and I take this tool everywhere I go (trips). 20 years ago I had an intestinal obstruction complicated by abdominal adhesions, and after 18 hours of intense pain and every test known, they finally operated, untied the knot, rearranged my insides, and sent me home. I lived in fear of a reccurence for 10 or more years....now I know what to do if this ever happens again - deep massage. I wonder if I'll suffer with it the way my mother did as I get older. Sometimes I can't even go for a long walk with the dog because it'll put me too far away from a rest room. Stress is a big factor for me, I think, and I wonder if all the supplements I take are exacerbating it. We read all we can, trying one approach after another, and finally just learn to live with the symptoms. I'm glad I found this chat space, and sincerely apologize to any of you who I have offended. I was angry, I admit it, but I appreciate your response.

Thanks, Judi. I appreciate your post and all that you, too, have been through because of IBD.

 

I agree that there are many people who simply refuse to accept the idea that a poor diet, or even certain foods, could be exaccerbating their IBD. But, most doctors don't accept this fact so how can we expect IBD patients too?

 

With my blogs and my book - Living with IBD & IBS - I try to educate other IBDers about nutrition and stress reduction to help manage their symptoms. These things won't cure most of us but they have both been unbelievably helpful to me.

 

Glad to have you aboard.

 

Elizabeth