To be so nervous for a colonoscopy

[binkyblinky]

I've got my first ever colonoscopy on Tuesday morning 😣

Tomorrow at one I start my course of moviprep at 1pm - not looking forward to that either!

I'm being sedated but I'm so nervous for the procedure.

Docs suspect crohns in my large bowel so hopefully it won't have to go 'in' too far.

If they see anything, will they tell me there and then?

Need some words of encouragement and random 'I bet you're shitting it' jokes please

It really is very interesting being able to lie there doped up looking at your own insides. The couple of days after were great too: thanks to everything coming out with the prep I had no pain and uncomfortable bowel movements for the first time in several years.

Crohns person here. Moviprep is vile, just keep drinking it. Take sedation- you likely won't remember anything. Depends on surgeon if they tell you then and there. Good luck!

Did it recently. Was not hungry but did feel lightheaded before I went down to theatre. Remember nothing I was out like a light.

Did not like the moviprep stuff so took advise on here held my nose, drank it through a straw and popped a piece of chewing gum in my mouth to chew on before I unheld my nose.

The ham sandwich and cup of tea afterwards was wonderful.

I had picolax (mixed it with elderflower cordial) and it tasted fine. I started the “white” diet 24!hours before recommended and the reaction wasn’t that bad. Was 2/3 hours before it started. Discovered I could see the family room TV from the downstairs bog . Sudocream was helpful. The following day and 2nd dose, things were a bit slow to start. Had bought Tena pants for journey to hospital and they were v reassuring. In the end I drove to the hospital and dh got a cab and drove me home.

All I remember about the procedure is the anaesthetist stroking my hand at the start and the tube slipping out at the very end. Had a lovely chat in recovery with a dr called David. Was there for ages because my blood pressure dropped a bit and they got worried.

Really nice pot of tea and sandwiches when back in room. Consultant breezed in and told me I had a lovely, healthy bowel. Got fab pics and I threatened to frame them for the DC (young adults).

Just a weak anal sphincter after posterior birth 20 odd yrs ago. Physio worked.

Thought I’d wfh the day after but was actually totally knackered.

OP one of your posts said lemonaide - you mean lime cordial don’t you? I wouldn’t take soft drink as that prep might give you wind cramps - lemonaide will add to the gas.
Good luck - I’ve had at least 5. I’ve not remembered even one of them.

Chill the drink, put cling film over the glass and pierce w straw (pretty sure I read this tip on here) so you don’t smell it- not that it smells bad but it just makes drinking it easier. It’s not that bad, I thought it was like slightly saltier flat lucozade. At the end I chased mouthfuls down with Diet Coke (check that’s actually ok to do!) as I was just so bored of the taste.

It was great spending hours on the loo. DH had to do everything with the children and I got hours of peace and quiet on my phone

Procedure was an absolute doddle. I remember nothing. Cheese sandwiches after were amazing

I’m getting nostalgic now...

After, I had a clear result (boring old IBS symptoms rather than anything too sinister)

Thanks everyone! I think I'm just being sedated not actually being put to sleep - I don't like cannulas but I forgot to order any cream! Hopefully the sedative will knock me
Out a bit. Interested to see what I look like inside!

It is a few years since mine. I also had a barium enema years ago. Prep is the same for both. The prep the 1st time round was awful but after the procedure a nurse told me that I could have added squash to the drink. As it was I took a mouthful and then sucked on a pear drop to get rid of the awful taste. Second time around I added elderflower cordial and used a straw and it was so much easier to take. I would get some of those bum wipes and keep them as cool as possible. I too was sedated and the procedure went by in a flash. I did hear the consultant say something but unfortunately couldn't remember what he said. I got my results shortly after being brought back to my bed. I had mild diverticulitis. By the way I would have a colonoscopy before a barium enema anyday.

If you add squash to the drink make sure it's not blackcurrant. Lime cordial or orange squash is okay.

@binkyblinky
you can buy emla cream at the chemist for about a fiver.

I was sedated, no memory of the procedure at all. Foolishly hadn't realised how QUICK the moviprep would work though. Shat myself in McDonald's! Can laugh about it now! Seriously, just drink the stuff sat on the loo! Take a book. Don't leave! Good luck.

