bowel prep

what are your preop bowel prep instructions??? should I be on a light diet or liquids only the day prior to surgery???

I am trying to decide if I will be able to work the day before...since I need to have so much time off post op, I would really like to work right up until that day if possible ...



Marsha

have you been told you have to do a bowel prep? there are quite a few variations to the bowel prep and some drs dont require it. your dr would have specific instructions for you.

no, i see him for preop next wednesday...hoping no prep...just wondered if that is "the norm" or if one is usually done, what is the "typical" prep...

My dr didn't say anything about bowel prep, so I'm just gonna take it light for the 24 hrs prior to surgery.

i had to drink a bottle of mag citrate for mine and liquids only. some women have to drink something different and do an enema. some have just an enema at the hospital. if you want to try to plan on taking off from work if necessary, just call your dr's office and ask if you are going to have to do one. that way you can plan the day.

I was told to have clear liquids only the day before surgery and nothing after midnight. Each dr is different so I would definitely check with him, especially if you do have to do a bowel prep requiring some sort of laxative.

Good luck

i am going to have to drink two bottles of that magnesium citrate stuff... which tastes so gross.....

but that is all i know about it, i haven't recieved my info in the mail yet....from my doctor's office...

so i don't know when i have to stop eating, etc....

good luck to you!

jamesgirl

Bowel prep wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be... I've been unlucky enough to get food poisoning during my international travels, and that was much worse. Although bowel prep was a tiny bit uncomfortable, it wasn't nearly as painful as I'd been expecting.

Having said that, if your doctor wants you to do bowel prep, I'd definitely take the day off work. You won't really be able to concentrate on work, and when you get the urge to go, you need to be able to quickly make your way to the bathroom without delay.

I was able to get my prep day included in my medical leave. You should check with your HR department about this.

Best wishes,

I am having LAVH. I have to begin a clear liquid diet 36 hours prior to my surgery and drink the mag citrate for bowel prep. I don't have to start drinking til 4pm, so I'm going to work 1/2 the day. Then I'll head home and get the bathroom ready for my potty party...it may go all night!!

I agree with trying not to take too much time off work before. I want to have as much time as possible for afterwards for healing

Good luck on your surgery. I'll be sending healing thoughts your way =)

Each doctor has his own preferences call the office to find out. You may not have to start the prep until later in the day. Ask them but remember the later you start the less sleep you may get.