Colonoscopy - gas and air or sedation ?

[SuzyDaarling]

I haven’t had a colonoscopy before and haven’t had gas and air or sedation for anything before either. No idea which to opt for. Can anyone help me decide?

The sedation is brilliant. Like others have said it just makes you calm and relaxed, but you don't feel out of it at all. I felt perfectly fine to leave and walk home almost immediately afterwards too.
Lots of luck 💐

I didn't have either. It was a weird experience but not painful and because I'd had no sedation I could get dressed and go home as soon as it was over.

I had one last week and went for sedation. Don't remember a thing and happy about that. The whole thing is stressful enough without being awake through it.

As the others said, moviprep is the worst. Make it a hour or so early and keep it chilled. Use a straw.

I was also sick a couple of times and was worried it wouldnt be enough, but as long as its coming out clear/very pale yellow you will be fine.

I had a waking sedation. I watched it on the screen, fascinating stuff! Then I was left to sleep for a while.
The prep isn't great but not as bad as I was expecting.
Good luck 💐

I've had five, only sedation via a needle in the back of my hand. The current sedation level used is quite light (so you'll recover quicker). Drowsy but not unconscious. I've never been offered or needed gas and air during. Don't worry; the actual scope procedure is no problem. Any discomfort is only slight. Colonoscopy nurse will be with you, holding your hand all the way.

    The  worst part of colonoscopy is done at home,  drinking the prep liquid  to purge  before hand; once you've finished that  the  rest is straightforward.  On prep day,  I recommend you have some good films to watch, no visitors, stay  (very) near the bathroom.  Don't cheat, take ALL the prep drink; the  better the clean out the better  the colonoscopy will be.

Yes, light sedation is the best IMO.

You'll still feel awake, you can watch the procedure on the screen (if you choose), but you'll find the whole thing passes very quickly and without discomfort.

Take a driver with you to take you home

Good luck OP.

Sedation. There is no way I can go through them without this.
Also don't drink Lucozade, it has to be clear fluids only while you are doing the bowel prep.

I was sedated,didn’t remember a thing.

I have a high pain threshold and had the sedation. I needed a top up when they started to go round corners etc. I was never woozy or out for the count just felt a bit washed out afterwards but was in work the next day.

I had a colonoscopy with gas and air instead of sedation (because I needed to be able to drive home quickly afterwards to breastfeed my child). Was very uncomfortable, would opt for sedation for the next one!

I asked for as much sedation as possible as I was nervous and it was surprisingly easy. I was able to talk and watch the screen throughout, remembered everything including how attractive I thought the inside of my colon was (and you know what they say, it's what's on the inside that counts). That sounds like I was a bit addled with it, but I wasn't - nothing like when on gas and air for birth.

I obediently got driven to work the next day but was able to teach no problems.

The worst of it all was actively drinking the prep. Once you've got it all down you you're home free.

I had my first colonoscopy on Thursday. I elected for sedation and it was fine. I can remember very little of it and certainly no embarrassment.
The worse bit was the prep, but that wasn't as bad as I was expecting. I had moviprep which is a powder mixed into a litre of water. I mixed it with 750 ml and drank more plain water with it. The reaction of your bowels is something to behold! At one point I was giggling on the toilet!
Make sure that you are close to a toilet...do not trust a fart.
Also agree to stick to a bland diet for longer beforehand. I ate white toast for two days so the subsequent movement was ok.

@Lovemydaxie

I've had one with sedation but it was only light. I could hold a conversation and watch the screen and I remember everything. It definitely wasn't painful or even uncomfortable for me. The bowel prep beforehand is definitely the worse bit.

I agree. I had one with no sedation and it was okay, but prefer the sedation. The prep is the worst part.

I've had lots due to crohns disease. I didn't used to have anything, they're never painful but just uncomfortable. The last couple I've had sedation with and it's been brilliant stuff, you just feel nice and relaxed and the recovery was really quick too.

The worst part is the prep. Get yourself nice and comfortable in the bathroom, a nice scented candle, a bubble bath to dip in and out of. You'll be on the loo for a very long time. Apply vaseline before and after each time you go.

It usually takes a good week for my bowels to settle down afterwards too although thats probably due to my crohns.

Hope all goes well for you.

I had gas and air so I could go home alone / quickly

It was uncomfortable, but no lasting pain afterwards

I feel very well prepared for this now thanks to all your advise. Thanks so much.

Just to echo a few others, put the Moviprep in the fridge. I drank something like 4 mouthfuls every 5 mins, otherwise I felt too sick.

I had lemonade- you have to have clear fluids and light coloured only, no Cola.

Finally, good luck.

I had pretty much nothing for 2 endoscopies and a colonoscopy. I had gas and air on hand and took a couple of breaths as the nurse kept trying to encourage me to, but didn't take any more and also had a cannula so they could give me something if needed. I hate sedation and hate the feeling from gas and air. It was all fine, occasionally a bit uncomfortable, but fine.

No sedation here (was breastfeeding) & wasn't offered G&A. It was fine..I mean I've had better days but it was fine and apparently I have both an unusually long and twisty colon..
As everyone says the prep is the worst bit by far.
Good luck, I hope it all goes well for you

I have Atleast 2 a year and always have both. Prepare for peppermint tea afterwards

Oh yes and you can have a cannula, start with nothing and decide to have sedation during the procedure if its too uncomfortable.

Sedation. Just as well because I have a tight corner in my lower left bowel and it bloody hurt.
The prep is the worst bit. But you still need to take it easy the next day. I wasn't right for 48hrs.

@Lovemydaxie

I've had one with sedation but it was only light. I could hold a conversation and watch the screen and I remember everything. It definitely wasn't painful or even uncomfortable for me. The bowel prep beforehand is definitely the worse bit.

Exactly this. Also, someone up thread said about keeping the Moviprep chilled when you drink it, this is excellent advice, it's much easier to drink when it's really cold

I work in this field. Pain/discomfort varies by individual, not just generally but even on specific days. My advice would be if you’re very nervous, have a low pain threshold, have a history of IBD or IBS or have had abdominal surgery - c-sections, appendicitis, gynae surgery, hernia repairs it’s worth having the sedation. You’ll still be conscious and be able to have a conversation but where I work we expect you to have someone to collect and look after you afterwards because it can affect your behaviour afterwards. We offer the gas and air as well if it’s uncomfortable.

Definitely second making the prep up and chill it. Some people find it easier to drink through a straw. Follow the guidelines for food and drinks, as pp said drink plenty of water, it dehydrates you!

Hope it goes well OP.