1st time colonoscopy (& gastroscopy) experience (Plenvu)
Hey, I (M24) had my first colonoscopy and gastroscopy today and thought id share my experience. I used toilax pills and then two doses of plenvu for my prep.
1st dose: Awful taste for me, very sweet and heavy mango taste, i did manage to get it down without problems but it was not a nice taste, used water and juice as my clear drinks. Reaction started about 30 minutes after finishing the prep (drank it slowly and cold over 1 hour). Already at the end of maybe an hour or two it was mostly clear (slightly green/yellow) liquid coming out. Managed to go to sleep about 5 hours after starting 1st dose. Went up one time to use toilet during night.
2nd dose: After about 6 hours of sleep i started 2nd dose, 4 hours before my appointment. I honestly kind of liked the taste of this one, salty but pretty tasty. Used cola and water for clear liquid. Got some reaction after 30 minutes so finished rest of prep at toilet but had no problem keeping it down or finishing it, much easier than first for me. During both doses i did not have any problems with nausea and was never close to throwing up. Reaction and emptying of liquids went fast, 2 hours before appointment i had last sip of water, then one hour before i got in the car there (i did not drive). No problem holding it in during 40 minute ride, but used toilet as soon as i arrived at hospital.
Examination: started with gastroscopy, a bit of spray in my throat as well as small dose of sedative in my vein, went fast and except for one gag reflex when it got pushed down it was really fast and almost felt nothing. Some throat pain now after a few hour though, but they say it passes in a day or so.
colonoscopy went pretty well too, asked for another small dose of sedative but didnt really feel any effect, however the exam did not hurt much, it was just uncomfortable and a weird feeling. Had a bit of pain as they did last push to see start of small intestine, then they started backing out which did not hurt much. They took 4 or 5 tests which i did not feel.
After: doctors were pretty sure since before i had IBD, and they could confirm it being UC, got written a note with medications to pick up and also some information about what the exam found. Stayed for about 20 minutes and got some small snacks to eat / water to drink. A bit sore in throat and in my rear but mostly just surface pain that will pass. Overall a very managable experience, and over quicker than i had thought. To anyone reading that will go through it i wish you guys luck and i think it will go smoother than you think!