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've had twilight sedation and been awake with just gas and air. I'd recommend sedation every time.

Yes, absolutely have the sedation. I had it and it was still very unpleasant. I can’t imagine what it’s like without.

Gosh I really disagree with so many of you. I’ve had one a year for about 20 years and not had sedation for the last 10 and much prefer it.

I guess it depends what’s wrong, I think if you have UC it can be more painful perhaps?

I just had gas and air last time and I was fine and didn't need to stay for a while like others that had sedation. I did have a cannula put in though just in case I wanted to change my mind but i was fine without . The nurses and doctor were very kind and friendly and that made a big difference
Good luck for Monday 🤞

Thanks again everyone. There seems to be differing opinions as to whether you get knocked out (like full anaesthetic) or just something to make you comfortably drowsy. Maybe it depends on whose presiding over the procedure?

It’s just down to individual response. I had the maximum sedation and it felt like I’d had a couple of glasses of wine that’s all. My mum on the other hand doesn’t remember a thing. Either way you are definitely not ‘knocked out’ it’s not a GA.

That's why I prefer gas and air as you can take it at any painful bits - sedation doesn’t stop pain it just makes ‘some people’ forget it.

Why don’t you ask for gas and air and a cannula in case you feel you need sedation

Without wishing to derail the OP's thread, is it possible to have one that you're totally knocked out for? I need to have one but there's no way that I could unless I was fully asleep (thanks PTSD...)

I have had sedation for 2 colonoscopies. I don't remember a thing but it wasn't a general.

I used to work in this area. It won’t be a general anaesthetic. You don’t get fully ‘knocked out’ because it’s much easier to do a colonoscopy with a conscious patient - they often need you to change position and it’s far easier when you’re conscious! The effect of the sedation varies between people - some people it’s mild, some don’t remember much at all. When I’ve had sedation it feels like I’ve had several gins! Most hospitals are fine about giving sedation as well as gas and air, it certainly makes the procedure more tolerable. You just need someone to take you home and supervise you for at least 6 hours afterwards. You can’t drive for 24 hours after sedation because your judgment can be impaired and it makes you unsafe to drive - you wouldn’t be covered by insurance.
Hope it all goes well. I recommend having some Vaseline in and some squash to mix with the prep (not blackcurrant!).

Absolutely yes. I didn’t even have a full colonoscopy (sigmoidoscopy) and was sedated. I didn’t fall asleep but don’t remember anything apart from a brief moment of giggling uncontrollably at how hilarious it was to see images of my bowel on the screen 🤣🤣🤣🤣 I have a very low pain threshold and so it was a no brainer for me.

Light sedation all the way!
Had it for surgery on my foot as I didn't want a general anaesthetic. You feel zero fear and wonderfully disassociated from everything!

I would have sedation if it's an option. When I went for one they wouldn't give me any as my blood oxygen was too low and didn't offer gas and air either. They actually put me on oxygen during the procedure and told me to press against my abdomen to help when it hurt. It was quite uncomfortable but way better than a gastroscope without sedation!

The actual procedure is better than the prep. That Moviprep is foul. Plus have to drink a litre of water per dose. Bladder was in agony. Plenvu half as much to drink. Then the crap diet.

Weird as to some NHS trusts have different diet sheets. Some allow homemade soup if no skin or pips in. My NHS trust allows no fruit or veg at all, bar mash potato! Google colonoscopy diet nhs and get PDFs from various trusts

I had a colonoscopy on Saturday I wasn’t offered sedation (total shambles) it was extremely painful and I’m good with pain. I’ve had them numerous times with sedation and it’s been fine so go for it. It won’t knock you out just makes you feel a bit spacey.

Sedation every time. I missed the whole ordeal, it was great. My brother was talked into not having it and he regretted it big time. It was agony and he has a reasonable pain threshold. He was seriously traumatised by it.

Hope it all goes well today OP.

I have had it dine with sedation. Was advised by a friend to do so as I have low pain threshold- fibromyalgia. Had to.get someone to come with me and organise lift as vould not drive after. It ok with sedation. Try not yo worry OP