Having a flexible sigmoidoscopy - what to expect?

[Troubledowntmill]

Ok, really nervous about this - is it painful?

Hi..I have to have these quite regularly...and each time I get nervous and when it is all over I wonder what I was all tied up about. The idea of it freaks me out but honestly it is really nothing to be worried about. They will put you on your side and insert the tube inside your bottom, and blow air inside you with the camera to inflate your large intestine. They move the tube around and may ask you to move on to your other side to make it easier, but other than that you just lie there and think it takes about 10-15 mins. The air inflating inside you makes you feel as though you want to pass wind, but you wont..just a sensation. The nurse always holds my hand and talks away to me throughout..I am a wuss and find this very very comforting. It is not painful but may be a little uncomfortable as they move the tube and camera around your insides. You can have a sedative before the procedure and I have had it with and without one....think I would ask for one if it was my first again (but you will not be able to drive for 24 hours afterwards)..Please feel free to ask any more questions happy to help...but please do not worry it is over in no time and the staff will be really really good with you. ..hope that helps..good luck and let us know how you get on.

I also have to have these regularly and JSo has described the procedure exactly. It really isn't that bad at all and I am now fairly relaxed about having it done. It isn't painful at all - can be slightly uncomfortable as they move the tube around but certainly not painful. Try not to worry - my consultant must be very speedy as it seems to be over in less than 5 minutes.

Ihad one when I was in agony, to see what was wrong with me. It was horrible! It looks as though it's not so bad if you're not already ill. I guess it's more uncomfortable than painful.