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There are different brands and types of preps that they can use. I have IBS and was worried too. I asked my regular doctor to contact the gastroenterologist and ask that he prescribe the gentlest prep. I used GoLytely and it wasn’t bad at all. I did start taking the pills earlier in the day than they recommended and that turned out to be a good idea.

Make sure it is the GOLytely. They make other “Lytely” that are not as mild. Did it taste awful? Yep, it wasn’t the best tasting stuff. Make sure you use the coldest water you can. I refrigerated the jug of water before using it. You can’t flavor it with any type of Cyrstal Light. Just the lemon I think. Nothing with red or pink coloring.

I did wake up before the procedure was finished and it wasn’t pleasant. If I ever had another one I’d make sure the doctor and I discussed that possibility beforehand.

I’m a diabetic so skipping meals is really not so easily done. Diabetics usually get the first appointments in the morning for this reason. You don’t have any idea how much insulin to take. If you take too much and your blood sugar gets too low you will have to eat or drink something sugary and cancel the test and do it all over again. EEK! That just adds to all of the angst IMO.

I did have to do this once before years ago for a kidney xray and I passed out I got so sick from what I had to drink. I’ve known a few people who have fainted during the prep procedure. One ended up hitting her head on the sink and had a concussion.

I wonder sometimes why they give a 200 lb man the same amount of prep as a little 90 lb. old lady. (not me)

Just saying that for people who have IBS or other problems already, diabetic etc. it isn’t always a piece of cake.

I have a friend who has gone through rectal cancer and these preps are hell for her.

Try to talk to your doctor about your worries and see what they can do for you to make it a bit easier like a milder prep solution.