I had one on Wednesday and honestly, it was fine. People here told me that the prep was the worst bit and that was certainly my experience. The medical staff were amazing, so kind and professional. I had a painkiller and sedative and was very relaxed!

Cannulas are obviously not fun but just look the other way when they put it in, then try to forget about it. I was very happy it was there when the painkiller came rushing through!

Afterwards the nurse came and chatted to me and got me some food and drink; I was so well looked after.

I think the prep takes different times to work for different people. My first one took a few hours and I was panicking! It really wasn’t that bad though, it was just drinking the mixture that was unpleasant.

You can totally do this

I had one two weeks ago! The prep is worse than the procedure by a country mile! I couldn’t actually finish my 2nd lot because it was that revolting.

But the procedure was fine, it was uncomfortable when they have to move the camera around the bends but it was like a bad period cramp for 5 seconds and then eased off. The whole thing took 10 minutes. I found the sitting around and waiting beforehand horrible but if you’re private then hopefully you won’t have too much time in the waiting area.

My tummy was a bit sore for a day or two (because of the prep not the procedure) so definitely be a little be cautious of overeating on the evening / next day.

But overall it’s honestly not that bad at all. And yes they can tell you the findings then and there.

Good luck!

Oh and use the sedative and gas & air!

Oh, just about this bit:

Docs suspect crohns in my large bowel so hopefully it won't have to go 'in' too far.

Don’t worry, you won’t know the difference. I had a meeting with the doctor afterwards where he told me what they’d found and how it all went. They’d been able to check my whole system but I wouldn’t have known a thing about it. I think I passed out for the first half and then was very pleasantly drowsy for the rest.

They said that most people are very nervous, they were clearly used to dealing with nervous people, and were very reassuring!

I’ve had a couple over the years, first was fine & I waved everyone off like long lost friends at the end. Second one couldn’t be completed as I told him to fuck off, according to the nurse. My notes said that I was agitated & quite vocal. The prep is indeed an absolute mare! There was no way I could get any more than a few liters down no matter how I tried to disguise it, I was only about 7 stone the first time, due to raging diarrhea, which was the reason for the cysto. It could take a few hours for the stuff to work, I opened all doors so I could run for it, & removed my pants, do not trust a fart!!!! Your poor ass will be on fire. Good luck, you’ll be fine 😁

Try not to worry OP, I know it’s hard when you haven’t experienced something before.

The picolax is fast acting shall we say, you need to be near a loo at all times, the only way I can describe it is like weeing poo, sounds weird but that what it is like.

My friend had this procedure last year, I went with her to support her and incase she wanted me to drive her home, she was fine had it done, we had a coffee & went shopping. The only thing she said that hurt was feeling full of wind after.

Good luck tomorrow OP

Sorry I meant colonoscopy not cystoscopy.

I had one years ago I was crying my eyes out beforehand because I'm such a wimp. Honestly it's fine, there was a very slight cramp at first but no worse than a mild period pain. The prep is absolutely the worst part, it tastes vile. Just hold your nose, chug it back half a pint at a time and think of something pretty! I thought I'd be starving but I wasn't because I'd consumed so much fluid.

Oh one watch out though - prepare for some serious ring sting! X

Hello. I have to do this in a few weeks. Can I ask people doing it now - what were your quarantine rules beforehand? I’ve been told I have to test for Covid a week before and then self isolate but I’m not sure yet exactly what they mean. I do have somewhere I can stay separately to my family but will I need to do that? Can I then take a taxi to the hospital or does that defeat the quarantine?
Good luck OP.

@Cumbercat I've been self isolating since last Tuesday and I had a Covid test last Friday! When the appointment was booked I was to have to self isolate for 14 days, but it was reduced to 7 😁

Thanks Binky. Have you been completely separate from any household then? I’m going to check in with them beforehand to check it all out but as things are changing all the time I’m going to wait until closer to the time. A week with Netflix sounds lovely but hard for everyone else! But whatever it takes.

I hope it all goes well for you.

Unfortunately I’m not much help with quarantine as I’m not in the UK. I was asked a number of times about symptoms but no quarantine was required.

@Cumbercat no, we've all isolated. Three children; it's been a pleasure !

On the plus side you have no gag reflex up your bum so it should be a lot less traumatic than the equivalent at the other end Good luck!