I need some advice. My new gastro wants to do a flexible sigmoidoscopy. They want me to take some laxatives the day prior, do enemas, then another laxative and enema the morning of. My surgeon did a scope the week before my takedown and I didn't have to do that prep. I understand being cleaned out, but I'm really hesitant to do the laxatives. I could swear my surgeon told me NOT to take laxatives. Can you guys tell me if I should, has anyone done this, etc..!!!
Nora
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Go with whatever your surgeon says... just my opinion. I would call your surgeon and tell him or her exactly what you just told us.
I do clear liquids the day before and tap water enemas 'til clear before leaving the house. I've had some GIs tell me to drink mag citrate. It did not hurt me, but it was overkill. It sounds like the staff is giving you the standard prep for a flex sig.
So here is what I would do. I'd call the GI's office back and ask for clarification FROM THE DOCTOR. Explain that you have no colon or rectum and are having an examination of an ileoanal pouch. Also explain that your surgeon cautioned you against laxatives. Don't settle for what the nurse says unless she spoke directly to the doctor about your concerns. I always have to educate the scheduler.
Long story short, my GI just tells them, "She knows what to do." By the way, he does not use a sigmoidoscope. He uses a pediatric endoscope, as it is more slender and maneuverable. Getting biopsies of the rectal cuff can be difficult.
Jan 
yikes. how experienced is your new GI with jpouches? that by itself might be the problem.
that said, I have heard that CC docs, Bo Shen in particular requires a rigorous cleanse, as he apparently has had problems in the past.
but I used to do as Jan did, clears the day prior, then a Fleet Enema the morning of. but my doc assured me that I only need to do a Fleet Enema so over time as I have to have frequent dilation pouchoscopys I have halted the torture of clears the day prior. its the ONE benefit of not having a colon, virtually no prep.
Remind the staff that you don't have a colon. They probably aren't even aware of that very relevant fact.
Thanks for the great replies! I repeatedly told them that I have no colon. I understand being cleaned out and if I don't eat and use an enema, that should do it. I'm just so hesitant to use any laxatives. I got a call back and they said that this is the prep they use on lots of people with j pouches. I said I'd do the enemas, but not the laxatives, period! So, we will see.
Nora
