Anonymous
04/18/2026 17:09
Subject: Colonoscopy Extended Prep
Hello,
I was a DP on this thread about an upcoming appointment. So I visited Dr. Tam in Frederick MD.
She mentioned to me at age 45 is when one would get tested for colon cancer screening. (I am 42F with no family history of colon cancer)
I was seen for my hemorrhoids and she told me to increase my fiber, water, sitz bath and not to strain. Surprisingly the internal ones are not as bad as I thought but I have 2 outer ones. She did say that recovery from hemorrhoid surgery is a painful one and it takes about 3 to 4 weeks for recovery. I am taking her advice and seeing her again in 2 months. I am still unsure about the surgery. I hope everyone in the thread is doing well.
I was a DP on this thread about an upcoming appointment. So I visited Dr. Tam in Frederick MD.
She mentioned to me at age 45 is when one would get tested for colon cancer screening. (I am 42F with no family history of colon cancer)
I was seen for my hemorrhoids and she told me to increase my fiber, water, sitz bath and not to strain. Surprisingly the internal ones are not as bad as I thought but I have 2 outer ones. She did say that recovery from hemorrhoid surgery is a painful one and it takes about 3 to 4 weeks for recovery. I am taking her advice and seeing her again in 2 months. I am still unsure about the surgery. I hope everyone in the thread is doing well.
Anonymous
03/10/2026 20:53
Subject: Colonoscopy Extended Prep
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:NP hopping on this poop train to commiserate about colonoscopy prep. My doctor gave me the pills so I didn’t have the terrible liquid. I’m drowning in fluids though! Good grief.
I’m just drinking water - I don’t like Gatorade or other sweet liquids. Should I worry I’m not going to be hydrated enough?
I ate really lightly/bland/boring yesterday and was hungry even before I went to bed!. Then nothing but broth and popsicles so far today.
Weirdly I’m not even hungry anymore. Just full up with water and hanging around the bathroom.
Those who have done this before - how long does it take to get to the “it looks like urine” phase? I do my second dose of pills tomorrow morning (appt is at 3) and I’m worried it won’t be in time to get to the right stage.
This is such a bizarre post. But I’m proud of myself for doing it. I had a complete mental block about it- even after kids and mammograms and surgeries? Something about this had me so freaked out I even would make appointments and then not keep them- for 9 years! So I feel like a grown up. I am doing a hard thing that I am scared of because it’s the right thing to do. Thanks for listening, DCUM.
OP here. I was worried I wouldn't get the urine color in time, and somewhere around 3am it was definitely even lighter than that. I got a "good" on the prep. I got hungry in the morning, but then as you said I just stopped being hungry. And like you, I put it off for years. So great to have it behind me. And the actual procedure was so easy.
Good luck!
Thank you, OP. Look at us- adults doing hard things!
Funny that the doctor “rates” patients on the prep!
Anonymous
03/10/2026 20:37
Subject: Colonoscopy Extended Prep
Anonymous wrote:NP hopping on this poop train to commiserate about colonoscopy prep. My doctor gave me the pills so I didn’t have the terrible liquid. I’m drowning in fluids though! Good grief.
I’m just drinking water - I don’t like Gatorade or other sweet liquids. Should I worry I’m not going to be hydrated enough?
I ate really lightly/bland/boring yesterday and was hungry even before I went to bed!. Then nothing but broth and popsicles so far today.
Weirdly I’m not even hungry anymore. Just full up with water and hanging around the bathroom.
Those who have done this before - how long does it take to get to the “it looks like urine” phase? I do my second dose of pills tomorrow morning (appt is at 3) and I’m worried it won’t be in time to get to the right stage.
This is such a bizarre post. But I’m proud of myself for doing it. I had a complete mental block about it- even after kids and mammograms and surgeries? Something about this had me so freaked out I even would make appointments and then not keep them- for 9 years! So I feel like a grown up. I am doing a hard thing that I am scared of because it’s the right thing to do. Thanks for listening, DCUM.
OP here. I was worried I wouldn't get the urine color in time, and somewhere around 3am it was definitely even lighter than that. I got a "good" on the prep. I got hungry in the morning, but then as you said I just stopped being hungry. And like you, I put it off for years. So great to have it behind me. And the actual procedure was so easy.
Good luck!