Hi, I Had A Colonsocopy On Thursday (3 Days Ago).

Posted on Sun, 23 Jun 2019

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Sun, 23 Jun 2019 Answered on

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Question : Hi, I had a colonsocopy on Thursday (3 days ago). The procedure was scheduled for late in the day (3:30). I was not able to have anything to drink for 16 hours. And the laxative prep caused a great deal of diarrhea (about 14 episodes). Less than 24 hours later I began feeling lethargy, muscle weakness and cramps, headaches, and dry mouth. It is now 72 hours after the procedure and I have all those symptoms, but slightly less than last night. I am guessing that this is likely dehydration. Is that the likeliest explanation? What should I use to restore the lost fluids, especially elecrolytes? Thank you for responding. XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Vaishalee Punj (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes electrolytes need to be replenished

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to Ask A Doctor service.

I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

Dry mouth typically happens in dehydration. So your symptoms seem to be due to dehydration. We cannot exactly guess the levels of electrolytes from symptoms alone. Also we cannot indiscriminately inject saline.
The first step should be to check the blood electrolyte levels. Then appropriate saline or other fluids/electrolyte solution will need to injected. Meanwhile you can take pedialyte orally as per your thirst.

Hope this helps. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Dr Vaishalee

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Vaishalee Punj (22 hours later)

Thank you. I had blood tests done today.

Answered by Dr. Vaishalee Punj (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Take pedialyte for now

Detailed Answer:
Hi again

Yes, blood tests are needed. Specific management will depend on its results.
Meanwhile taking pedialyte is the best option.

Dr Vaishalee

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar