How bad really is a colonoscopy?

[docku]

I'm a huge medic-phobe. Can't cope with a simple jab or a blood test. The idea of being put to sleep makes me have panic attacks. I have major anxiety and spirals just at the thought of having to have anything medical done.

But it is looking like I might need this and I cry and nearly throw up just thinking about it.

It really isn’t bad! The worst part, as anyone will tell you, is the prep. The actual procedure is a doddle in comparison.

Talk to your health care provider about your fears. Lots of people have a serious issue with needles and the staff know this. I can assure you that everyone will be absolutely lovely to you on the day.

As the previous poster said, the worst bit is the prep. The actual procedure is fine. My advice is to have all the sedation they offer. The staff are always lovely and well aware of nerves etc.

It was fine; very very much less stress, etc. that I was expecting.

I have Crohns so have them regularly. I just have gas and air, I don’t bother with the sedation. Even when I’ve been in a terrible flare I’ve found the gas and air enough (though everyone is different).

Tbh, I find the prep the day before the worst bit. But at least you get to do that in your own home. I find the prep quite stressful and horrible to do, but once you’re through that, the actual procedure is okay and they really look after you

Prep is the absolute worst, I wasn’t sedated during it, but had the option to use gas and air if I wanted.

I had one 2 weeks ago and I was really surprised that it really wasn't bad at all.

I had sedation and really didn't feel anything. The staff were amazing, so kind and reassuring. The sedation kicks in really quickly so I didn't even have time to be afraid of the environment

My two tips are to use sudocrem on your bottom before you think you need it during the prep. And to drink Lucozade as a chaser when you are drinking the prep as it was the only thing that really took the taste away.

The prep is honestly worse than the procedure as it's just not nice to be shitting every few minutes! But it's bearable and at least you're at home.

I am the biggest wuss going and I wouldn't be afraid at all to have another one.

The prep is the worst bit (as the others have already said). I’d recommend trying to have someone around to look after you during the prep, but somebody who you don’t mind seeing you on the loo etc.

The actual procedure is fine. I have the sedation usually as I do get panicky but it doesn’t do more than just make me feel relaxed and means there is pressure but not pain.

At all the hospitals / clinics I’ve been to, the staff have been extremely reassuring and they do this day in and day out so they know what to tell you to expect and will make sure you’re not in the dark.

It's not pleasant but it's fine. Personally, I didn't find the prep to be all that unpleasant, but it probably wasn't a whole lot different from my every day bowel movements anyway! The procedure is quite unpleasant, but it isn't the worst thing I've had done. Get all the sedation you can possibly get. It's not nice but it's important and you will be fine.

Worst part is the prep and running to the toilet every 5 minutes the day before. When you have the chill out meds, you are definitely chilled

I didnt honestly find it was that bad overall. Its the thought of it that is the worse thing. The prep I cooled in the fridge and drank it quickly through a straw without really thinking too much about what I was drinking!

I personally wouldnt have it without sedatation but I have nothing to compare with. Its a strange feeling though I when it was done and I was put back into the day room I asked the nurse to check I had been done!

I’m a wuss too OP but I found the colonoscopy ok. Make sure you insist on the sedation and it will be fine for you too.

What's with the pain meds?

I've had colposcopies and biopsies and no pain medication?

I should say I meant I was never offered any.

I found the preparation worse than the procedure. You’ll be fine.

The prep is the worst bit. The sedation means you will be awake during the procedure but you won’t remember much of it after. They might give you gas and air as well. They’ll also pump you up with air to expand your bowel so you might have a bit of stomach cramps while you get rid of that.

please have it done - I’ve had two and wouldn’t worry if I had to go for another

The drink is gross, but manageable, the going to the toilet after was fine for me as I was used to constantly shitting and running for the toilet anyway! I'm not going to say the colonoscopy was ok, as for me it wasn't. I stupidly declined the sedation and went for gas and air and it was horrendous. When I have another one in a few years I will opt for the sedation. However everyone is different and the patient before me just had gas and was fine and my friend just has gas when she has hers done and she is also fine.

This could be why mine was so painful too! I have really bad IBS.

Same as others say, I’ve had this done twice, the prep at home a bit grim but the procedure is ok.Yeah, have the light sedation on offer, you’ll relax then.

The prep is worse. Request picolax if you can as it’s a lot less to drink and it’s more palatable than moviprep.

I took the sedation and used gas and air for the procedure. It was much less painful with the gas and air

Take the sedation and it's a breeze. What causes the discomfort is the air used to inflate the gut but that''s just discomfort not actual pain. Sedation helps with that. The prep is vile tasting - if you get the vanilla flavoured one it'll be a while before you fancy ice cream again.

You will be fine. It's not as bad as your fears are making you think it is.

I have ulcerative colitis so have them fairly frequently.

I have UC and one a year. They aren’t pleasant. For me I don’t mind the prep, I have sedation and the pain killers for me. It’s over and done with in 30 mins if that and then they wheel you to recovery. Only thing that I don’t like is the biopsy as they can sting. Everything else is fine.

The procedure is easy as long as you accept the offer of sedation. I still feel awake during sedation but it makes a huge difference to comfort level.

The prep isn't fun but it's also not as bad as others make it out to be. I'm glad I had my first colonoscopy before social media was around with people saying the prep is intolerable. It's not intolerable - it's just one of those things you have to get on and do.

Ask your doctor for some valium to take before hand if you're very anxious

I would disagree that the procedure is a doddle. Take the sedation.