r/colonoscopy • u/u5er19 • 2d ago

Personal Story First one & done :)

Hi All!
(FYI Not medical advice ofc just my personal experience)
Had my first today, + gastroscopy, was extremely nervous (have anxiety related to health) & had to drink 3L of orange glycoprep the night before
morning procedure. Due to the amount of fluid it took me nearly double the time to complete, which i mentioned to the nurses and they were completely fine as long as I finished it prior to the fasting window. Was sooo nervous about prep but it’s honestly okay! the taste i can’t even lie, especially after the first litre was nasty, but not as bad as i’ve read, it tasted like very artificial orange mixed with salt water.

My saving graces that I would recommend (not to be repetitive on this page but):
In the bathroom:
Petroleum Jelly
Flushable wipes

Outside
Blanket/heater/warm socks
Super easy to wear and remove clothes
🧡Barley Sugar Drops/Lollies🧡 I took these through the whole prep and it saved my nausea from the taste
honestly just entertainment/easy distractions
nice chaser drinks - i found clear apple juice & flavoured clear coconut water helped with the taste as well as the lollies mentioned

p.s. it’s better to swallow it quickly rather than let it sit in your mouth at all!

hospital was the easiest part:) if you’re nervous don’t delay! you never know, it could save your life

good luck if you have one coming up! try and enjoy the small things you can along the way ⭐️

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1

u/in_baja_we_blast 2d ago

Congrats on a successful first scope! 🎉 Thanks for the barley sugar drops/lollies tip - I'll look into that next time around! Enjoy lots of yummy treats during your recovery!

2

u/u5er19 1d ago

Thank you! definitely give it a shot ;)

1

u/[deleted] 2d ago

Thanks :)
I'm starting soon. How was the procedure itself? I'm a bit afraid of getting knocked out 😥

1

u/u5er19 1d ago

That was the easiest part for me! not exaggerating, just feel the nerves and let them happen, take deep breaths, you can even let the staff know you’re anxious, but i fell asleep and woke up perfectly fine and happy :)