Frightened to death of having a colonoscopy

I feel your fear! I was terrified. I opted for gas and air... Not because I was brave, I am complete opposite! Terrified of cannulas...and don't like after effects if being sedated.. I found the prep worse than anything! Not pleasant any of it but I got through it.... necessary evil... everything was fine but had to go back for a Siegmundoscopy? to remove a polyp. Long story. They would have removed it same day but I'm on heart medication and would need to have been off it for 1 week not just a few days! Took 18months to get another appt. Same again prep was 🤮 opted non sedation again...nit pleasant but over and dine in 20mins. Staff were great and git me through it... No after effects and no discomfort whatsoever. Good luck whatever you decide. Remember it will be over within an 1hr and staff are very very good and supportive. ❤

Do ask your GP about haemorrhoids treatment separately as a colonoscopy is a diagnostic procedure rather than a treatment. Often you need to be booked in for separate treatments and procedures as they rarely do anything extra unless an emergency crops up. You would think the old fashioned way of tying them off tightly would only take a few minutes but not sure that happens routinely anymore.

When my then partner and I retired (about 19 years ago) we decided to get our bodies checked out, and the first thing we did was have a colonoscopy. (approx £500.00 each) prior to travelling abroad. So we booked into a luxury hotel (200 miles from where we lived) and duly took the laxatives. Well that was the first (and last) time we ever stayed in a hotel without a slap up dinner, wine, drinks and a good old English.
Eat like pigs at lunchtime the next day, at the first service station on the way home.
We were both OK

I had a colonoscopy, and endoscopy, one after another with no sedation, I'm not brave, but at the time I was still working and I'd have to have the following day off as well due to anesthetic. It was a bit uncomfortable but manageable, you will be ok, try not to overthink about it. And just to add mine didn't find anything serious.

I've had several first one I was given sedation and polyps
were removed. and marked the ones after I didn't have sedation I agree worst bit is prep .

Take the sedation. Especially as you are anxious. Sedation is always pleasant. Why not enjoy it, rather than suffer needlessly. You are perfectly conscious but relaxed and happy.
The worst bit is the prep and that is over before you even go to the hospital. Vaseline is recommended as the liquid burns as you pass it.. But I actually find aloe vera gel excellent and very soothing. You will be fine. But I am sorry you are going through all this. I took an a very anxious patient. Good luck.

Ask for sedation

I have been lucky enough never to have needed one, but I have a friend who lives 400 miles away who has to have them fairly regularly.
She isn't a fan either so what we talked about it and figured one way to deal with it and the preparations leading up to it was to communicate on our mobile phones. Sometimes speaking, sometimes texting. I stay with her all day on the prep day ie I don't arrange anything else for that day. Just an idea.

I've had three, with sedation. Honestly you know nothing about it. It's fine. You wake up and they bring you tea and toast. Please don't worry.

I've had Crohn's Disease for nearly 40 years and bowel cancer 4 years ago, so in total I've had about 12 colonoscopies. You'll be fine, the prep is the worst and the actual procedure happens 'back there' so enjoy the sedation, try to disassociate from what's going on and you'll be out in no time. Good luck. X

Had 3 now due to inflamation near anus end of colon, think it's called proctitus.
Have sedation if offered. When in recovery room I did feel a bit sick which they said was due to sedation not agreeing with me.
I now use lactose free milk most of the time but not in tea, and touch wood, have not had a flare up for years. Not sure if this is just co-incidence.

I can't advise about the colonoscopy, but I did have a wisdom tooth extraction last year and it was very quick and painless (apart from the cost!) Rinsing your mouth with salt water will really help with healing.

Dollymixtures

Katyj did they tie off your haemorrhoids at the same time?

They won't treat anything at the time ....its a screening process ...the results will be provided on the day to you...and sent to your referrer..... who will decide on next plan ( if one is needed)
I had one in September....it was fine .. they take good care of you

I've done the prep but had a colonography so can only comment on the prep which really isn't that bad.
DH has had quite a few colonoscopies and would definitely recommend sedation so you know nothing about it!
I hope your results are good news and really feel for you anticipating them as I have been in the same situation.

