Sedation or not for colonoscopy

[Kdub]

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

I went for a routine (age-related)scan at NHS and was told they offer nothing. I'm not one to be afraid of medical procedures, but the pain turned out to be far worse than I expected and I'm not sure I'll accept their scan offer next time, if that's still their policy.

Had a sigmoidoscopy years ago - sedation not offered and they had to abandon it as I was in so much pain. 100% get the sedation if on offer, I had an endoscopy with sedation recently and it was a breeze (after crapping myself for weeks about it beforehand).

Sedation 100%. I had one last year with sedation and gas and air and the gas and air completely wiped out my B12. I'm B12 deficient and self inject every other day but even doing that it took me ages to get over the gas and air. I'd never have it again tbh.

I am having the colonoscopy and the camera inspection down my throat done at the same appointment next week. I am y nervous and absolutely dreading both procedures. I have a painful sore bottom at the best of times due to large anal fissures (which the NHS won’t treat). I also breath more through my mouth, have asthma and have a very strong gag reflex. Absolutely dreading both procedures. So will have to opt for sedation.

I had the sedation and it went really well. I chatted throughout and a few puffs of gas and air when I wanted it. I watched it all on screen and found it fascinating. Recommend the drugs 100%. I didn't feel drugged but must have been to be so relaxed. I had a similar lesser procedure yesterday with no sedation and I was tense.

I’ve had one with gas and air (was the only option offered). If I had your choices, I’d go for sedation.

i didn’t find the gas did anything and you really need to get in sync with it which can be challenging when in pain and having instruments in orifices!

To report I had a double camera inspection today and I was absolutely terrified. I asked for everything going (had throat spray, sedation and gas and air and it was an absolute walk in the park. Compared to the prep after effects which nothing prepares you for (even the soft diet for 5 days beforehand) and the worry. The team were friendly, couldn’t have been nicer and helped put me at ease.