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

106 replies

sharonau · 01/02/2025 16:09

I have a colonoscopy booked in for Wednesday due to some rectal bleeding, my bloods tests and FIT test were all normal which is reassuring.

I am just reading the preparation booklet and I am abit worried about the risks stated.
The main ones are infection, hole in bowel, heart attack or stroke and of course death.

Has anyone had a bad a bad experience with a colonoscopy?
I am having second thoughts after reading the leaflet, I have young children and can't imagine the thought of something happening to me.

OP posts:
Hairyesterdaygonetoday · 01/02/2025 16:16

I’ve had a colonoscopy, and the worst thing was the very boring bland diet I had to follow in the days before the procedure, to clear my colon!

I think they just have to tell you every possible thing that might go wrong, but these are actually rare.

Do have the colonoscopy if your doctor has recommended it. It will provide important information that would be hard to get by other means. Best of luck, and I hope the results are satisfactory.

RunnerDown · 01/02/2025 16:16

I’ve had 1. The prep was pretty awful but the procedure was fine.
The adverse events you’ve listed must be incredibly rare. Especially in a younger person.

sharonau · 01/02/2025 16:15

Thanks, that is reassuring.
Is it worth having the sedation?

OP posts:
Over40Overdating · 01/02/2025 16:15

I’ve had one and was petrified but it was fine - no side effects at all.

I was fully conscious for mine and could see everything they were doing and that nothing was nicked during it. Actually quite interesting and least impactful of any investigations I’ve had.

3rdtimeinflorida · 01/02/2025 16:14

I’ve also had one and no negative effects.

Octavia64 · 01/02/2025 16:12

I've had one.

No negative effects.