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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Sedation or not for colonoscopy

82 replies

Kdub · 02/08/2022 16:11

Hi

Due to have a colonoscopy next week and cant decide if to have the sedation or not. Getting a lift there and back isn't an issue as it's an evening appointment.

I was told I have 3 options, 1 nothing, 2 gas and air or 3 sedation.

I'm leaning towards sedation, but I feel like the hospital are steering towards gas and air.

YABU - gas and air is fine

YANBU - go for sedation

OP posts:
HGC2 · 02/08/2022 16:15

I take sedation every time, recovery for me is slower after it however as I have always had very active chrons while having a colonoscopy it can be painful without

GaslighterDenier · 02/08/2022 16:16

Honestly, sedation all the way. I had one on gas and air and it's not an experience I'd choose to repeat.

Spudina · 02/08/2022 16:16

I’ve never had one, but my friend has them regularly and prefers not to have sedation so she can get on with her day, drive herself home etc afterwards. It can be done. She is tough about pain though, pushed out a massive baby in her bath!!

Elleherd · 02/08/2022 16:17

It depends on your tolerance levels and what else they might be doing and if you're already in pain, but I will never be doing it again without sedation.

Anonymous48 · 02/08/2022 16:17

I thought sedation was standard.

CottonSock · 02/08/2022 16:18

I'm asking for all the sedation they will give me.

Daffodil77 · 02/08/2022 16:19

I had gas and air as sedation wasn't an option. From the reaction of the medical staff, this was unusual. It was incredibly uncomfortable at times but not continuously. I think I'd have felt less nervous about the procedure in general had I been sedated. But they were really good at putting me at ease.

Look up tips on how to drink the prep liquid. That is the worst bit of the whole thing. The actual procedure was fine.

Elleherd · 02/08/2022 16:19

(Probably should have said I've only had them during major Chrons flare ups and always needing biopsies too)

JoeMaplin · 02/08/2022 16:20

I’ve had 3 or 4. If lifts are no issue, I’d have sedation 100%!

JoeMaplin · 02/08/2022 16:21

Oh yes, the prep is worse than the procedure. Stay near a loo.

MissConductUS · 02/08/2022 16:21

Sedation, absolutely. Ask for propofol.

OneLittleLady · 02/08/2022 16:21

i had one recently with just gas and air and tbh it was uncomfortable rather than actively painful. i used the gas and air just twice and felt fine. i was offered sedation as i also had an endoscopy at that appointment as well and i wish id had the sedation for that as that was much worse than the colonoscopy for me personally

Original poster
Kdub · 02/08/2022 16:21

OK thanks it's suspected Diverticula and they are taking biopsies if that makes a difference?

I think I have a fairly high pain tolerance but I could be wrong! Also just planing on coming home and don't need to do anything else that day and I'm WFH the next day anyway so don't need to worry about driving.

I'm thinking sedation then.

OP posts:
Princessoftheuniverse · 02/08/2022 16:22

Definitely go for sedation.

canyon2000 · 02/08/2022 16:23

It really depends on the individual. I don't find them painful but plenty of people do. I am a complete wimp and cry when I stub my toe so I'm not a hardcore pain enthusiast either !! Maybe have the cannula put in just in case you do need sedation but try with gas and air?

Bigsislookingforadvice · 02/08/2022 16:23

I was offered both and decided on G&A so I could go home quicker - absolutely fine, no problems. I was relaxed and chatted an awful lot to the nurse and Dr lol. Home super quick after 👍

hattie43 · 02/08/2022 16:24

Sedation . I couldn't continue as the pain was so bad even with gas n air .

The consultant said I had a twisty bowel though which may be why it was unbearable

kebabmeatandchips · 02/08/2022 16:24

100 per cent have the sedation. Absolutely brilliant stuff they give you.

Yourheartwillleadyouhome · 02/08/2022 16:25

I had G & A and it was ok but not fun! I'd have sedation if I had to have another.

WeAreTheHeroes · 02/08/2022 16:26

I read a thread on here where someone didn't have sedation and had a really bad experience. It was enough to put anyone off.

DinosaurDuvet · 02/08/2022 16:26

I only ever had option of sedation or nothing. I didn’t get anything and it was a wee bit uncomfortable / crampy, but not too bad. Although I do have high pain threshold

Huntswomanonthemove · 02/08/2022 16:28

Don't risk not being able to carry on with it, definitely have sedation.

Bourbanbiscuit · 02/08/2022 16:30

Just had one and I didn't know what to do, I'm glad I went for the sedation in the end, they don't give you much anyway. Another tip I was given was to cut down on eating earlier than recommended so it's not so violent when you use the laxitive xx hope all goes well

Mabelface · 02/08/2022 16:30

Give me the drugs every time!

Bootothegoose · 02/08/2022 16:31

If they offer sedation take it, always.

I once had a bladder procedure where they inserted the camera (urectomy?) and it was the worst medical experience I have ever had. The doctor was running two hours late, was short of time and literally rammed it up and round. I have had a number of procedures and have always requested sedation because it took a long time for my confidence to recover and I would now always recommend if you’re
having an invasive procedure - go to sleep.