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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask how was your colonoscopy?

61 replies

Bawse · 31/08/2021 21:00

Hi, posting for traffic. Have a colonoscopy booked for tomorrow and the clinic (private provider outsourced from NHS) only emailed me an info leaflet last thing this afternoon outlining the (relatively high) risk of perforation, the option to be sedated, etc.

It doesn’t explain on what basis you might decide to go for sedation – it just says some people do and it’s your choice ConfusedHmm

So wondering how uncomfortable/painful it is, if sedation helps with with, if other painkillers are advisable, etc.?

Also, if damage does occur, what the long-term implications of this are?

Feel a bit cross to be honest as I would have liked to discuss this with someone like my GP, however seeing as it’s tomorrow, if I cancel it might be another month or so before I can get an appointment again.

Any info or experience appreciated.

OP posts:
Ibleedibreedibreaatfeed · 31/08/2021 21:03

I had mine. The mild sedation failed was bloody agony so felt it badly was in tears. Bled from my ass for weeks after. 😑. Plus the drink they gave me made me vomit and shit for nearly 28hrs. It ended up being so bad. Got another done In MRI machine much better. the surgeon and nurse staff were lovely but my body just went fuck you basically. 😱

Ibleedibreedibreaatfeed · 31/08/2021 21:04

Had the IV sedation so you aren't unconscious but " awake but sleepy". Didn't work for me. 🤔

LakeFlyPie · 31/08/2021 21:04

Absolutely fine, worst part IMO was the bowel prep beforehand. Can't remember if I had sedation, if I did it was light as I recall chatting to the Dr who was doing the procedure. No particular discomfort during or after. Hope all goes well

serialname · 31/08/2021 21:05

Most people have sedation unless they don't have anyone at home to be with them afterwards.

Every medical
Procedure has a risk of complications. If Dr is suggesting you need a colonoscopy, try not to worry about risk of perforation.

PeriConfused · 31/08/2021 21:06

I had one. The preparation stuff was pretty grim, not an experience I would like to repeat soon.
However, I needed the procedure to check for anything sinister, so it was worth it.
The actual procedure was 'mildly uncomfortable'. No worse than that. The staff were very kind and practical.
Don't let the potential side effects overly worry you. Put it into perspective against the potential of not knowing if you have significant bowel issues.

If I needed to, I would go through it again.

serialname · 31/08/2021 21:06

Vast majority of people find the bowelprep worse than the procedure

PK1975 · 31/08/2021 21:07

Mine was fine. No sedation. Felt a little uncomfortable when they pump the air in but I did not feel any pain otherwise. The prep is probably the worst bit.

Memom · 31/08/2021 21:10

Prep was by far the worst part. No sedation, offered gas and air but didn't feel I needed it. A few bits were uncomfortable but it was okay. Thankfully not needed to be repeated for a few years. Hope it goes well.

teaandcrumpets35 · 31/08/2021 21:12

I had sedation but I could still feel stuff. If anything it just made me a bit sleepy but I was still lucid and chatting to the doctors. There was one extremely painful moment (it's usually painful when it goes around the bends in your bowel) but other than that it was fine. The prep was much worse.

I would advise taking whatever sedation is offered to you but you won't be able to drive afterwards so someone will need to pick you up.

SoapyChoc · 31/08/2021 21:12

Sounds similar to mine it was a private provider doing NHS work. On the day I said I wasn't sure when they asked if I wanted sedation so they said I could try without and they can give some if I struggle. It was fine with just gas and air.

BobbinThreadbare123 · 31/08/2021 21:13

I've had somewhere in the region of 7 colonoscopies, never been sedated although I've had gas and air for a few. Bowel prep is way worse than the procedure itself. They should not leave you in anything but a little bit of discomfort from trapped wind.

Original poster
Bawse · 31/08/2021 21:14

Thanks for all the replies! What is the prep?! Confused

OP posts:
ghostyslovesheets · 31/08/2021 21:15

I have had 3 - have them every few years now (although they are replacing that with new tests)

Had gas and air as drove myself - it's uncomfortable but it's fine - I have biopsies etc as well (my only tattoos are in my bowel - remember to fart and try not to worry

ghostyslovesheets · 31/08/2021 21:15

have you not had any prep to drink to empty you out?

DroopyClematis · 31/08/2021 21:15

Recommend that you take no notice of anyone here. Pain/discomfort is relative. I'm an absolute wuss but didn't need gas and air or any sedation. Trouble is I had a kink in my bowel and it was too painful to proceed.
They may well find polyps , which will be removed, didn't feel a thing while they did it.

You'll be absolutely fine, just a bit of rummaging.
Not a problem.

Tinkerbellfluffyboots79 · 31/08/2021 21:16

It was fine, prep wasn’t as bad as I thought. Actual procedure, staff were lovely caring and took good care of me. I had mild sedation no pain or discomfort. No complications. Staff all seemed very professional and knowledgeable re any questions I had - am a nurse so like to ask anything I’m worried about.

Hope yours goes well op, there are risks as with any procedure they’ll speak to you when they go over consent tomorrow they are the experts so likely know more than your gp anyway. I hope you’re cared for as well as I was.

Theeyeballsinthesky · 31/08/2021 21:16

I had one last year. The prep was definitely worse than the procedure 😝 I was sedated (you’re still awake) & has gas & air if I needed it. It was uncomfortable but it didn’t go on too long & all was ok

ActonSquirrel · 31/08/2021 21:17

@Bawse

Thanks for all the replies! What is the prep?! Confused
Citrmag and senna. You have the runs so badly you pass clear fluid in the end

I didn't mind it. Haven't had a stomach that flat forever.

I was sedated but it wore off in the middle and it was very painful

LakeFlyPie · 31/08/2021 21:17

The prep is a super strong laxative which completely clears you out taken 24 hours prior to procedure (and IIRC diet change - low fibre up to 4 days prior to prep); if you haven't had that they won't be able to do the procedure tomorrow

Theeyeballsinthesky · 31/08/2021 21:18

You’ve got one tomorrow OP and you’ve not had any prep to clean you out?? Not sure how they can do it then 🤔

NotPersephone · 31/08/2021 21:18

This reply has been withdrawn

Message from MNHQ: This post has been withdrawn

MaMelon · 31/08/2021 21:18

DD had one when she was 21. She took the sedation and was glad she did as it was quite painful to start with when they went round the bend, but as soon as she was uncomfortable they topped it up and she was fine. She did not like the prep at all - it was fierce! Oh - and she farted for Britain afterwards! The staff were very respectful though as she was very embarrassed, but they’ve heard it all before.

She’s a tiny size 4/6 and the staff said that young women especially seem to find it more uncomfortable, especially if they’re on the slim side - being older and having children seems to make it easier.

A friend’s DH has them fairly regularly for a bowel condition and finds them absolutely fine. He has sedation and no problems whatsoever (apart from the prep again).

Good luck - I hope it goes ok for you 🤞

Original poster
Bawse · 31/08/2021 21:18

@ghostyslovesheets

have you not had any prep to drink to empty you out?
No, it says in the leaflet you have an enema at the hospital so I suppose that is why I haven’t been asked to take anything???
OP posts:
MaMelon · 31/08/2021 21:19

I’ve just seen your update - you won’t be able to have one without the prep. Are you sure it’s a colonoscopy you’re having? Confused

legoriakelne · 31/08/2021 21:19

If you haven't taken bowel prep to completely empty your bowel you won't be having a colonoscopy tomorrow, sedation or not.

At most they could give you an enema and then a sigmoidoscopy instead.