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Very tired and weak before taking Moviprep for colonoscopy

Froggybinou
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Hello, my husband has been diagnosed with colon cancer (very early diagnostic, we are now in the process of doing more tests to find out how much the tumour has spread). He is due for a colonoscopy on Monday afternoon and so the hospital has sent a packet of Moviprep solution he needs to take on Sunday pm and Monday am ahead of his appointment.

I am a bit concerned because he is extremelly weak already, before doing any tests or taking anything (he also has anaemia) and he doesn't eat anything etc. I am worried that the Moviprep is going to make things much worse as surely a product that is supposed to completely empty your bowels within hours is going to cause some kind of exhaustion? I am worried what this is going to do to him, he hardly moves already due to no energy or strenght...

Has anyone got any experience of this product and did it make you/someone you know feel even weaker after taking it? 

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    Hi Froggybinou,

    I remember taking the bowel prep solution prior to my colonoscopy and managed to take the three sachets the hospital provided. I don't recall any ill effects like weakness after taking it, although I was in relatively good health at that time. 

    Could I suggest you contact the Colonoscopy department in the hospital where your husband is due to have his exploration? They should be able to advise you about what to do. Ring tomorrow, before the weekend, for their advice. Or give the nurses on this site a call? Hope this helps. 

    Take care, Jo x

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    You sound so caring, I am sure you will get help with this problem tomorrow.  Can I wish you both the very best.  Please come back and let us know how your husband is.

  • Offline in reply to Pauline4

    Hello Jo and Pauline, thanks for your replies and words of support. I have followed Jo's advice and called the number for the bowel specialist nurses that they gave us previously and she was very helpful saying that Andy should take as much of the prep. as he can but that if he really goes bad then we should stop and call them for further advice. She explained that it will probably make him feel drained but that we must ensure he keeps hydrated by drinking lots of water.

    She also said that they would assess him when he goes for the test on Monday and will "boost him up" before he leaves after the colonoscopy so that reassured me too, knowing that once he is there they can see how he is and take action if needed.

    I appreciate we are only at the beginning of this journey and that some of you have been going through this for a long time, this is so so hard... I guess what upsets me the most is to see him suffer and being worried. But I guess that's what we all can't bear seeing in people we love, isn't it? 

  • Offline in reply to Froggybinou

    Hi Froggybinou,

    I'm really glad that you've managed to contact the hospital and get some advice and  that you feel reassured  about the team looking after Amdy. 

    Every stage of this journey is difficult, but remember that the forum offers you a safe place to offload to others, who understand what you're going through. Please keep in touch and let us know how you and Andy are doing. Remember to look after yourself too. 

    Take care and do post anytime, Jo x

     

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