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Flex sigmoidoscopy

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Posted 11/29/2015 3:39 PM (GMT -5)
I've had my ileostomy for nine years. Life is good.

I routinely go in for annual check-ups. Every two or three years my gastro guy has me in for a flex sigmoid exam. They knock me out for this.

The instructions call for a 10 oz bottle of Magnesium citrate and 2 fleet enemas. I've always ignored these instructions and just drank a lot of fluids and fasted for about two days. No one has ever said a word.

Well, it's time for another sigmoid exam. Got the same instructions.
I just can't bring myself to administer the fleet enemas or take that Magnesium citrate stuff.

Anyone have any experience with this?
Posted 11/29/2015 6:05 PM (GMT -5)
I don't get it. Your rectum presumably isn't connected to anything but your gastro still prescribes you both oral prep and enemas to cleanse it out? What's he thinks in there, a nest of small animals?

Anyway, I don't have direct experience but I'm facing a similar dilemma. I'm having a flex sig soon and can't face taking the enemas my surgeon has prescribed. I've asked if I can take Moviprep instead. If I can't take oral prep, I'll probably fast for 24 hours beforehand to at least reduce the sheer misery of using a laxative enema in combination with an inflamed rectum.
Posted 11/29/2015 10:52 PM (GMT -5)
I don't understand why you need to do the oral prep either. If you are not connected and you're having a flex sig of your rectum that is disconnected, the enemas should be plenty. The oral would serve no purpose unless they are going into your ileo and in that case, why the enemas?
Posted 11/30/2015 7:59 AM (GMT -5)
Since my op i've had 2 flex sig's done. I have an 8 inch rectal stump so I don't need to take anything in preparation. I don't even bother with sedation. So if you have a similar sitiuation, ask your doctor if the enema's and oral prep are necessary. If you do have more colon left then this could be the reason.

Usually the letters with instructions for your procedure are standard so they won't be taking into account a colectomy. But definitely confirm this with your doctor as you don't mention what you have had removed.

Post Edited (letthepeoplesing) : 11/30/2015 6:05:38 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 11/30/2015 9:47 AM (GMT -5)
Thanks for the feedback. I'm going to do my usual...nothing.
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