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.

, 

I had a colonoscopy a couple of years ago with just sedation and it was extremely painful, I never want that pain again, so the next one I have will be under general anaethetic. My pain threshold is quite high, but the pain of thios colonoscopy was worse than childbirth. Every one is different and it depends on their condition, I have had ulcerative colitis for 20 years and my colon is not in great shape, which would account for the pain during the procedure. For some people just having sedation may be ok. 

Further to this post,I had the colonoscopy done in late October 2015,I had general anaesthetic(put out completely),and  I must say it was such a improvement on the last one I had done with just sedation which was so painful.The great thing about having general anaesthetic is that you know when you wake up it will be all over with no pain at all. The recovery was fine and having someone collect you from the hospital is not such a big deal. I am so glad I had it done under general. I also was told by the consultant the reason my first colonoscopy was so painful. I had a full hystorectomy to treat ovarian cancer, and part of that surgery removed part of the bowel. He said that with this sort of surgery, the bowel will generally  be replaced at an awkward angle for colonoscopy and endoscopy, which may explain why some people have little pain and some have a lot during colonocopy.  You have a right to ask for general anaesthetic and I beleive it is wel worth any very small risks involved.

DaveK

I'm so pleased to have seen your post as I too want to drive to the hospital and home again after the procedure. The Doctor I saw for the initial consultation insisted that I would have to have sedation and unless I was accompanied the procedure would not go ahead. I argued the toss & explained that I did not wish any friend or family member to know about it as we are all very concerned about a close one who has pancreatic cancer. He eventually relented and agreed that it could be done without sedation. I hope I made the right decision.

Can anybody spell out the dangers of having sedation & being alone afterwards. I asked if I could have the procedure earlier in the day as I should be fully recovered by the time I go to bed after midnight. He said the danger was me being alone & not being able to seek help if I had a problem. Apart from my bowel problem, I am pretty healthy. I do not have any heart or breathing problems and I have quite a good bearing of pain so I hope I'm not taking a stupid risk. 

PS. If I'm not sedated, will I hear interesting comments and will I be told the result at the end of the procedure.  

DaveK, you have made my mind up and I am no longer worried about the procedure. However, I'm not looking forward to drinking the purging liquid and the subsequent clearout but I'm sure I wll get iver it.

Cheers

I had my colonoscopy, without sedation, ten days ago. I barely noticed the scope until the two bends in the colon. Then I experienced about 3 - 5 seconds of pain as the consultant manouvred the scope around each of the two bends. It was similar to a bad period pain but as it did't last long it was soon forgotten. I would happily repeat the excersise, if required. As I was awake during the procedure, I was able to follow the journey on the screen and found it very interesting. Luckily, nothing of concern was found.

What I would not repeat is the drinking of 2 litres of Moviprep. I prepared the first litre at 5pm and at first it was acceptable but by the time I got halfway down the last glass I really did not want to finish it. I did eventually finish after downing a couple of glasses of water. A couple of hours passed and I made up the second litre of Moviprep. I swallowed the first glass but was retching and when I started to drink the second glass I threw up and had to take a break before I finally finished the remainder. All sips followed by lots of water.

After the event I found out I could have asked for a preparation called Picolax and would only have had to drink 2 glasses of the mixture instead of 2 litres. This would have made a big difference to my experience. I wish I knew of the option beforehand and that is why I am naming the preparations so others are aware of the choice.  Other preparations may be available.

Elaine

I'm glad the end result was OK and sorry the procedure was so painful. I found drinking the 2 litres of Moviprep the absolutaly most awful part of the whole process. What did you have to drink and was it OK.

Dave

Thank you for sharing your experience of a colonoscopy without sedation. That reassured me before I had the unsedated procedure. I was not a bit nervous and that may have made the procedure easier and virtually pain free.

Mabel

Hi everyone. I am new to this site so please forgive me if I take a little while in getting used to everyone. I have Crohns and am 64 yrs old. I have had 4 colonoscopies in total over the years. The first one was a doddle ( apart from the unpleasant prep but that is just a means to an end) I used to sit in the waiting room listening to other people talking about how they felt. i.e. scared. Not worried at alll etc etc. I must confess that I did consider some of them as being a little soft at first. Simply because my prior experience was so straightforward. After my first lot of surgery plus a different gastro man (believe me this can make a big difference) This is a very delicate job and requires a certain amount of skill. I felt slightly more uncomfy on my second one but got on with it. Breathed deeply. Was relieved to get through it and went home after a short rest. Now then,,, the point I make is this. Since having surgery it would seem I have scarring or adhesions. My consultant told me that this what was causing the pain the second and third time around.The procedure took at leats 40mins. The gastro young guy wrote down that it was challenging. ( this can mean any number of things but my goodness I would agree with him there. The point I am making is this. I am due another colonoscopy and I am honestly scared. I am scared mostly because I will be unable to carry it through. I almost felt the need to stay stop the last time. I never complained after surgery and resection( I am trying to justify that I am not just a softy) Really I should not have to. We are all so very different. What one person can sail through easily, can become a nightmare to someone who really wants to see it through but is literally climbing higher and higher up the bed. The failure again is yet another part of it.It is not good feeling that you are a failure and much more cowardly than anyone else. This is simply not the case. I am pleased for all of you who had a good experience, I really and genuinely hope that you continue to do so. Please try to remember though as I say. We are not all the same. As in anything in life. If I could go to sleep I would willingly do so. I literally spend most days at the moment worrying about the outcome. Yes I know this does not help but maybe I have good cause too. I have not sent this to scare anyone or for any other unpleasant reason. I just want someone to say to me. "Yes, I have had a bad time too." You really are not alone I wish you all the very best. Yes these things have to be done. Please stay safe and well all of you and thank you for allowing me to voice my fears. xxx Jane 

Hi everyone. Am having a Colonoscopy this Thursday and I'm extremely frightened if I'm honest. Was told I'll be having sedation but am still worried, so much so that I'm thinking of cancelling Pain is my biggest worry and I'm a generally nervous person. Don't know what to do.

I had a colonoscopy a few weeks ago and I was also terrified at the thought (I really am a big wimp ).

I had the sedation and relaxed immediately and I can honestly say it was absolutely nowhere near as awful as I thought I have had lots of things done in the last few weeks and the colonoscopy would be one of the things I will never worry about having again x

Good luck xx

On Wednesday I was asked to take two sachets of Picolax for my Colonoscopy which wasn't as sickly as I thought it was going to be, it tastes lemony. Today I had my Colonoscopy and I can say, hand on heart that it was not painful. I really don't know why I was so worried. I was given light sedation and oxygen and it was over before I knew it. Recovery was quick and I was allowed to go home an hour after it finished. Was given special shorts to wear to spare my modesty and felt very relaxed and secure in what was being done. Glad I went ahead with it.