Chris, I have had stomach problems since the age of 9, I went through a series of test to try and find out what was wrong. I had doubled over in pain and couldn't move it hurt so much. I had an ultrasound, 2 barium swallows, x-rays, as well as blood test. I was diagnosed with an "ulcer", which I'm not sure I even had because I don't recall any medicine given to me just instructions to stay away from spicy foods. Anyways, it took 12 years before I was diagnosed with IBS. My symptoms changed from having to use the restroom after I ate, which was very painful, to being constipated. My doctor finally sent me to a GI, who decided that I needed a colonoscopy to see what was going on. I was 21 when I had my first colonoscopy which diagnosed me with IBS and scheduled me for an endoscopy to rule out anything else. I've also had an MRI. My GI found two polyps, removed and tested them. So now I have to have a colonoscopy every 5 years and an endoscopy every 2 years. I just went through both tests again in August. I have found that the prep is different for a person with IBS-C (I had C for my first colonoscopy), I have IBS-D now so the prep was easier in my opinion. With C you have to drink a bunch of "thick" solution. With D I was instructed to purchase miralax and mix it with a glass of water every half hour. With both C & D I was prescribed some pills to help with the prep. If you have C you probably have a lot to clear out of the colon, but with D I didn't have very much so I was empty half way through prep. The day before the tests I took two pills at 9:00 am and had jello any flavor as long as it was not red or purple, and chicken broth until 11:00. Then I was allowed only 7-up, ginger ale or water for the rest of the prep. I started taking the miralax at 11:00, I didn't start using the bathroom until my third dose at 12:00. Oh, and another tip I also drank propel water I think it's made by Gatorade, and it's clear like water. It has a bunch of vitamins and electrolytes in it. I started drinking it the night before because I knew I would lose a lot of electrolytes during the prep and I continued drinking it during the day of the prep. I didn't have any problems with being hungry, as you're insides are pretty unsettled during prep so you don't really get any hunger pains. The tests themselves aren't bad, you are given an IV and medicine to make you sleepy and pretty much unaware of what's going on. I hope this information helps you.
-Samantha
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IBS-D - Diagnosed August 2002 (No D since October 07!)
Pain (No pain since October 07!), Gas/Bloating (Better)
Mild Ulcerative Colitis - Diagnosed August 2007
Acid Reflux - Diagnosed 1997
Medicine: Acacia (24 grams), Prilosec [Reflux] (20mg), Lialda [UC](2.5mg).
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Re: Colonoscopy
