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Original poster

Has anyone ever had a colonoscopy?

34 replies

Afternooninthepark · 17/06/2019 15:09

I have IBS and my gastroenterologist wants to check for IBD etc, my appointment has come through for next month and no joking, I am crapping myself!
I’ve got to take a prep called Klean prep which is vanilla flavoured and I hate vanilla flavoured stuff, makes me nauseous. I also have terrible anxiety and hate the thought of massive explosive diarrhoea!
I know I need to put on my big girls pants (for crying out loud, I’m 46 and have had two children without pain relief ffs) but I am honestly close to cancelling as I feel so panicked (and so, so stupidly went on YouTube and found horrible colonoscopy horror stories, agghh, will I EVER learn??!!)
Any stories, good or bad appreciated and any tips for getting through it without going completely crazy with fear!

OP posts:
highlandcoo · 17/06/2019 15:26

The vanilla flavour is disgusting agreed.

It helps loads if you make it up with ice cubes or very chilled water as this seems to lessen the taste, also you can flavour it with e.g. lemon barley water or lemon squash. Any juice added has to be clear and definitely not red.

And you must gulp it down. The first time I found it so unpleasant I was sipping it but that doesn't work. It has to go in quickly so it can flush you out quickly. As a result, my first colonoscopy didn't work and I had to return a few weeks later and do it all again. So definitely worth trying to get it right the first time. Try not to think about it and swallow it quickly. It's actually easier that way as you don't taste it for long.

OK it's not the best fun you will ever have but it's doable. I need to repeat it every three years so have had four now and once you know what you're in for it's not that bad. You feel very light and well cleaned-out afterwards!

tryingtobebetterallthetime · 17/06/2019 15:27

I have had several colonoscopies because I have IBD. I was just like you the first time and almost cancelled right up to the last minute, I was so scared. But I got through it. It is not what you would call fun, but it is really nothing to be so terrified of. The nurses take good care of you, and the drugs they give you make it seem like it only took a minute. When they are done you have a rest and a snack, which is nice because you are hungry from the prep and fasting.

You will lie on your left side while they do the procedure and I could have watched on a monitor, but I prefer not to. If you have the sedation (I would) they give it through an iv.

The prep is basically the worst part to be honest. I had something called moviprep which is a weird tasting lemon/salt drink. Yuck. If you really dislike vanilla maybe you could have something else? I would ask. Stay at home near the loo when you start the prep. Also, use some sort of cream like Vaseline on your rear as it may get sore. Mine did the first time until I used it right away. You will have loose stools etc but I haven't experienced anything I would call explosive. In the end it is just yellowish liquid. Then you know you are cleaned out.

I know telling you not to worry won't help because I still worry, but I can say when it is over you will feel good you did it and you know what is going on. Plus, they will remove any polyps which is a lot better than having them go on to something worse.

Hang in there. You will be ok.

Elderflower14 · 17/06/2019 15:28

I'm having one done this Sunday..... Gulp!!

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gamerchick · 17/06/2019 15:30

The preps the worst part, hold your nose and drink it quickly. Use vasaline from the off on the bumhole so you don't get sore. Wear tena nappies too and from the hospital. You probably won't have an accident but it'll give you extra confidence.

The actual thing is fine, I didn't have sedation so I could leave straight away. If you lie on hour back once the camera is in, it's more comfortable.

Good luck.

spiderlight · 17/06/2019 15:45

I have IBD and have had two colonoscopies. The prep is by far the worst part because it tastes pretty vile, but the results aren't explosive. Stay at home, obviously, but it wasn't as bad for me as an actual IBD flare.

The procedure itself is honestly not awful at all, in my experience. I've had both mine without sedation, and the indignity (and the horror of watching your own arse zoom into view on the screen as the camera approaches) is the worst bit. Once it's in, I find I don't feel much. Slight discomfort but no pain, and both times I've ended up watching the screen and chatting to the doctor as he's doing it, which distracts me. last time he ended up being more of a tour guide ('Now this is the opening to your appendix, and here's the start of your small intestine. Would you like to see your villi?'). I was a bit windy afterwards but was OK to go home as soon as I'd had my biscuits!

Good luck!

Ratonastick · 17/06/2019 15:50

I’ve had one, trying to hunt down extremely wayward endometriosis. The prep is awful (I don’t remember vanilla but I do remember contemplating the fact that it would probably look much the same on the way out) but the procedure itself is ok. I mean, it is deeply undignified and awkward but better than childbirth. The staff were really nice and went out of their way to be kind and helpful as they totally understood the nerves and worry. I wasn’t fully sedated, just various local numbing things but I think some people are. You have to lay on your side and can either stay still or move onto your back once the camera is in. I stayed on my side as it was more comfortable especially as they zapped a few endometrial bits. Afterwards was a bit painful but that was to do with the zapping not the procedure. Nothing that a few paracetamol and a day in bed couldn’t fix.

