Colonoscopy prep

[DonBarn]

What is prep for a colonoscopy when one has a colostomy? My instructions seem to be identical with those before I had emplacement of a colostomy (why clear a colon that hasn't been "used" in years?

[karenreneap]

I too have a colostomy. I have a wafer with a bag attatched to it that my bowels empty into. The only difference is that you dont have to do the fleets enima. Did the office of the dr doing the colonoscopy relize or remember that you have a colostomy? Alot of times you have to remind them. But even tho you may have a colostomy, doesnt mean your colon doesnt work..your bowls still go thru your colon..the colon is your large intestine which still produces bowel..so in order for them to make sure that there isnt anything present in there, they have to make sure no food or bowel is present. I am going for another colonoscopy myself tuesday morning and i too dread the prep. Hope this has helped you. Also, make sure they know you have a colostomy before they preform the colonoscopy. My last one, they wanted my undergarment off and asked me to lay on my side. I had to tell them i have a stoma. Sometimes the nurses just go routine instead of reading your chart

[patient915]

A colostomy means a hole, a colectomy means a removal.

[DonBarn]

complete colostomy

[patient915]

Welcome to the gastroenterology community!  Did you have a partial colectomy or a complete colectomy?