Colonoscopy Prep warnings and A-Fib

My friend recently went in for a colonoscopy. While she was waiting for the procedure, her heart rate soared to 150 and she was admitted into the hospital for several days. Now it appears she has a-fib full time. She has been taking medication and blood thinners also. Previous to this, her heart was fine. I had a conversation with two of the nurses in the endoscopy unit. Both mentioned that it is not unusual for patients to get a-fib because of the colonoscopy prep. It is usually temporary, but not always. One has seen it happen what she called frequently. It has to do with the sudden loss of fluid and electrolytes. There are other factors, but I don't know them. I went online and did some research and found many mentioned of the prep causing a-fib. There are even preps available (with a special prescription) for a different prep that is for people with heart issues. I wanted people to be aware of this factor in the colonoscopy. I am not at all suggesting not to get the colonoscopy (my Mom had aggressive colon cancer and I get a screening every 2 years), but perhaps ask your own doctor about safer preps. I know I will never use the same one again.

7 Comments

colonoscopy prep

by stannita - 2014-10-22 02:10:15

Before I was diagnosed with heart problems, I had a colonoscopy scheduled with the liquid prep to drink. I started to drink the prep, was on the 3rd glass and got a sudden reaction of heart thumping, turned bright red in the face and felt terrible. Called the MD and he said to drink what I could and then go to the drug store and get laxatives and enema. I was supposed to stay up all night and do these procedures. MD was not concerned about the reactions I was getting.
I stopped the drinking prep, did not go to the drug store and found another doctor for gastro. Two years later, the heart diagnosis and pacemaker.
Listen to your body.

colonoscopy prep

by Dee224 - 2014-10-22 10:10:10

I prepped for a colonoscopy one night and wound up with complete heart block when I went in for the procedure the next morning. Prior to drinking the prep I had been swimming 50 laps in the pool three days a week, including the day I drank the prep. Wound up spending the weekend in ICU, and getting a pacemaker Monday morning.

Even though I will have to repeat a colonoscopy due to them finding Barrett's Esophagus, I will never drink that prep again! Doctors all say there must have been an underlying condition, but I will never know for sure.

Good info

by KAG - 2014-10-22 11:10:40

I'll try to remember to ask about this when I go for my next screening.

A-fib

by Roys - 2014-10-23 02:10:18

I found that when took Movicol it would trigger AF. I think it was due to levels of my electrolyte, when I stopped the Movicol the AF stopped.
Cheers Roy

Afib post colonoscopy

by Lizzie - 2014-10-23 11:10:28

I had colomoscopy after prep, that must have completely dehydrated me. Threw up after straight into Afib for four days. At Christmas, no fun. Won't have another.

Wow, talk about timely...

by Griddlebone - 2014-10-24 06:10:06

My colonoscopy/esophagoscopy consult with my gastroenterologist is set for Monday. I'll be sure to bring this up in the conversation.

family history of bowel cancer

by jessie - 2014-10-26 02:10:46

so i have had a couple of colonoscopies since i have had my p.m. and no issues.just saying...good to have the info tho for sure..jessie

You know you're wired when...

Your kids call you Cyborg.

Member Quotes

I am not planning on letting any of this shorten my life. I am planning on living a long happy battery operated life. You never know maybe it will keep me alive longer. I sure know one thing I would have been dead before starting school without it.