Page 4 | Colonoscopy: anaesthetic or Entonox?

Shortfatandangry · 2025-05-16T14:32:06+00:00

Just that really. Not sure which to go with, the anaesthetic is Fentynl I believe, which I don't like the thought of but everyone I've spoken to says gas and air isn't enough.

AppleDumplingWithCustard · 16/05/2025 18:33

I had Fentanyl (analgesic), Buscopan (muscle relaxant) and Midazolam (sedative). ‘‘Twas glorious. I was completely blissed out.

Original poster

Shortfatandangry · 16/05/2025 18:27

Greybeardy · 16/05/2025 17:52

fentanyl isn't an anaesthetic - it's an opioid painkiller that can cause a bit of sedation but will not cause oblivion. It's often used in combo with a bit of midazolam (which has more sedative properties), but that depends on the protocols in the unit. Anaesthetic would involve different drugs an anaesthetist and a bit more work up. Why not see what the endoscopist is expecting in terms of how difficult the procedure might be and see what they suggest?

How can he possibly know how difficult it will be until he starts though?

OP posts:

abracadabra1980 · 16/05/2025 17:59

I already had Diazepam 5mg prior to and took 2 (10mg) pulse gas and air for the procedure. (Same with my hysteroscopy). I was slightly uncomfortable during, and can't remember anything about either afterwards. I need Diazepam to calm me before I even leave the house, as due to a past (non-related) awful experience, I wouldn't have left the house.

SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius · 16/05/2025 17:53

I’ve had one under mild sedation and one under anaesthetic, and I would 100% recommend the general anaesthetic.

Greybeardy · 16/05/2025 17:52

fentanyl isn't an anaesthetic - it's an opioid painkiller that can cause a bit of sedation but will not cause oblivion. It's often used in combo with a bit of midazolam (which has more sedative properties), but that depends on the protocols in the unit. Anaesthetic would involve different drugs an anaesthetist and a bit more work up. Why not see what the endoscopist is expecting in terms of how difficult the procedure might be and see what they suggest?

ThisPithyJoker · 16/05/2025 17:26

I had one with gas and air (wasn't offered anything else) and was fine - not an unpleasant experience at all. Would probably have tried Fentanyl if they'd offered it though 😅

cherrytree12345 · 16/05/2025 17:23

feelingbleh · 16/05/2025 16:30

I think often when its painful it's down to the drs technique as I had a junior dr practice on one of mine and it hurt and the other dr stepped in and said il make it more comfortable for you as he had looped it and I felt fine again when he sorted it and passed it back to the junior dr again. I also think the shape of your insides make a difference as its dependent on the bends you have.

I agree with this comment . I’ve had two and had sedation both times, I don't think they gave me much as I was very aware of everything . The first colonoscopy was uncomfortable at times but ok. The second time the nurse said Dr XYZ has just started doing colonoscopies for us and I found it painful

zenas · 16/05/2025 16:36

Sedation all the way. There is no way I'd even contemplate anything else for either or both endoscopy/colonoscopy.

The sedation is a combination of Midazolam (benzodiazepine) which has amnesiac effects, so you don't remember much about the procedure afterwards, and Fentanyl which is the pain relief.

Give me the drugs any day!

Pennyplant19 · 16/05/2025 16:34

I’m ‘lucky’ enough to have one every year and always have the fentanyl and gas and air!

RicardoShillyshallee · 16/05/2025 16:31

Not for a colonoscopy but I gave birth with only gas and air and it literally did nothing. In the end I just used the mouthpiece as something to bite down on.

feelingbleh · 16/05/2025 16:30

I think often when its painful it's down to the drs technique as I had a junior dr practice on one of mine and it hurt and the other dr stepped in and said il make it more comfortable for you as he had looped it and I felt fine again when he sorted it and passed it back to the junior dr again. I also think the shape of your insides make a difference as its dependent on the bends you have.

feelingbleh · 16/05/2025 16:26

CloudywMeatballs · 16/05/2025 16:24

They give you pictures afterwards. That's enough for me!

Show quote history

I loved showing them pictures to everyone i was like so this is what up my bum hole and bowel looks like nobody wanted to see🤣🤣🤣

CloudywMeatballs · 16/05/2025 16:24

feelingbleh · 16/05/2025 16:20

I'd be gutted i like watching it on the screen I find it fascinating but I might be weird

Show quote history

They give you pictures afterwards. That's enough for me!

nwilson12 · 16/05/2025 16:21

I have them on a regular basis and they are done under a general. First one I was sedated and the consultant said that was too traumatic for everyone in the room, I don't remember but apparently I was in a lot of pain. So now the general and the worst part is taking the prep medication.

notimagain · 16/05/2025 16:21

CloudywMeatballs · 16/05/2025 16:18

I'm in the US and it's always done under general anesthesia. There was no discussion about any other option. And quite frankly, I'm glad.

For info it's the same in France..

chachahide · 16/05/2025 16:20

Which part of painful and unpleasant? Is it stomach cramps? Or where it’s inserted?!

feelingbleh · 16/05/2025 16:20

CloudywMeatballs · 16/05/2025 16:18

I'm in the US and it's always done under general anesthesia. There was no discussion about any other option. And quite frankly, I'm glad.

I'd be gutted i like watching it on the screen I find it fascinating but I might be weird

train450desiro · 16/05/2025 16:18

Had one three weeks ago, Fentanyl was wonderful.

Words · 16/05/2025 16:18

Fentanyl. It's just a small dose of sedative fine for the colonoscopy but entirely inadequate for the endoscopy I had at the same time.

The adrenaline rush I had from the horror of the camera and mouth guard entirely eclipsed any benefit from the drug.

CloudywMeatballs · 16/05/2025 16:18

I'm in the US and it's always done under general anesthesia. There was no discussion about any other option. And quite frankly, I'm glad.

Whoarethoseguys · 16/05/2025 16:17

I have had both, the anaesthetic was great no pain and no side effects. I found the one I did with gas and air was very painful. The cramps were a bit like birth contraction pains.
Everyone is different but if I have another I would definitely take the anaesthetic

feelingbleh · 16/05/2025 16:16

Craftysue · 16/05/2025 16:09

I just had the gas and air but had a cannula in in case I changed my mind. I was fine and fairly comfortable. I could also leave straight away which was a bonus for me

This is what I like had a cup of tea and biscuit got dressed and out the door as if nothing happened

feelingbleh · 16/05/2025 16:15

I had nothing its really not bad at all they had the gas and air ready as a back up if needed but it wasn't. Iv had 3

Craftysue · 16/05/2025 16:09

I just had the gas and air but had a cannula in in case I changed my mind. I was fine and fairly comfortable. I could also leave straight away which was a bonus for me

WittyJadeStork · 16/05/2025 16:09

Fentanyl is lovely, more a sedative though.