Understanding Plenvu and What to Expect for Bowel Movements
Colonoscopies can be unpleasant, but are important preventative procedures. The necessary bowel prep is often the worst part. Plenvu is a commonly prescribed preparation solution that clears out the colon prior to your colonoscopy. It's normal to worry about how long you'll be stuck on the toilet after taking this powerful laxative. Here's what to expect for bowel movements after finishing your Plenvu prep.
How Plenvu Works to Empty the Bowels
Plenvu contains polyethylene glycol, sodium sulfate, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, ascorbic acid, and other ingredients that help draw water into your colon to loosen stool. It may also stimulate bowel contractions. The extra fluid softens and loosens stool while the contractions propel it out of the body.
You'll need to follow the preparation instructions carefully to ensure Plenvu effectively clears out the colon. Proper timing is important to avoid an incomplete cleanout prior to the colonoscopy procedure. Pay close attention to when you need to stop eating solid foods and switch to only clear liquids as you approach the steps for drinking the Plenvu solution.
What to Expect from Plenvu for Bowel Movements
Plenvu is an iso-osmotic solution, which means it has a similar salt concentration to what’s already in the bloodstream and cells. An iso-osmotic solution helps minimize fluid shifts. This may translate to more moderate diarrhea compared to older prep solutions.
However, Plenvu is still very effective at cleansing the bowels. You’ll likely start having loose, watery bowel movements within 30 minutes to 3 hours after you begin drinking it. These liquid stools may initially look similar to your normal stool. Over the next couple hours, it will turn into a clear yellowish liquid as the solution finishes moving through and exiting the bowel.
At that point, you may continue passing clear yellow fluid multiple times per hour. It’s common for bowel movements to become less frequent but still remain loose after completing the initial dosing. Expect to use the bathroom 4 to 8 more times over the following 12 hours after you finish drinking all the Plenvu solution.
Coping with Loose Bowel Movements from Plenvu Prep
Having diarrheal stools for hours from the colonoscopy prep can lead to skin irritation and discomfort. Here are some tips to manage it:
- Apply petroleum jelly or diaper rash ointment after bowel movements to protect delicate skin
- Use gentle, alcohol-free wipes to cleanse irritated areas after movements
- Pat dry instead of rubbing dry with tissue
- Use soft, thick washcloths or cotton pads in place of regular toilet tissue
- Wear an adult incontinence pad to absorb unexpected leakage between bathroom trips
Staying near a bathroom for the duration of the active bowel prep is wise. The powerful laxative effects make accidents more likely until the solution finishes passing through the colon. IV fluids may be necessary if excessive fluid loss from diarrhea causes dehydration.
What to Do If Plenvu Doesn't Seem Effective
If you are not having bowel movements within a few hours after beginning the Plenvu preparation, that likely signals an issue. Call your doctor if you experience:
- No stool 3 hours after taking the first dose of Plenvu
- Only small amounts of solid or semi-formed stool
- Less than 2 bowel movements per hour in the hours approaching your scheduled colonoscopy
An incomplete cleanout raises the risk that stool left behind could obscure the doctor's view of the colon lining during the colonoscopy procedure. Your doctor may recommend repeating part of the preparation, delaying the procedure, or using an alternative preparation method like oral sodium phosphate tablets.
What to Expect After Your Colonoscopy with Plenvu Prep
It typically takes 6 to 12 hours to recover from the strong purgative effect of Plenvu once you finish the dosing schedule. here's what you can expect as the solution finishes moving through the digestive tract:
When Bowel Movements Start Returning to Normal
The first bowel movement you have right after your colonoscopy will likely be loose. It may contain some blood or mucus passed because of irritation from the scope insertion. After that first post-colonoscopy stool, bowel movements tend to firm up since the colon has been fully emptied of stool.
Your first real urge to have a normal bowel movement may hit 12 to 24 hours following the procedure. However, it takes time for the colon to regenerate the mucus lining that was stripped away by the bowel purge. Expect stool to remain a bit soft and bowel movements to be less frequent for 2 to 3 days.
Easing Back into a Normal Diet
Sticking with a low residue bland diet for at least the rest of the day after the colonoscopy allows the colon time to start recovering. Examples of gentle foods include:
- Broths and clear soups
- White bread
- Boiled potatoes
- Seedless fruit like bananas and canned peaches
- Tender cooked vegetables sans skin and seeds like carrots, green beans, or squash
- Scrambled eggs or yogurt
- Clear juices like apple or cranberry
Over the next couple days, gradually resume your normal diet if bowel movements remain formed. Introduce higher fiber foods slowly over a week. This allows the lining to continue healing before excess residue works through.
When to See Your Doctor
You should see your doctor if you experience:
- Fever over 101 F
- Intense or worsening abdominal pain
- Heavy rectal bleeding
- Inability to pass stool or gas for more than 24 hours after colonoscopy
These can signal complications like an infection, perforation from the procedure, or impaction needing disimpaction. Fortunately, serious complications are uncommon following uneventful outpatient colonoscopies.
Take the Necessary Steps for a Successful Colonoscopy
While no one looks forward to using the bathroom frequently and urgently for hours on end, it's a necessary inconvenience. Completing the Plenvu preparation maximizes the chances of detecting any existing or potential problems during your colonoscopy. Expect up to 12 hours of loose and frequent bowel movements from when you finish drinking the solution. Just remember the long-term benefits once you get through the bowel prep finish line.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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