Colonoscopy: anaesthetic or Entonox?

[Shortfatandangry]

Just that really. Not sure which to go with, the anaesthetic is Fentynl I believe, which I don't like the thought of but everyone I've spoken to says gas and air isn't enough.

I’ve a colonoscopy under “sedation”, I was conscious and aware of what was going on, but perfectly comfortable. I’ve also had one with gas and air and I cried lots and begged them to stop. I would never agree to it again. Take the drugs.

Take the drugs. Why try to be a hero? I had fentanyl and midazolam for mine and I don't recall a single thing and had a great sleep afterwards.

The US isn't unique. Friends in Canada were appalled when told that it's routine to do colonoscopies without anaesthesia. The flip side of the American financial argument is that sometimes the NHS makes decisions to save money and personnel, not because it's best for the patient. Once upon a time, the US did it without anaesthetic as well. Patients were unhappy. Compliance (the guidelines recommend a screening colonoscopy every 10 years from ages 45-75 for patients at average risk) was much improved with the use of routine anaesthesia.

I had one, i didn't have anything. I was offered only sedation, which I didn't want - didn't realise gas was even an option. That said I didn't find it too bad - bit crampy. Definitely would choose the same if I had to go back

I’m due to have one after a ct scan found a problem with my bowel. I have a pre-appointment consultation booked and then they’ll send me the date for the procedure. I’m absolutely bricking it. Please can you calm me down and/or offer advice? TIA

I've had both with no pain relief offered at all.
The Colonoscopy was very painful. An elderly lady next to me was sobbing.
It was done on a Sunday by an 'outside team' to get the list down. I don't know if that had anything to do with it.
The Endoscopy was really scary - you can't breathe. My exH was offered sedation for both - but clearly 'women's pain' doesn't matter - I was told: 'come on, you've given birth twice'.
If I had to have either again I'd refuse without anaesthetic.

I'd put the procedure at about the same overall discomfort level as having a minor filling. No need for sedation. Takes about ten mins.

The worst thing BY FAR is the preparation, where laxative has to be taken at specific times at home beforehand. It's like thick, salty pineapple juice 😱

Good luck!🙂

You should be able to breathe during an endoscopy. I have them every two years and just have the throat spray. Having the sedation increases the risk of complications, so is best avoided if you can.

I just keep my eyes shut and let them get on with it. It's usually only a few minutes.

No, I didn't feel anything extra when the polyps were removed. I have had both sedation and gas and air not GA which I think is unnecessary. I wouldn't have gas and air again but the sedation was perfectly fine.

I usually have them when I'm flaring. I've been having them since the early 90s, without and with G&A. If I could have a general, I would. They are usually excruciating.

Just to add, a flexible sigmoidoscopy examines the lower part and can be had without anything. They're quick, 10 mins, and just uncomfortable. A colonoscopy examines the entire large bowel and takes longer.

I had one a few weeks ago. Decided to just have gas and air as I hate feeling out of control. All fine. Had a cannula in incase I changed my mind during the procedure. Spoke to the lovely nurse throughout about her holiday. But two of the bends were pretty painful. Very similar to contraction type pain. Took the gas and air and was coached through it with the nurse while another one squeezed my tummy to help. If I had to have another id try gas & air again. Good luck op

When I had mine I had neither . The sedation offered was Midazolam , which makes me very sick for about 48 hours and I didn’t actually need the gas as it was discomfort rather than pain and that was literally for a few seconds here and there .

Take the drugs

Thank you x

Thank you x

I had one with a nurse's hand to squeeze if it hurt. It didn't hurt at all and it's fascinating watching the screen.

Why on earth would you have a GA for such a minor procedure? If removing large polyps then ok but for a bog standard procedure it's OTT

I had a good experience with endoscopy recently but I think it was a fentanyl midlozam combo so I was having a fairly enjoyable experience and was mostly unaware of the tube in my oesophagus . Colonoscopy around 20 years ago however was given just a mild sedative which barely helped whatsoever. Got horrible cramps and the tube was really painful as it was moved. I had a horrible sensation of pressure like I’d get a rupture

If it’s propofol then yes - that’s what I have had.

I specifically found a clinic that does gastroscopy with propofol as standard after the first consultant didn’t listen to me about how I am unable to tolerate anything even touching the outside of my throat (not even a scarf or polo) and wouldn’t be able to do it without proper sedating drugs.

Ofcourse he told poo pooed my telling him this and told me it would be fine and stupidly I trusted and believe him. A mistake I won’t be making again about any medical person.

He was unable to complete he procedure or do any biopsies so he put me through hell me for nothing. May the fleas of a thousand camels infest his underwear.

I am in the UK and the price difference between this and the first procedure wasn’t that much surprisingly.

I left after about an hour I think.

I remember when proposal was The new anaesthetic drug - the anaesthetists called it Milk of Amnesia (it is a white liquid).

Gas + Air was fine. Some of the corners were mildly uncomfortable, but that was it.

Propofol?

Don't be silly.

I had the midazolam. I didn't feel a thing but wasn't unconscious and managed to watch the procedure on screen.

I have had 3 and was never offered anything (UK). I wouldn’t have another!