Colonoscopy or not?

[shunderland]

Hi
I'd appreciate some thoughts and experiences please as I'm working my way in to a right state! I had low ferritin but normal hb and a negative FIT test (less than 4) following 2 episodes of blood on loo roll. But I was anxious so my GP said she'd refer to 2WW and they could decide. I calmed down a lot and started to think I didn't really need any test but when they rang they were umming and ahhing saying I didn't really fit the referral criteria but seeing as GP referred etc they'd book me in!!

Now I'm worried about the colonoscopy as I definitely do not want sedation (history of sexual assault that would trigger me massively) and I've had a previous section (13 years ago) so I'm worried about the pain levels.

Any advice? Should I cancel the test based on the low probability of anything being wrong?

In your shoes I would have the test. I've had colonoscopies as well as endoscopies, and I'd rather have a colonoscopy :) I think I could do that one without sedation (but not the other). Good luck

Have the test. Bleeding from the GI tract is very concerning. Ask if there is an option for light sedation.

There's sedation or no sedation, no such thing as 'light sedation'.

When I went for my upper GI endoscopy lots of ladies in the waiting room were going to have colonoscopies without sedation - they all had them regularly and thought they were unpleasant but OK. So having them without sedation must be possible.

There's sedation or no sedation, no such thing as 'light sedation'.

What Are My Options for Sedation During My Upcoming Colonoscopy?

First, it will be helpful to define the various levels of sedation that are possible.

• None. That means that no medications are given. ‘Nuf said. Very few people choose this option.
• Light sedation. This is just what it sounds like. Although one is sleepy, the patient can still respond to verbal commands and can feel pain. There is no effect on breathing or cardiovascular function.
• Moderate sedation (also called Conscious Sedation). This is a little deeper than light sedation, yet the patient can respond purposefully to verbal or physical stimulation. There is usually little or no effect on ventilation or cardiovascular function (low risk). Most patients will have no memory of the procedure while under moderate sedation.
• Deep sedation. This is deeper still, and patients will respond to repeated painful stimulation, but usually non-purposefully. Breathing may be impaired, as may cardiovascular function. The patient will have no memory of what happened while under deep sedation (amnesia).

You really need to speak to your doctor about your concerns, about whether to have the test and the sedation should you decide to have it. They are best placed to advise you as they know your full medical history. Best of luck.

Try a NHS website. For starters deep sedation isn't done as it's dangerous without an anaesthetist present.

https://www.leedsth.nhs.uk/a-z-of-services/endoscopy/before-your-procedure/sedation-and-pain-relief-options/

Bearing in mind that gas and air is also often restricted now.

Thanks for the replies they did tell me on the phone that I could have either sedation (the waking light kind) or entonox. Ive never had gas and air as I had an elective c-section so no idea how helpful it is but I really do not want the light sedation - I appreciate its purpose but for me it would be very difficult to not be triggered tbh.

I've spoken to my GP and she has said that whilst she doesn't think there's anything to be found due to blood and fit test results that seeing as they've offered I might as well take them up for future reassurance.

Has anyone had one without sedation?

To make matters worse, I'm due on the day of the appointment

I really hate to say this, but I have kinks in my colon and found it very painful indeed. I was sedated and for some reason, couldn't verbalise the pain. I woke crying for the next few nights. I've made a note on my phone as to exactly what medication I was given and will only have another colonoscopy after an in depth consultation with the anaesthetist. Most people are fine with it. I wasn't.

I'm sorry to hear that @Snippysocks that sounds awful - I hope you're ok now

Most people are absolutely fine, @shunderland . I hope it goes well for you.

Thanks - do you think most people take the sedation? I would really like to not have it but don't know if that's realistic. If anyone has any experiences of not taking the sedation (particularly with a previous section) then I'd love to hear them to bolster me!

I didn't have sedation and have had a previous csection.

It was mostly fine, with gas and air, some parts were very uncomfortable but the beginning especially was no problem at all. I found it bearable.

My DH died of bowel cancer in his 50s. Please have the test.

@ArcticSkewer thank you so much for sharing! That's exactly what I wanted to hear.

@TheUndoing I'm so very sorry for your loss

I had one last week without sedation, it was uncomfortable but fine. I was offered gas and air. The prep is worse than the actual procedure, once you've done that you've done the worst of it.

The worst thing in my opinion about a colonoscopy is the prep beforehand. You should not cancel but do talk to the team about your concerns regarding sedation.
P.S.
I’ve been sedated recently for eye surgery and I just felt very relaxed. Good luck. X

I have Crohns and have to have colonoscopies fairly regularly. I go for the gas and air option, I’ve never tried the sedation options as I like to drive myself home after and you can’t if you have sedation.

Definitely recommend the gas and air - my one the other week was during a nasty Crohn’s flare and I made it through with the gas and air. Wasn’t pleasant, but worth it for my health

I was an endoscopy nurse for years, and Dh performs them day in day out! Lots of people manage without sedation but it does depend on how tricky your bowel is, and no one can know that in advance.

The other option is no sedation (as in the midazolam) but a strong painkiller such as fentanyl - might still make you slightly woozy though.

I would go ahead, arrange a lift home, and discuss options on the day with the endoscopist.

Oh thank you all, this is really helping. I'm going to have to drive myself there but my partner can come and if I needs be I can get the train or a taxi home with them.

I'm prepared to accept that there will be some pain/discomfort I just was worried that it would be unbearable.

Even the nurse that booked me in was saying that my bloods and fit test meant I was very low risk for anything and that's why they were umming and ahhing about whether I even needed it but I suppose if it's been offered i shouldn't pass it up - I do worry whether I need it or not though.

Ok, I'm going to try and mentally prepare myself

I've woken up anxious about this today! Probably because I need to start the low fibre diet today. I'd been doing so well!

I've had my first plenvu and now trying to finish the second one. It's disgusting

I vomited back most of my second one, still worked though! Apparently my bowel was squeaky clean!

It is vile.

Good luck OP!
I have mine in 2 weeks. I'm having an endoscopy and colonoscopy straight after the other under heavy sedation. I asked for GA but they said no 😣

I thought the first one was bad but this is awful - it's meant to be fruit punch flavour apparently...

I hope it went ok OP.