The consultant asked if I wanted to look at the monitor which I declined. I wish i’d said yes now as not many people can confidently say they have seen up their own arse.

JumpingFrogs · 17/06/2019 17:36

It's fine. I've had four, because of a family history of bowel cancer. As others have said, the prep is the worst bit (and the restricted diet prior to the bowel prep!)
Mine has been citrus flavoured so worth asking for a different flavour of that's an issue. I've opted for IV sedation, but have still been conscious enough to look at the screen. I have found it really interesting !

managedmis · 17/06/2019 17:40

Yeah, it's not that bad, honestly.

The prep is the worst. I lost 5lbs during the prep! It really, really clears you out.

The actual procedure was fine, they give you drugs, it doesn't hurt at all.

managedmis · 17/06/2019 17:41

Tip : put the prep liquid in the fridge before drinking. And pretend it's strawberry milkshake/ gin, whatever

justbeniceplease · 17/06/2019 17:42

The prep is disgusting. Procedure not bad, just with gas and air; farting during and after it in the recovery room with 6 others? Horrible Sad

Elderflower14 · 17/06/2019 17:46

I'm being sedated... My friend with medical knowledge is taking me...

WeaselsRising · 17/06/2019 18:44

I have had several colonoscopies. I always have the sedation, except for the most recent time when it was a flexible sigmoidoscopy. There was one bit of the procedure when the pressure really makes you feel you desperately need a poo, and just as I was getting to the point where I couldn't stand it they said they were finished.

The nurses are really nice and make a huge effort to reassure you, and to preserve your dignity.

You have to read this - Agent Picolax

Original poster
Afternooninthepark · 17/06/2019 18:50

Thank you all, great advice (which I will definitely take on board) and good to know you all got through yours ok. I most definitely don’t want to look because, as a worrier I’ll imagine all sorts but so looking forward to a mass group farting sesh 😄😳😲

OP posts:
Mabelface · 17/06/2019 18:59

A straw helps you gulp the prep down easier. I had iv sedation and they also gave me gas and air for when they go round the corner, so to speak. Sudocrem and moist toilet tissues are your friends. It'll be fine, I can barely remember anything.

Borntobeamum · 17/06/2019 19:08

Colonoscopies are crap. The preprep is horrendous...... But trust me, finding out you have colon cancer is far worse...😓

DotBall · 17/06/2019 19:41

Tip - get a bag of inco mats (or puppy pads from Wilko) to lie on in bed, so if you feel the urge and don’t make it to the toilet, it doesn’t wreck your bed.

KnifeAngel · 17/06/2019 19:50

Don't worry about not liking vanilla it's nothing like that. It tastes of salty lemon a bit like sea water.

whatnametopick · 17/06/2019 19:53

Use a straw, you can add lime cordial too, or gin if you like.

Fairylea · 17/06/2019 19:54

I’ve had one. Had endoscopy at the same time! Hardcore WinkGrin It really wasn’t that bad. The prep is definitely the worst bit. I had Picolax and was shitting for England all bloody night beforehand and did wonder if I would be able to do the car journey without an accident (!) but the actual thing itself was fine. Not the most fun I’ve ever had but bearable!

Original poster
Afternooninthepark · 17/06/2019 21:01

Thanks again everyone.
mabel I will get some straws, have heard that helps.
born so very true 😢
dotball crikey, didn’t think of that will defo get me some of those!
knife sea water? 🤢
what going to stock up on lime and lemon squash in a vain attempt to mask the vileness!
fairylea I am having an endoscopy at the same time as well but I’ve had one before many moons ago so weirdly (naively!) I am not so worried about that!

OP posts:
Elderflower14 · 22/06/2019 15:52

Currently on my pre colonoscopy starvation... Ate two croissant just before 9am. Nothing else to eat until my procedure at 10. 45 tomorrow morning. Went to a funeral lunch and the food was lovely but couldn't have any...

Original poster
Afternooninthepark · 23/06/2019 18:43

elderflower good luck, I hope all goes well.

OP posts:
Elderflower14 · 23/06/2019 18:58

@Afternooninthepark. All done. Was uncomfortable but bearable. I had the sedation and the gas and air as well. Was in and out in an hour and had a lovely latte and some digestive biscuits which after 26 and half hours without food tasted like nectar ambrosia and honey!
They thankfully didn't find anything nasty. As the GP thought it is diverticulitis....

Original poster
Afternooninthepark · 24/06/2019 08:07

elderflower thank you so much for that, bet you are glad that it’s all over 😊

OP posts:
Dowser · 24/06/2019 08:30

Buy some size 00 gel caps off amazon
Make the powder into the caps and glue down loads of water
Simples