Colonoscopy

I have ulcerative colitis and have had many colonoscopy's, I think the prep the day before you go is worse than the actual procedure. If it is a colonoscopy then you will be given a mild anaesthetic where you will not really be asleep but drifting in and out, if you have a sigmoidoscopy then no anaesthetic, not needed. once you are fully awake you will be able to go home but if you had the sedation you will have to have someone accompany you and they say they must stay with you all night, I have never had someone stay all night with me even tho I say there is someone. I have been fine.

Greciangirl - I think it important to say that your experience is the exception that proves the rule. Really - I had 2 with no sedation or anything and I can honestly say that it was just fine!

Panic not OP!

Sorry, but my experience of a colonoscopy was horrendous.

The sedation given in my hand didn’t seem to have any effect whatsoever. So I found the procedure quite painful. So much so that I yelped out in pain.

Some time ago my Gp suggested I have another one, but there is just no way I cloud face that again.

I had sedation for mine. Only problem is that I then have to spend the night in hospital afterwards as you need someone with you for 24 hours. Could you ask the hospital about sedation?

I’ve not had the procedure but know several people who have and they all echo what everyone else has said on here. The preparation is tough but the procedure itself is at worst uncomfortable but with lots of support. Good luck!

Ive had one and due another in a few months time.
As others have said the preparation isn't much fun, I'm sure mine began a week before.
However, I was only offered gas and air and refused it as I remember from childbirth it made me sick. Next time I will strongly request a sedative. My procedure felt like being in labour, with painless intervals interspersed with strong episodes. Although it wasn't explained I've worked out that the painful bits were when they were removing the six polyps that were in my colon.
I think that but for them I'd have had a much better experience.
So I'm pleased that you've opted to gave sedation.

Are you having Moviprep for it? If you are try having it with lime cordial and a straw as it makes it easier to swallow and lifts your sugars a bit so you don’t get a headache. I. also measured all my water in glasses in the fridge so it was cool to drink. I didn’t finish all the Moviprep as I felt I had had enough and it was clear by then.

The staff are wonderful at the hospital and I had sedation in my arm they were giving it in the hand but I can’t abide it in the hand.

It was very dignified and I was covered up if you know what I mean. I was very aware of everything a lot more than they said I would be I suppose I felt tipsy. They took biopsies and five weeks later the results were normal,

You will be glad you had it done as things can be dealt with there and then.

Make sure you have sudocrem in as things get a bit sore after the loo visits x

Luckygirl

You need to take care with eating the right food beforehand and drinking all the prep and giving it time to work, so that there is a clear view. I was fine.

I have had it with and without sedation, you cannot be completely out cold because you need to take instructions.
I was worried sick before my first one but really the technicians/doctors which do it are so experienced.
The prep is not so good to drink, I hated the taste but needs must.
Hubby went with me most times.
Best of luck

Like others have said, I thought the prep was worse than the procedure, which was painless. Drink tasted of fake banana, and you do have to drink a lot of it. Worth it though, as I was told "viewing conditions" were perfect. I was not sedated, nurse held my hand and talked to me throughout or perhaps I should say listened, as when I'm nervous I babble. You can watch the procedure on the screen, I chose not to. Do be prepared for the wind afterwards, to be blunt, I farted for Scotland! Obviously no smell, as colon was empty, just lots of noise. Thankfully, my daughter picked me up, drove me home, I would not have wanted to use public transport ?

Thank you all very much for your supportive responses. They have certainly helped. I’ve asked for sedation but have been told it’s very light sedation and GA has not been mentioned. Thanks again - you all sound braver than me !

I was supposed to have another soon, but when I pulled a face, consultant decided on CT colonography instead. Basically a CT scan with a bit of air inserted rectally - oh joy! Lucky I live alone now, as no doubt, what goes in also comes out!!

Still needs the bowel prep though.

Have had my fair share of colonoscopies over the years being an Ulcerative Colitis sufferer. Would agree that the preparation is the worst thing. The nurses are so kind during the procedure and if you feel uncomfortable the sedation can be increased. With a first one it is interesting to be able to see it on the screen.

Ive had several and like others find the prep beforehand the worst bit just given paracetamol before . Good luck

Luckygirl??,

Like quite a few of you I decided not to have sedation. It was a little uncomfortable at point, like trapped wind but that was short lived.

The day before I got myself organised and didn’t move far from the toilet. As dark coloured food and drink was verboten I just drank white wine.

I was amazed at how quickly water makes it’s way from mouth to bladder when there is nothing else in there.

OH is having one next week under general anaesthetic (seems to be the norm in France). We are struggling with diet sheet which is full of stuff we never eat. I have researched UK and other diet sheets and they all seem to be different. The French one does allow you a glass of wine, but can see no rhyme nor reason in the fact that you can have cheese and yoghurt but no milk in tea or coffee. We are sticking with chicken, cheese, eggs, fish and white everything, but it does seem inconsistent from one hospital to another.
Those who know me from the low-carb thread will know that pasta, rice and potatoes are not something we eat except on rare occasions.

I have had two without sedation and not a problem. The worst bit was when they shoved it up, then took it straight out - I asked what the problem was and they said the had acquired a bit of pink toilet paper on the probe!! !

I agree with fellow posters the night before cleansing was the uncomfortable part, I opted for no sedation as wanted to watch the screen. Felt a little pressure at times but not painful. It won't take long and will put your mind at rest one way or the other. Good luck please don't worry it will be fine.

U decided not to have any sedation and I did not need it. I had a nurse at my side during the entire procedure and I also could have had sedation at any time.

The worst part was my painful very red rear! If I had it repeated I would buy something to help that discomfort.

The actual colonoscopy is fine,over and done with very quickly.I too found the preparation beforehand was the worst bit.

I have had 2 colonoscopies, one without sedation and one with. Both painless but one was a bit uncomfortable, like a bad case of trapped wind. Like others have said, taking the laxative beforehand was the worst bit!
Try not to worry, hope all goes well. ?

I've had one, it was day clinic via general anesthetic, so if that is what you are having you will have had to declare any medication otherwise you cannot take anything. Like previous poster the worst part was the through the night colon cleansing drink, i almost couldn't do it but sommon sense and self preservation thoughts won through. It will be over before you know it and hopefully it will be good results for you. In my case it is precautionary as both parents had Colon/Bowel cancer and will be repeated.
Good luck and try not to worry.

When I had one and felt uncomfy they just upped the sedative and I slept through x

Very reassuring to read these positive experiences. Also that sedation is available if you request it. I guess as for other procedures, the waiting is worse.

I had sedation too and I wasn't aware of a thing. The operator told me after the investigation that my tubes were very easy to navigate, I guess it depends how you're made! I ate and went home within an hour or two. Good luck, the thought is worse than the actual procedure.