Colonoscopy prep...need alternative prep
I have kidney disease so I can't take mag citrate. Polyethylene glycol/miralax burned my bladder. See mothers against miralax on Facebook. I even talked to locals who do colonics. They said I can't do that. I've thought about asking if I can do an iv to flush kidneys while doing the prep. ? I have had precancerous polyps and have family history of colon cancer. What do ppl do?
I'm sorry to hear that you're struggling to find a colonoscopy prep that feels appropriate for you, given your concerns. I would imagine that this recommendation would have to come from - or at least be coordinated with - your GI doctor who is performing the procedure. Have you talked with him/her about it? I'm sure there is a protocol for those that have kidney disease. So if you could first cross that bridge, then talk about addressing the concerns for your bladder. You're already thinking of different solutions which is great, so I would present your ideas to your doctor and share you concern to see how you can come up with a solution for you to get the colonoscopy, which certainly is a priority as you've expressed. Keep us posted on how it goes.
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Alene, Migraine.com Team MemberI've talked to my gastro doc. He did a ct but seems there is no answer for me. He did the scope but that didn't show much. I even called one who does clonics. They said that wouldn't clean me out. I'm sorry to hear that you're not getting the answers that you need. You're looking for an alternative to the colonoscopy prep drink, correct? Did the gastro doc that you saw have an alternative drink options for you given your health concerns?
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Alene, Migraine.com Team Member
I am so sorry that you are going through all of this. I had acute kidney failure and months later, I used Clenpiq. I am not sure if that is something that you could even use. It took less to drink and was much for me. I asked my GI if there was something that required a less amount to drink as I have Gastroparesis too. It took three tries getting insurance to send the right thing. Sometimes just researching ourselves and bringing that information to the doctor is enough for them to get us the right treatment. What has GI said about doing a prep for you? I hope that you are able to get the right prep/test appropriate for you and your condition. (Tonya, migraine.com contributor). Thanks Tonya. I have stage 3b kidney disease so not sure if I can take this but it's worth checking out and I appreciate your post. You say you have kidney failure? So in that case you are on dialysis? If your kidneys have failed perhaps this prep can't hurt you/your kidneys? Thanks much.
Lynneat
I'm going to tag to be sure she gets your question here. Thanks so much for your post. Warmly - Holly - migraine.com team when I did the prep, I was at Stage 4 Chronic Kidney Disease. My ESR was not at 17, like earlier that year. I had acute kidney and liver failure due to an osteoporosis medication and rhabdomyolysis. I have such a crazy and sensitive body. Even with all of what went on that year, they still felt the Clenpiq was safe enough for me. The doctor told me that if my numbers went down two more points, I would have needed dialysis. They have since come up. It has been a little over a year since I was in failure. No longer in failure. My kidney numbers have improved some. I also make sure to stay well hydrated during the prep because we know dehydration is worse when you have kidney issues. My kidneys were not made worse by this prep. It was actually the easiest on my whole body. I hope this helps. Maybe talking with your gi and nephrologist about Clenpiq or a gentler colon prep, would help them find something for you. I'm here if you need to ask anything else. Sending my best to you. (Tonya, migraine.com contributor).
Wow! I appreciate the details. You really helped me. About half of the reviews were bad on drugs.com I'll do something in the spring. I'll take your advice. Thanks Tonya. Talk soon.
we're so happy to hear that the information that Tonya shared was so helpful. That's the beauty of this community, we're able to share information with one another to help make this road a little easier on us all. Keep us posted on how you're doing. We hope that all goes well!
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Alene, Migraine.com Team Member
I have no expertise in this area, but I do want to pass along some resources for you while you consider what to do next. We have sister communities for CKD and a few other conditions ... I wonder if someone over there will have a suggestion for you on possible prep options. Here are the links:
www.Chronic-Kidney-Disease.net
www.InflammatoryBowelDisease.net
www.IrritableBowelSyndrome.net
I admire your persistence in the face of so many closed doors. You are doing the right thing and we are here to support you! -Melissa, migraine team
