Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Re:It's no picnic...but you'll be fine!

Hey there!

I had my first colonoscopy in December. I am IBS-D and was also afraid of how the prep cleansing would affect my system. Honestly, it was a piece of cake. The trick is to drink as much water and other clear fluids (I drank a ton of chamomile tea, 7up and Ginger Ale) as you can and that will help you to avoid cramping.

The thing I WISH someone had told me beforehand is that after a while you start just passing liquid, comprised primarily of undigested stomach bile. It burns!!! My poor little bumhole was so raw and swollen by the time I was done that night I couldn't give myself the enemas until the next morning. That pain was horrid, but pretty much gone by the morning of my procedure. I have heard that if you keep that area properly lubed up with KY Jelly, Vaseline, Preparation-H or Desitin...something of that nature, it will help tremendously.

Afterwards, I did feel gassier than normal for a few days but that passed as my system got back to normal. Don't worry at all....You'll be just fine!

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