Questions About Upcoming Surgery and Colonoscopy Prep

My ostomy surgery was in April 2024. I almost have a year without being in the hospital after 18 months and 13 surgeries due to all sorts of complications. Anyway....... in April 2025 I have to have a colonoscopy, a hernia repair, and a stoma repair. I think they put you on a spit like a rack of ribs and just turn you as needed!! I thought I saw some helpful tips regarding prepping for the colonoscopy on this site, and I can't find it. Can someone help.

They schedule they have me on for the day before starts at 6 am with clear liquids, and 10 am begin antibiotics and 5 pm start Miralax. Drinking 64 oz at 5 pm, well, 8 oz every 15 mins until the entire mixture is consumed.

More antibiotics at 7 pm. Stop everything by 8 pm.

Any ideas on how to get through this? I appreciate the help. Thank you from Macs

I went through this not so long ago, both for a colonoscopy and then a week later for surgery prep.

Just be prepared to empty your bag a lot. The directions said to start midday, but I started in the morning so I could sleep more comfortably without having to get up during the night to empty.

Start a low-residue diet a couple of days before the prep. That will reduce the amount of total output.

Get a larger bag if possible. I normally wear closed-end bags but bought a larger drainable bag for the prep.

Hello. Order an extra-large capacity drainable bag - those have a spout to drain it. Mine also had tubing I could connect, and then it drained into an even bigger bag for when I was sleeping. My wound nurse ordered mine for me - so if you have a wound nurse, you can ask them. I would not have gotten through my prep without it! I also reserved a hotel 5 minutes from the hospital, so I didn't have to deal with a long drive and the prep. You will probably also need to take 2 showers with special soap the day of surgery - I did at least. Best of luck!

After the chemicals go through you, it feels like someone dumps a hot cup of coffee into your bag every 15-20 minutes. But once it's done, it's done. Go eat and enjoy.

Staying Hydrated with an Ostomy with LeeAnne Hayden | Hollister

This is a great idea!

Thank you for your help. I appreciate it.

Macs

Thank you, SusanT. That makes a lot of sense. I appreciate the help.

Macs

I appreciate this information. Luckily, I live within 5 minutes of my hospital. I was there over 250 days within an 18-month period. I think they assigned my husband his own parking place. I know they gave them the employee discount in the cafeteria.

Macs