Colonoscopy Sedation, Yes or No?

[ginasevern]

I've got a colososcopy scheduled for Monday lunchtime. Terrified obviously. I've initially said I would like sedation but I'm really not sure. The closest I've ever come to being sedated is with the usual injections you get at the dentists for a filling. On the other hand my bum is really, really sore due to hemorrhoids and I'm not very good with pain generally. Anyone any advice please?

I said I wasn’t sure when they asked if I wanted sedation so they said they would put a cannula in and then could sedate me if it became too much. I managed on gas and air ok. Afterwards they all made a big fuss praising that I didn’t have sedation and I’ve since read some places give everyone sedation so although I found it tolerable maybe just go for the sedation as I think I as just being shy about whether to have it.

I had piles when I had mine done and was really worried that it was going to hurt as my bum was so sore but I didn’t feel a thing. I had sedation but it must have been really light as I felt totally normal. I’m sure you could probably do without but equally no harm in having it. I got up and got dressed straight after and felt no different. Obviously everyone is different but that was my experience.

100% go for sedation. Why suffer for no reason?

I have done both and would opt for sedation, it is quite light, just woozy, but it helps a lot with the last little push of the colonoscopy which can be a bit uncomfortable but is necessary to make sure they are doing the investigation properly. You will need to make sure someone collects you and gets you home safely if you opt for the sedation.

I was really nervous ahead of my colonoscopy with sedation but the consultant (young and disturbingly attractive) told me when he came to take me into the consulting room that it would not be nearly as bad as I feared.
I didn't believe him but he was right. The sedation completely relaxed me and removed all pain and anxiety. I was embarrassingly chatty and if I so much as winced or shifted a bit they asked if I'd like a top up.
The only downside is that you can't drive for a little while afterwards so you need someone to take you home.

It depends what you want to do later that day, have you got some one to take you home?. I've had a few. Never had sedation but used gas and air. The first time I couldn't be sedated as I was breastfeeding and a single parent so needed not to be drowsy. When I was in recovery everyone else was drowsy (I was last on the list but first home because I'd had no sedation). I had tea and toast and was gone. It wasn't painful, the prep is definitely worse. The cramps afterwards are also uncomfortable but you need to move around to get the air out of you.

Why would you not? One second you’re lying on your side and the next it’s over and you’re a little groggy.

100% take the sedation.

I’ve done both and although I was pleased to be back to normal v quickly after gas and air, I’d go for sedation next time. Tbh I was back to normal after sedation too other than not being able to drive straight away. 3 mins in I was thinking to my myself ‘why on earth didn’t in opt for sedation?’

Depends on your pain threshold. I didn't and tbh I didn't find it that bad. It was just quite painful for a few seconds going around the 2/3 bends of the intestines, but they tell you in advance when they are approaching that point and you start on your gas and air. That was enough for me.

I had oral sedation for a stomach sample (tube down throat), it was amazing, I remember a tiny bit of feeling the tube go in but I didn't care, then I remember nothing and I woke up to them bringing me toast. Slept it off for the rest of the day at home.

i had the camera both top and bottom end same day and i wish id been sedated for the throat one. the bottom end was uncomfortable really rather than painful at all. throat was absolutely horrible though and if i had to have that done again i would definitely get sedated for that

I'd opt for sedation. I had a sigmoidoscopy with gas and air but sedation would have been much better. It's the pumping of air in that is most uncomfortable.

I've had more colonoscopies than I care to count. It's my considered opinion that there is only one thing to say when offered sedation and that's "yes please"

Absolutely no reason to be terrified.
But do take the sedation.
You won't feel a thing and may even fall asleep.
It'll be over before you know it.

I have had this done many times. For me the sedation just made me woozy but did little for the pain - like pethiden in labour. Gas and air worked for me, the doc warned me when it was likely to hurt and I took a massive great pull on the gas and did not feel the pain. I would only go for sedation if it was going to knock me out.

Thank you so much everyone, especially for the reassurances. I should have added that I'm in my late sixties so that's why I'm particularly nervous about sedation. I assume you aren't fully knocked out?

Anyway, thanks again.

I've had endo and colonoscopy on the same day and was sedated. I had no choice it wasn't an option. If I had to get either one again and was given a choice, I'd choose sedation. I was very nervous, and woke up just before it was finished and I was drowsy and calm.

definitely say yes to sedation. I didn't even feel any different in myself while sedated, but there was no pain or discomfort.

You're not fully knocked out, you remain conscious throughout.
i think some people might be a little sleepy. I didn't.

PS It's not at all like a general anaesthetic, if that's what you are worried about. As far as I know age doesn't make much, if any difference here. __

The sedation doesn't knock you out. You may just gently drift off and suddenly realise it's all over...

Colonoscopies are always sedated in the US, and having been through several (family history) I'm glad they are.

I think everyone who has ever had a colonoscopy thinks the prep is infinitely worse than the procedure.

Haven t read the thread but yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes

I had one last Sunday and there was absolutely no way I was going to do it on gas and air, it barely affects me. I'm early sixties btw, and you will find that everyone is very kind and helpful, and it's not embarrassing.

The preparation is not much fun: keep it really cold, drink through a straw, and sip something else (maybe lemonade) as well. Moist loo paper and Vaseline advised too.

Good luck!