Can I safely use a colonoscopy prep with palpitation & anxiety issues?

[Madge270]

Hi,  I posted a question about this recently and no one responded.  I've had colonoscopies years ago, but now I have heart palpitations (both pounding sensation and an arrhythmia)  with anxiety/adrenaline rushes, at some times every day and night.  They are worse when I eat salt, when I can't eat, drink too much liquid at once, or get bloated in my upper abdomen. All of these things are part of a colonoscopy prep.

The Halflytely prep that I used in the past is no longer available, which is too bad since it was less to drink and was tolerable (although I did have some palpitations during it). The new prep (Suprep) has different ingredients and will be in two parts. Usually i''s done over two days, and the second part would be around 2 or 3 a.m. of the day I have the colonoscopy. But I'm to do  both parts on the day before the colonoscopy,  because  I'm a senior citizen who can't just jump out of bed at night and run to the bathroom without falling, getting dizzy, or losing my balance. It takes me awhile, after sleeping, to get up and move around.  So by doing both parts of the prep the day before the procedure, I can, hopefully, get at least a little sleep before going for the procedure the next day. I've never been all that concerned about the prep before, but now I have chronic fatigue syndrome and a lot of other problems.

Since my last colonoscopy 5 years ago, I've developed the anxiety that comes on after the inevitable palpitations begin. The anxiety really makes it worse. Because of side effects, I can't take a beta blocker for the palpitations, nor  can I take something like Xanax.  With chronic fatigue syndrome, anxiety meds make me even more weak, shaky, and tired. So do beta blockers, because they make my already fairly low blood pressure and pulse get even slower.

All that being said, I'm wondering whether any of you, who have palpitations with anxiety or panic attacks have tried Suprep, as a prep for colonoscopy, and what your experience was.  I need to have this scope done, and am hoping there is some advice out there. I know I won't be able to avoid  hours of the palps with accompanying anxiety attacks,  since I'll be bloated and drinking a lot of salty liquid. but maybe at least you might have some suggestions. (Oh, and because I have heartburn daily and am unable to take antacids for awhile leading to the prep, I'll be unable to drink things likes soda, acidic fruit juices, coffee, or Gatorade either.)

I'm thinking of talking with the doctor who does the colonoscopy too. Maybe he'll let me do the prep more slowly or something. No one answered my last question. I'm feeling quite alone and concerned right now.  This will not be easy. I'd appreciate some replies/suggestions.

[achillea]

You simply must talk with your doctors about this!  Only they can advise you, their patient, about preparation products as well as handling palps and anxiety.