Understanding Plenvu and What to Expect for Bowel Prep
Colonoscopies can be unpleasant, but a clear understanding of what to expect from the bowel preparation can help ease anxiety. Plenvu is a common solution used to clean out the bowels prior to a colonoscopy. It works quickly and effectively, but also causes significant diarrhea. Knowing how long you'll be pooping after taking Plenvu can help you mentally and physically prepare.
How Plenvu Works to Clear Out the Bowels
Plenvu contains polyethylene glycol, sodium sulfate, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, ascorbic acid, and sodium ascorbate. These active ingredients pull water into the bowels to induce diarrhea and bowel movements. This clears out solid matter to allow for a thorough colonoscopy.
The solution comes in two doses that must be taken separately to properly cleanse the system. The first liter of liquid contains the salts and you must drink it slowly over 30 minutes. This draws fluids into the intestinal tract. About one hour later, you take the second dose which contains the polyethylene glycol powder dissolved into another liter of water. This is the part that rapidly induces diarrhea to flush everything out.
What to Expect with Plenvu Diarrhea
Most people start experiencing diarrhea anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours after taking the second dose of Plenvu. You'll likely need to stay near a bathroom during this time frame. The intense diarrhea can last for several hours as the solution fully goes through your system.
It's normal to poop out clear liquid once the laxative effect is in full flow. Elimination may become sporadic and unpredictable over 8 to 12 hours. Having loose stool even into the next day isn't uncommon either. Every person responds slightly differently to bowel prep solutions like Plenvu.
Tips to Handle Plenvu Diarrhea
Here are some tips to better manage frequent diarrhea from Plenvu:
- Stay near a toilet - Don't go far from a bathroom after taking dose 2
- Use gentle wet wipes - Toilet paper can be harsh during frequent bowel movements
- Apply diaper rash cream - This can soothe irritation around the anus
- Drink fluids - Stay hydrated with approved clear liquids like water, broth, juice without pulp, black coffee, and sports drinks
- Rest when possible - The diarrhea can be tiring so rest when you aren't dealing with a bowel movement
- Wear loose comfortable clothing - This won't put pressure on an upset stomach
Contact Your Doctor with Any Issues
Make sure to reach out to your physician if you experience:
- No bowel activity for several hours after taking the second Plenvu dose
- Difficulty drinking the full prep solutions
- Severe nausea, bloating, or cramping
- Dizziness or weakness from dehydration
Adjustments to the bowel prep process may be needed in rare cases where side effects are too severe. But most people tolerate Plenvu well and can handle the several hours needed for it to fully take effect.
What to Expect on the Day of Your Colonoscopy
Managing the prep is just the first step to getting through your colonoscopy. The procedure itself has its own considerations. Knowing the timeline of events can help you prepare both logistically and emotionally.
Arriving and Pre-Procedure Prep
Expect to arrive at your appointment location about an hour before the scheduled colonoscopy time. You'll need to go through a standard intake process like:
- Filling out final consent forms and medical history updates
- Vital signs measurement
- Review of prep effectiveness and current state of diarrhea
- Possible additional bathroom trips if needed
An IV line will be started and you'll change into a hospital gown. Your doctor will briefly meet with you as well to verify details and answer any lingering questions. This is also the perfect time to use the bathroom one final time before the actual colonoscopy.
The Colonoscopy Procedure
When the gastroenterologist is ready, you'll move into the procedure room. You'll be asked to lie on your side with knees bent. Sedation should then be administered through the IV to make you comfortable.
The doctor will do a digital rectal exam first to better navigate the colonoscope tube into the proper starting position. Slow and steady insertion follows, along with gentle rotations and movements to allow inspection of the colon lining. Air inflation through the scope also straightens the natural folds and angles inside the colon.
A typical colonoscopy takes only 15 to 30 minutes. Many people sleep soundly through the entire thing thanks to effective procedural sedation. Your vitals will be monitored closely throughout as well.
Post-Procedure Recovery
After the colonoscopy, you'll remain in a monitored recovery area for about 30 minutes up to one hour. This allows time for the sedation effects to fully wear off. Minimal discomfort and temporary bloating from the air inflation are common immediately after the procedure.
Assistance getting dressed and final instructions will be provided prior to discharge. You cannot drive for the rest of the day following sedation, so arrange for a ride home in advance. Resuming normal activity is fine the next day in most cases.
Results of biopsies taken may require up to a week to finalize in terms of diagnosis or clearance. But if any obvious tumors, polyps, or other issues were seen, the gastroenterologist will share an initial impression right away.
Conclusion
Bowel prep with Plenvu can certainly be disruptive and uncomfortable. But the hours of diarrhea pass relatively quickly and leave you with peace of mind about colon health. Understanding the timeline for Plenvu laxative effects and events during the colonoscopy procedure itself takes away some of the anxiety.
Ask any lingering questions of your doctor so you know what to expect moving forward. Being prepared and patient through the process makes getting screened and maintaining colon health much more tolerable.
FAQs
How long does the diarrhea from Plenvu last?
Most people experience intense diarrhea that starts within 1-3 hours after taking the second dose of Plenvu. It typically lasts around 8-12 hours but may continue sporadically into the next day as well. Clear elimination of liquid is a sign the bowel is emptying fully.
Can I take anything for nausea while doing Plenvu prep?
Yes, your doctor may recommend taking antacids, anti-nausea medications, or anti-diarrheal agents to help tolerate the bowel prep. Be sure to clear any supplements with them to ensure there are no negative interactions with the colonoscopy.
Do I have to fast on the day of my colonoscopy?
Yes, you cannot eat any solid foods in the hours leading up to the procedure. However, you are encouraged to drink clear liquids up to 2-3 hours beforehand both for hydration and to help flush out the intestines further.
How long do I have to wait for colonoscopy results?
It takes approximately 5-7 days to get results from any biopsies taken during the procedure. But the gastroenterologist will share their initial impressions with you after the colonoscopy is complete in case any obvious abnormalities were seen.
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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