Colonoscopy Prep Options for Tinnitus Sufferers

[James Randall]

Greetings,

From my research, I feel comfortable with Propofol, but my concern is with the preparation process. I've read about various prep methods and how they can potentially worsen tinnitus, which worries me.

Could you suggest a prep procedure I could discuss with my doctor? For example, would it be possible to follow a diet of just Jello, liquids, and maybe prunes for about five days before the procedure?

I was initially scared enough to cancel my colonoscopy, but I'm now determined to figure out a way to make it work and will reschedule.

Thank you,
Jim

 

[Juliane]

Hi Jim,

As I might need to go through a colonoscopy myself, I wonder how the prep could worsen tinnitus?

That does not sound good. :-(

 

[RocketJSquirrel]

I've had several colonoscopies with different prep methods, and none have had any effect on my chronic tinnitus.

 

[GregCA]

From my research, I feel comfortable with Propofol, but my concern is with the preparation process. I've read about various prep methods and how they can potentially worsen tinnitus, which worries me.

Where did you read that?

I didn't have any issues with my prep when I went through the procedure.

 

[James Randall]

Where did you read that?

I didn't have any issues with my prep when I went through the procedure.

I've read in several posts that the prep can cause spikes, and most people believe it's due to the amount of salt in the prep they used.

I'm reaching out because I might have only come across problematic posts, so I'm glad to hear you didn't experience any issues. I'm just trying to figure out which prep is the best to take with the least chance of causing a spike.

 

[Deb Silva]

My last prep didn't increase my tinnitus, but I avoided Propofol and other drugs after reading that they can sometimes worsen tinnitus. I went cold turkey, and honestly, it wasn't as bad as I expected—it was done in 20 minutes, and I walked out to meet my family for lunch. For my next one, I plan to do the same: no drugs.

 

[Juliane]

@James Randall, how did it go?

 

[James Randall]

I chickened out. I shouldn't have, but I did. I know I have to get it done, so I'm going to do some more research on the preparation, then just go through with it and hope for the best.

I've had tinnitus for a longer time now and have accepted it more. It has become easier to manage since I started using something to help me sleep, along with a distracting noise at night. I'm somewhat less fearful now and have come to realize that I just have to do it. At the same time, I prefer to do my research before jumping into something. I do not just go in blindly. I would call it a calculated risk.

Recently, I canceled a dental deep cleaning after reading about the potential problems caused by the high noise levels of the ultrasonic tool. The recommendation I found was to have the cleaning done manually, but the dentist's office said they would not do it that way.

However, when I went in for my regular six-month cleaning, they suggested just working on one quadrant—the top right section of my mouth—where the real issue was, due to deep pockets in the gum. I'm scheduled to go in for that this Wednesday, and I plan to use high-quality earplugs during the procedure.

 

[RocketJSquirrel]

Earplugs cannot help. Dental tools transmit sound directly to your head through bone conduction.

However, headphones playing music at a loud enough volume can help.

 

[Luman]

If and when I decide to get another colonoscopy, I am going to choose a Virtual CT Colonoscopy. It is fast, safe, and painless. There are no drugs or anesthesia required, and you can go home immediately afterward. It does require the same preparation as the standard procedure. It is not covered by most insurance plans unless a person is unable to undergo the standard procedure, but the cost is reasonable considering the benefits.

 

[withintention]

I had no problems with Propofol. The prep was difficult only because it put strain on my body, and I did not get enough sleep. As a result, my tinnitus was worse for a while because of that, but it was no different than what happens when traveling and experiencing jet lag, for example. It was temporary.

 

[kap]

What about Miralax prep? You can Google it. I had to use that for my last colonoscopy because I have food intolerances that do not allow me to use the traditional prep. It is something to consider.