Combined Gastroscopy / Colonoscopy preperation advice needed

Digestive health
1

Hi All

At last got my Gastroscopy and Colonoscopy date through, which took long enough, but got there in the end.

I have a query that I would like some advice for, hoping someone may have gone through similar to me, and be able to give me some guidance.

I'm happy with the procedure, and the bowel cleansing prep that has to be done before the examination, my main worry is having to come off my PPI Omeprazole 2 weeks before the scopes. I was taken off Omeprazole a couple of months ago, just to see how I'd react, and I lasted 3 days before my symptoms flared up and had to go back on them. The symptoms include bloating, burping, stomach churning, severe sharp pain mainly in top of stomach, lower chest and back, nausea, random tender sore pains all over abdomen. When I questioned my doctor and hospital about this, their advice was to 'keep downing the Gaviscon'.

So I got some Gaviscon Advance in, but I was wondering what my doctor meant by 'keep downing the Gaviscon', how much of this can I take safely, and whether there are any other things I can do to try and keep these symptoms as mild as possible. I'm desperate to get these tests done, and for the results to be as accurate as they can be, so any advice from you guys would be more than welcome.

Thanks in advance!

2

Hi Paul

I have been given a date for a colonoscpy - this Thursday, no one has mentioned anything to me about coming off my ppi - Lansaprazole. My sheet from the hospital says continue to take medications as usual - unless you have been instructed otherwise - stop taken any iron tablets 5 days before hand and there are several other medicines to come off - but none are PPI's. I'm phoning the hospital tomorrow anyway - as I have a few queries of my own.

3

Hi Margery

I have clear instructions to come off Omeprazole 2 weeks before my scopes. This is more in relation to the Gastroscopy, as Omeprazole can create a mucus layer over the stomach lining that can obstruct the viewing of the stomach and lining during the Gastroscopy. I'm pretty sure it isn't necessary to come off PPIs for a Colonoscopy, I didn't have to come off them for my recent Sigmoidoscopy.

I did phone hospital regarding this and they said exactly what my doctor said, Gaviscon is a good substitute for people coming off PPIs, and that I should regularly take it during the 2 weeks. But they have both told me to try and come off the Omeprazole for 2 weeks, but contact them if I'm finding it really difficult to deal with.

Thanks for your input Margery, as soon as I find my symptoms starting to get too much to cope with, which I can guarantee they will, then I'll be on to my doctor and the hospital, there's no way I'm going to be in pain for near on 2 weeks.

4

Hi Paul

I myself weened off Omeprazole and it was very hard! You get what's called a rebound effect where all your symptoms come back with a vengeance and you are supposed to ween off slowly to avoid this but if this isn't possible then you are bombarded with massive acid heartburn as I did. I substituted my ppi to a herbal supplement called DGL licorice which you suck the tablet before each meal and lots of gaviscon when needed! I do believe it is not ideal to stay on ppi's for too long and they do more damage than good! If you must need something use Zantac/Rantidine but I'm not sure if it's suitable if your having a endoscopy u must check! Hope you ween off them ok I wish u well

5

Hi Paul

I find those medications make me worse and long term they inhibit mineral absorption causing weak bones etc, so now is your cahance to come off.

I have used SLIPPERY ELM BARK POWDER  for many years - nourishing and good for lining the digestive tract.   You can get it as brandedThomsons mixed wth milk powder or on it s own from Health/herb places.  They can tell you about oherbs too such as Fennel/liquorice/chamomille

Good luck

6

Thank you all for your comments and advice, I do appreciate them. I will look into the supplements you mentioned, although not for a couple of days yet, our son decided to share his cough and cold with us, so now I'm stuck on the sofa feeling sorry for myself. This is the first cold I've had since all my symptoms started and it has knocked me for six. I've never felt this rough with a cold before, I've usually been quite able even with coughs and colds, guessing it has something to do with the problems I've been having lately.

Thanks again for your help, if there any other comments or advice, please add to this discussion. I keep you posted on how it all goes.

 

7

Hi Paul, I know you go through a terrible time, I agree with th other forum members. Good luck