Colonoscopy

[chaosisawayoflife]

I have the joy of a colonoscopy coming up. I've read up a bit about it and the preparation, which sounds like great fun. However, I've been told I have a choice of IV sedation or Entonox. With IV I'll have to be picked up which isn't a problem, and it'll remain in my system for up to 24 hours, but I won't remember any of it. With Entonox I can get up and walk out alone and will be fine straight after, but it's obviously not as strong as IV and I'll be aware of it all. Has anyone had one with Entonox? Is it worth it to feel better after, or more traumatic? It's a Saturday appt so it's not crucial that I'm up and about afterwards but I do have an event the next day that I want to be able to enjoy. What would you do?

[KanyesVest]

I had a colonoscopy a few years back under sedation (valium I think) but I was definitely out of it. I don't remember much, but I did come round during it and while I wasn't in pain, it wasn't delightful. I had an endoscopy (down the hatch) a few months back and ended up going for full sedation and it was fine. I did feel a bit hungover for 2-3 days afterwards, but that could have been down to having a cold too. Having used entonox for labour, I'm not sure it would be my preference. Hope it all goes well whatever you opt for.

[moomoob]

I have them regularly I've never been offered it with entonox. I've always had the sedation which I think was diamorphine you are slightly aware of what's going on. It doesn't necessarily hurt going up your bum like you think it would but I can remember feeling discomfort in my stomach as the camera went round the twists and bends of the colon. You do need someone to look after you when you get home though the last time I had it it really knocked me for 6 I couldn't get out of bed the next day although I'd never been that out of it after having it previous. The prep before hand is much worse than the procedure itself. Good luck

[cuntyMcCunterson]

Watching with interest as I'm awaiting an appointment coming through for this procedure. Interestingly a colleague had this done with little to no sedation and said he would NOT recommend it at all. He wasn't offered any sedation and advised me to ask re sedation ect.

[SunshineAndShadows]

I've had one with only entonox and it was fine. They put an IV line in my hand so they could give me fentanyl if needed (couldn't have sedation as no one to pick me up) so if you go for entonox you still have other options available to you.

There was one pretty uncomfortable part going around a bend but apart from that it was all fine

[gobbin]

Sedation is usually offered for a colonoscopy but not routinely for sigmoidoscopy. They offer it for a reason - take it!

The endoscope going round the corners of the large bowel can be painful. Anyone who's had a full, round all the corners, colonoscopy without any pain relief or sedation is either dead hard or talking bollocks. Having said that, with sedation you won't remember much of it so don't worry, they don't take long and you'll be in recovery having a doze before you know it.

[cuntyMcCunterson]

Hmm, Maybe he got his 'oscopys mixed up. Everything I'd read online mentioned sedation so his story stressed me out.
Thank you for explaining, certainly makes me feel more calm about the procedure.