Any had experienced with a colonoscopy? Having second thoughts about mine

I had one many years ago with no sedation (long story, NHS mess up) and it couldnt proceed too far because of the discomfort and pain as they moved around and blew more air in, I just couldnt take it

Second one was sedated, slightly uncomfortable but over quickly ish.

The prep is horrific

Get it done and over with.

I've had 3, and being totally honest, WITH sedation, the procedure is totally and utterly fine. The only crap bit, pun entirely intended, is the bowel emptying drinks, which are really horrid. I've had picolax (better and works) and the other one (can't remember it but for me, barely worked and made we want to vomit). Again though, the actual procedure is fine. Good luck OP x

They have to state the risks, but they are very low. I've had one, the prep is the most grim part but but if you're sedated the actual thing is not that bad.

Just to mention - the fentanyl blocks all consciousness and erases all memory of the procedure. I felt nothing and was not aware of being wheeled out of the surgery suite and back to the recovery/ pre op area. But I woke fully once it quickly wore off.

I did mine in the US, but you may find midazolam or propofol are more commonly used by your anesthetist in the UK, though fentanyl is also used.

DO NOT do it without the sedation.

It can hurt.

I had a fentanyl based concoction for mine and woke feeling I had had a really pleasant and refreshing nap afterwards. Also completely clear headed (though they don't allow you to operate machinery until the next day).

I had a nurse anesthetist. He was great.

Your vital signs, weight, and height will be assessed before the procedure so that the anesthetist can calibrate your anesthesia properly.

Your heart rate and blood pressure and blood oxygen levels will be constantly monitored by the anesthetist throughout the procedure.

My friends and I are at the age where we all have routine tests like this done. Even women with obesity, asthma, heart murmurs, and blood pressure issues have come through with no problems.
The chance of any issue arising is very, very slim.

Please try not to be too anxious.

The worst part is actually the prep the night before. Yeuuuuugh.

I have had a number, no side effects at all, just remember they are not talking about common side effects but they have to tell you what may happen to the 1 in a hundred thousand, etc.

If you don’t go through with it then you could find yourself not getting better.

Hint for the prep, make it and put it on the fridge to be cold. I also had some squash handy( orange or lemon) slug the prep in two or three gulps then a sip of the squash, and put ice in the squash

Just to add I had mine done privately so I suspect they gave me stronger sedation than the NHS do from what it sounds. For me it was just like having a general anaesthetic.

I kept reading how awful the prep drink was but I didn't find it bad. Just like an electrolyte drink really. I bought some fiery ginger beer in case it tasted awful! The only thing is I found it made me really cold having to drink so much cold liquid so I would recommend wrapping up and having some blankets prepared.

I had sedation and it was amazing! I felt so relaxed. I don't remember any of it except waking up once in the middle and they gave me more sedation to make me sleep again. Apparently I have a "long and tortuous bowel" and the consultant said I was clearly in pain but I was not aware of it so I would definitely recommend the sedation as you don't know if you will be one of the ones who find it painful or not. I would never have one without sedation.

I have had quite a few, no side effects or problems. I would recommend gas and air for pain relief. In my experience the sedation just makes you woozy but does not do a lot for the pain (many people don't have pain with it but I do).

I had one a couple of years ago and had no complications, it was uncomfortable but fine. Worst part was the prep

@sharonau people are split on sedation.
I hate being sedated so went without and it was fine. At it’s very worst, it was a little crampy but meant I could move around to give them easier access, was able to leave swiftly afterwards and had a lovely clear view of my innards!

OP, I had the same reservations as you but for different reasons. I'm the sole carer for my middle aged, diabled son. I am all he has. That's why I was terrified of the colonoscopy - or rather what could go wrong. But then I thought that, if I had cancer, it was my best chance to catch it early. I am so glad I had it done. I didn't have any sedation as I had to drive myself there and back. The whole process was painless (maybe very, very slightly uncomfortable for a few seconds) and over in about 30 minutes. The healthcare team were kind and gentle and it was not the terrifying ordeal I imagined at all. The worst part was the stuff you've got to drink beforehand! Get it done OP and set your mind at rest.

Edited to say I had two benign polys which they removed there and then - and I still didn't feel anything.

I've had 10 colonoscopies, 3 flexible sigmoidpscopies, 5 gastroscopies, and both small bowel and colon capsule endoscopies.

I've only ever had one bad experience, which was the first. Had it without sedation and it was too painful and they couldn't finish. Took an hour and a half. Generally awful.

Since then all have been fine. Always have sedation!!! Much less painful, over faster. I'm still conscious and talking and remember most of it afterwards, but it just makes the whole procedure so much easier. Because mine are for Crohn's and I have inflammation they are probably more painful than I someone without, but I'd still recommend the sedation. Get no side effects from it at all.

I've never had any complications. Just a little bit of bleeding afterwards if they take biopsies and everything can be a bit sore and sensitive.

The prep is horrible. Recommend taking it ice cold, through a straw and with a chaser of apple juice after every mouthful. I have to take it slower than they say to avoid being sick. You only feel sick if you drink it too quickly. Definitely recommend vaseline as a barrier cream and starting to use it before you even begin taking prep, don't wait until things get sore. Also recommend baby wipes. It does start to feel like the prep will never stop, but it always has done by the time I need to travel to the hospital.

My father wanted to skip his colonoscopy for rectal bleeding because he didn't think it would be necessary. He had stage 3B cancer and is lucky to be alive.

From my perspective I would say 'no' as it really isn't a problem to not have sedation. However, if you are very nervous, you might feel it is worth having it.

I asked the nurse if it was really a good idea to take the sedation (like it is for e.g. an endoscopy ) and she said not at all necessary in her opinion, but obviously it was up to me.

Yes! But you’ll need someone to take you home afterwards

Not always no! But getting rid of a huge amount at one go at the end was fantastic 😂Got a laugh from the medical staff on one occasion

Had three. No issues. Cancerous polyp removed and no further treatment needed. You're more likely to win Euromillions than have anything go wrong.

I’ve had 2 and an endoscopy and they were fine, worst bit is the prep, make it cold and use a straw. take the sedation, I was fully aware but just relaxed and a bit fuzzy

Yes. Slather it on as you will poo a lot (and explosively 🤓) so you need to protect your bum hole. 😬

Oh, and you'll need a loo brush too !!!

I advised a nervous relative recently who was really worried about his first. I relaxed him by explaining that the post-procedure farts are a thing of wonder. 😂😂😂😂😂

@Silvers11 you waited for permission 🧐

I've had 3. None of them with sedation and all were fine. Found it fascinating as I could see my insides on the screen and the staff were lovely.

Not at all sore, but uncomfortable with the gas they use to expand your bowel so that they can see clearly. It's such a relief when they tell you, you can have a fart!!! 😁

Have had a few,.never an issue