Please don’t worry - the drink on the day before to clear you out is not nice but the actual procedure is fine. I’ve had bowel cancer so plenty of colonoscopies- I had an endoscopy first - didn’t like that so asked for plenty of fentanyl to make me forget about it all. Actually, I really did forget!!! The colonoscopy is quite interesting if you watch it on the screen - and doesn’t hurt at all. You’ll be fine and it will be good to see what the problem is, if there is one. Good luck and don’t worry. 🤗

I have had about a dozen of these over the years and agree that the prep is the worst bit - just that it tastes 'orrible. You have been offered a sedative as I understand it and as you are nervous I would definitely take it. I zonk out at the lightest sedative and remember nothing at all of the actual procedure.
Also agree that most people are clear but remember that Colonoscopies are the Gold Standard Diagnostic Tool for colon problems . If you have a problem this test will pick it up and it may save your life.
Back in 2012 it saved mine.
Best of luck

The colonoscopy service is excellent and works to very high standards set by the Royal College of Physicians. Look for their certificate on the wall, probably near the reception desk. The units have to work very hard to achieve this, so they are usually proud to have done so. The standards include everything patient oriented from going in to getting the results, and how satisfied the patient is afterwards. Then there is the back room aspects you don't see, the cleaning and sterilising of the equipment, the administration, provision for disabled patients, all that.

If you want an all-female team (or all-male) you can ask for it. Members of some religions do ask for this. The only thing I would request is for a female Chaperone present at all times.

Good luck, I'm sure you will be fine.

PamelaJ1

I presume that most of us would be anxious about this procedure.
I was persuaded not to have sedation and it was fine, just a couple of uncomfortable moments (wind). The worst bit was waiting to go in, the staff put in a cannula and then ignored me to chat about their social life. It would have relaxed me a bit to be included in some conversation.
During the procedure I had someone talking to me and that helped although every time I tried to look at the screen she pushed my head down again.(In a nice way) it must have put me in the wrong position I presume but I would have liked to watch.
* I was wrong about the worst bit…. Have just remembered the preparation! Stay close to the toilet!

The nurse and I went in laughing. Did you get those disposable pants with the split up the back? She'd just given some to a man who'd put them on backwards, must have looked like Y fronts to him. We both thought it was funny as not sure why they'd need access from the front for a colonoscopy.

I hope he didn't hear us.

silverlining48

Forgot to say you will get the result at the time of the procedure. Always be careful if coedine, it can cause terrible constipation. I am sure you will be ok.

I didn't.

It wasn't my most enjoyable afternoon but it wasn't horrific and the ham sandwich and cup of coffee they gave me at the end was one of the most fabulous meals of my life. I think I was hungry!

I had one a year ago and was so scared about it but it was absolutely fine. I had a sedation and would have it again. The low residue diet was fine but the prep was yuk that was the worst bit. I mixed it with elderflower cordial. I’d have another in a heartbeat. Try not to worry too much about the procedure. I hope your results are normal. I had to ask for the sedation. I’d rather have a colonoscopy than an endoscopy. Good luck.

Dollymixtures I've had several and the anticipation was worse than the actual event. I do remember being able to watch the screen and for some reason being fascinated to see that it was all in colour! I can only imagine the slight sedative had dulled my brain! Of course my insides would be in full technicolour . Good luck!

I had my 1st last year and it was fine, I didn't have to drink anything beforehand and I chose not to have sedation. I was taken into a room with a bed & loo in it, the nurse put liquid in my bum & told me to wait 10 mins. At 1st it was ok, but after 7 mins I dashed to the loo!
I found it not too bad, the biggest thing I felt was my rectum was stretched, as it is briefly for a big poo, I had to remind myself not to push it out.
I could see on the tv that my large intestine was ok, the screen was right near me. The staff were great, chatty & nice and it was ok. I would do the same again if I needed to, and probably I will cos I seem to be getting all sorts of weird conditions. Good luck, I'm sure you'll find it not as bad as you imagine

I've had a colonoscopy and it was OK. I had the smallest dose of pain relief and sedation so was awake. Was very nervous so the nurse held my hand all through it. Didn't feel any pain or anything really. They put a numbing cream on me before starting the procedure. Staff were very nice and reassuring. I couldn't have gas and air because I have COPD. I'd have it again if needed as its completely painless. Luckily nothing abnormal was found so I just have IBS. But glad I found out it wasn't cancer and I'm OK.

The prep is much worse than the procedure. It was really interesting watching it on the screen. The bit I found hilarious was the dignity pants they give you to wear. They only come in one size. You could get 5 of me in one pair and they are a lovely sludge colour. Amazing! I thought they were so funny I forgot to be nervous.