Colonoscopy painful? Do we get put to sleep?

Hi Sammy,

I'd say a colonoscopy was more unpleasant then painful.  I found the worst part was the preparation which can vary but which in my case involoved drinking a massive amount of liquid over the course of 12 hours causing the most chronic diarrohea I've ever had.    This is to clear out the bowels.  The colonoscopy itself took probably about 15 minutes - it was painful as it went around corners - a bit like very bad wind but only lasted for a few minutes at a time.  I think some people are offered the option of a tranquilliser -  I was not and I don't think I needed one.  After the colonoscopy is over there is no pain or discomfort.

Hope this is helpful to you.

Good luck.

Jan x

Hi Sammy

I know the first two replies are reassuring and I don't wish to spoil that and I know that everyone's experiences are different, pain levels etc, but I would have liked to have known some honest truths about it before I had mine done. I have had two - the second one was great - they gave me the maximum sedation and I didn't feel anything. The first one however, was awful for me and that was also with sedation. The reason probably was that I was really anxious, also I had a tumour so it was painful going past that and round the corners and it seemed to last a long time. Now I know that may not be helpful to you, but my advice to anyone who has asked me is if you're anxious, ask for effective levels of sedation. You can also tell them during it if it is painful or too much for you and they can top you up with sedation. Maybe if I give you my unpleasant story, you will feel relieved that yours wasn't bad at all!! At the end of the day, what's most important is that you get the reassurance and results you are hoping for. All the best. Julie xx

Hi Sammy, have had two, sedation given when your settled on the examination couch. You should be on your left side during the procedure, I felt a very slight discomfort only.Had a biopsy done during the first one, the second one was to remove 2 polyps (not removed at the time of the biopsy), plus 3 others that had appeared no pain and no after effects. Take the sedation, cougar69

My wife had a colonoscopy last month. The worst part was the laxative she had to drink the day before. She went so frequently to the toilet that she had a very sore behind.  She mentioned this to the doctor doing the procedure and he used local anaesthetic gel on her behind, which apparently worked very well.

Her report to me afterwards was that there was nothing to the procedure itself and if she needed to have it done again, she wouldn't worry about it. Fortunately, the results came back clear.

I know people who have opted out of sedation, but I certainly took what was on offer. The worst part of a colonoscopy is the preparation... for a funny yet fairly accurate view of what that's like, try reading this: http://www.miamiherald.com/2009/02/11/427603/dave-barry-a-journey-into-my-colon.html

Hi sammy

There isn't a medical procedure in the world that is free from risk. Even taking an aspirin can be harmful.

The risks from a colonoscopy are very low indeed and when compared with the risk of an undiagnosed bowel cancer they're negligable.

By the way, if you ask to be put completely to sleep then there's also a risk from the anaesthetic!

Bob

Before you can have any procedure, you have to get to the hospital, and getting there is probably riskier than the procedure itself.  Do you worry about driving? Catching a bus? Crossing the road? Climbing the stairs?  If you don't worry about these things why do you worry about the risks from a colonoscopy or anaesthetic?

I'm afraid that once you find yourself on the cancer bandwagon (and no-one gets on by choice!) then being risk averse can seriously shorten your life. If you need a procedure then you need it, and not having it because it carries some low risk could end up shortening your life by many years if you get untreated cancer. You have to trust your medics to give you the best advice - and if you don't trust them then find some different medics who you do trust!

To put it in context, last year I had a radical prostatectomy. Risk of dying within 30 days from that surgery is relatively high: about 0.3%. But, if I didn't have any treatment at all then the risk of dying within 10 years from advanced prostate cancer was up to 100%. What would you do?

To answer your specific question, before you have any general anaesthetic you should have a full pre-op assessment at the hospital.  Once you've had a complete medical, any risks will be explained by the anaesthetist.  Judging from my wife's reaction to her colonoscopy, you don't really need a general anaesthetic, but if you really want one then ask for one, and accept the additional (tiny) risk involved.

Bob

Sammy,

I have had several and found them more uncomfortable than painful...the guys assertions that the risk of not having it far outweigh the risks for having it are definately correct. It is very very unfortunate that they have to inform you of the risks, frankly they do so as a precaution to cover themselves. The risks are no more dangerous than taken a tablet....If you look at some of the pain relief medications and read through the sheet of paper that comes neatly folded in the packet you would never take another pill.

As for complete sedation, it is not advisable as they need to get you to move about and the sedation they give you enables you to be up and about in 10-20 mins.  You can have the sedation or take gas and air....I have tried both and are equally effective.

Please do not worry if you can, this is a scary time and we all understand what you are going through...however for some reason the cup of tea and the biscuits afterwards are the best ever, maybe something to do with not eating for a while.

All the very best, keep coming on here to let us know how you get on.

Much Love

Tony xxxx

Hi expat,

I remember when I had mine (or not) that I said after it had finished that I didn't think the sedation had worked...the nurse replied that I should have been where she was (up by my head) as apparently my eyes were rolling about as I was out of it. I also thought it was over in about 2 mins when it had been about 10. Good stuff!

T x

Hi Sammy87

     My number is on the private bit if you want to talk

George

I had a colonoscopy yesterday at Plymouth and even with sedation, it was the most painful thing I have ever experienced.  Was so relieved when it was over.  My husband had one 3 weeks ago and only had mild discomfort.

Guess I'm lucky but can honestly say never felt a thing had sedative and pain relief slept thro most of it prep day fine as well did a three day no fibre diet one day fluids only felt good only bad bit was in night headache sickness felt rotten couple glasses of water seemed to sort it wouldn't hesitate to have another my results normal couple of small haemoroids had caused my worrying bleeding good luck folks don't worry it's fine

I am a real coward and asked for a general anaesthetic both times I had a colonoscopy.  Same with my hysteroscopy, usually you just have to ask.

That is the problem; everyone is different, and you never know how it will affect you as an individual.