Colonoscopy - what is it like without sedation?

[user1471949357]

Hello

I am waiting for my app for a colonoscopy, and getting scared. I don't want sedation, mainly because I don't like the feeling of feeling strange, if that makes sense, I tend to panic if I don't feel my usual self. I'm 52, and very hormonal, still get periods, although I'm 15 days late and feel as if my womb wants to explode! I have suffered from anxiety, but I know now, that this is related to peri menopause.

I am grateful for any advice from someone who has had colonoscopies, and how to prepare mentally for it?

Oh and i also have anxiety problems and was very anxious about so many aspects of the proc, but the nurses and drs were all very calming and explained exactly what was going to happen and if they started the procedure and i decided i wanted sedation they could administer it straight away during the procedure so my personaladvice would be try it without, if you cant cope and need sedation its there in seconds, :-D

cariboo a polyp removal shouldn't hurt. There are no nerve endings on the inside so you cannot physically feel pain. You might feel a tugging sensation, much like having a local anaesthetic. It will have been cramp from the gas inserted to inflate the colon so the dr could see the polyp more clearly.

Honestly don't worry OP. I'd say 85% of our patients are sound asleep or watch it fascinated with little discomfort!

I've had a colonoscopy, the prep was the worst. The actual procedure, for me, was a breeze. I had sedation, but didn't really need it. Felt reassured afterwards. You'll be fine OP

I had it without sedation but with Valium which my GP had already prescribed to me.

Definitely helped.

I've had a few and always have sedation. My most recent one I must have gone to sleep as soon as it started because it felt like I'd only just got in the room when they said it was finished. (I did then sleep for over an hour after, which doesn't usually happen)

Read this for some light relief Agent Picolax

I had one without.
was told I could have one anytime if needed.
was a bit uncomfortable, especially the pfffff noise but essentially fine. was at work 2 hours after.

I had it without & don't regret the decision.
I was really nervous beforehand, wondered if I was doing the right thing, almost had a panic attack. But it was fine, bit uncomfortable on the bends but the surgeon was so kind & warned me when an uncomfortable bit was coming. It was fascinating to watch it on the screen.
The best bit was afterwards, being able to walk out straight away & drive home while people who'd gone in before me were still on trollies, coming round from the sedation.

I've has two with sedation and two without. I'd go for the sedation, as without it was very painful for me. Unfortunately it wasn't offered at my hospital.

I had mine with sedation, felt like I'd been 'present' all the way through at the time, but couldn't remember it all a few days later. Not drowsy after, was in the car within the hour.

(Not driving, I hasten to add!)

I had sedation and don't remember a thing!!

That's because they use Midazolam - it has short term memory loss as a side effect - that's why it's used for unpleasant procedures.

OP have sedation