Hello!

Don't cancel, it's far better to know what you're dealing with.  I had a colonoscopy about a month ago, and opted for sedation and the gas and air.  It was definitely uncomfortable, but I was safe in the knowledge that I could stop at any time if it got too much.  The medical team was wonderful, explained everything that was happening.  I vaguely remember the procedure, but it's almost as if it were a dream, everything was very foggy if that makes sense?

As far as I'm aware, the sedation they use for colonoscopies is not designed to knock you out (because it's easier if you need to move during the procedure), just makes everything go numb and a bit sleepy.  I don't know how that differs to what you've had in the past, but it's not terrible.  

Everyone experiences things differently, but if you have had positive experiences in the past, it's likely that this will be too.

Kind Regards,

Liz

Thanks for your reply. I'm glad yours wasn't too bad. I'll think about what you've said before I make a decision. Hope your results were good.

Best wishes.

Hi Purrfect,

Definitely think about it, it can be scary, but it's better than not knowing.  My immediate results seemed okay, I'm still waiting on the biopsies, so we'll have to see with those.  Best of luck!

Kind Regards,

Liz

Thanks I am def. taking it seriously. Did you have the sedation? If so, how was it? Glad your results seerm ok. Good luck with biopsies.

I had colonoscopy two weeks ago. No sedation, just gas & air. I have asked the nurse how common it is to do it only on gas & air and she said very common and many people dont even use that. There weren't many people having sedation that day and I didn't hear any horror stories.

It was painful like 3-4 times for only a few seconds. I used gas then and it helped. The rest of the time I didnt feel anything or just felt the camera being in my tummy - not painful at all. I think the procedure took less than 15 mins and the nurses kept me occupied. 

Don't cancel as it really isn't bad. I had dentist visits that were much worse than that ;)

Good luck and let us know how it went xx

Thanks so much. I just wonder why there are all these horror stories - they can't all be exaggerating surely?

I guess everyone reacts to pain differently. Also our bowels are different, some more twisted than others. I read so many horror stories that for slim people colonoscopy is extremely painful. I am slim and couldn't sleep from fear but it turned not true. 

The nurses were saying to stay relaxed and break the wind if I have to as that often causes the pain. 

When you go there, talk to people who are in the waiting room. About anything. Don't sit scared thinking about it. It will be ok and you will feel proud afterwards xx

Hi Purrfect,

As a Nurse with plenty of endoscopy experience I’d like to try and allay some of your fears.

I can’t tell you that  a colonoscopy is a comfortable experience, but the majority of the time people cope very well. The Nurses who are looking after you will be monitoring how comfortable you are and if need be there are things they can do to help if you do become uncomfortable. This may involve getting you to change position or applying pressure on your tummy to help the endoscope pass through you bowel easier.

If you feel very uncomfortable, you May wish to ask them to stop for a moment before they continue or to stop the procedure all together if it’s that bad.

Choosing between sedation and gas and air is up to you and there are pros and cons that you need to take in to consideration.  

You can find some information about colonoscopy here which explains the procedure really well.

Most people actually find the bowel prep the worst part of the whole thing, but there are plenty of hints and tips around to help with that.

Hi Rich - thank you for your reply. What I don't understand, having had sedation for dental surgery & for a catarract op, is that people having a colonoscopy don't seem to report they don't recall any of the procedure which has been my experience previously. Also, there is a recent post here where there are some really awful stories about the pain people suffered.

I have a neighbour who had it done a couple of weeks ago. She is 83 & (although not sedated) said she screamed with the pain. This is a lady who has osteoperosis & had a number of fractures which she has barely raised an eyebrow about.

I'm really not good with pain & am dreading it.

During a colonoscopy only light sedation is used but this still tends to have the effect of making people forget the procedure in my experience. There are some people who the sedation has less effect.

Endoscopy Nurses tend to be very good at diverting people’s attention from the procedure, this can help reduce anxiety and pain/discomfort.

I can only assume that the overwhelming amount of people commenting on painful procedures is likely due to our propensity to report bad experiences as opposed to good ones. But I can assure you that the vast majority of people make it through their colonoscopy with minimal issues.

unfortunately there is only one way to find out what it will be like for you... some people just have more difficult bowels, which can increase discomfort.

I think the most important thing to remember is that you are in control. Before and during your procedure.