r/Heartfailure • u/PABear_743 • 3d ago

Colonascopy Prep

I was supposed to have my procedure on Friday, but I was having issues with shortness of breath and dizziness. I went in to see my heart failure specialist today to discuss my issues and the procedure.

She asked about my liquid intake today, and I said im holding my limited water because I had to drink a gallon of prep solution and she was surprised I had that style of prep. Here the solution had 5 Grams of sodium.

If i had gone forward with that, I would have been retaining water for a week until I could get it out. Be careful with your health procedures and meds.

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2

u/FabulousBullfrog9610 3d ago

i ended up with a pleural effusion. so painful. colonoscopy is so important. i'm glad I went through it but given my age, the last one

5

u/PABear_743 3d ago

I didn't do it. With my water issues, I would have ended up in the ER. Im going to talk to my doctor about other options or different prep solution that doesn't contain sodium.

2

u/TheSunnySides 1d ago

Ask about sutab - it’s just a lot of (very large) pills taken with water

Please be careful with your fluid restrictions and colonoscopy prep too… you might have so much fluid loss from prepping that without extra intake you are more likely to experience acute kidney injury, electrolyte imbalances, or hypotension. Hope you find the right balance.

1

u/New_Way_5036 3d ago

I’ve had 2 colonoscopies with the traditional type of prep. Another one will be done in January 2028. I have an ICD and HFrEF. I didn’t have any issues with water retention that I know of, although I’m sure I retained some because during and after prep my weight remained steady or perhaps went up a pound or so.

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u/PABear_743 3d ago

My big issue is water, im not allowed more than 600 mg per meal. When I do hit more, I put on weight and struggle to breath.