Colonoscopy- Will I be under GA?

[Janus]

I’m over 50 so was sent a general bowel cancer test kit and it’s come back that I need more testing so need to have a colonoscopy. I don’t really like medical procedures, I’ve had quite a few for precancerous cells in cervix and complications. To be honest I prefer just to be under GA. Can I ask to be under or will they think I’m a wimp?! I just don’t want to be awake to be honest which is upsetting me, let alone thinking of what may be.
looking for some comfort I think! Thanks.

That's tough. There was a women when I was there who came out in tears. The procedure had failed because she couldn't tolerate it and she told me they were going to do some kind of special CT scan. She said she'd had 4 babies with no pain relief.
It was painful and uncomfortable. Not on the scale of childbirth in my case though, clearly it varies from person to person.

In fairness Dd does not have a good pain threshold by any stretch.

Gosh that’s harsh. My DS was given GA as he was a minor having the procedure.

I’m 50 this year and was told to have one so I had it last week.

I was given Propofol and went out for the entire procedure, it was a nice nap tbh,

I will warn you that the prep medicine isn’t nice. I had to take mine at 6 pm and 3:30 am so I was very tired. I had to have a saline drip pre-op as I nearly passed out due to dehydration.

But it’s all fine now, just get through it. 💐

Those of you asking about diet, these are the rules at the Trust that manages my care 😊

I had a double endoscopy today. It was supposed to be in a few weeks but they offered a last minute appointment yesterday and I thought it better than the stress of waiting.

No sedation as I couldn’t organise somebody to drive me as so last minute. Gastroscopy was awful, I just couldn’t stop myself attempting to vomit the scope out it was grim but got through it. They had put in a mouth guard so You can’t bite through the scope, I can see why now.

Colonoscopy was fine comparatively I just sucked on the gas and air a lot. It was painful as scope went round corners, hurts a bit after as they pump you full of air. There’s a lot of noisy trumping afterwards. I was grateful to be in the car alone. No farty smells though as squeaky clean according to nurse. I didn’t have a chance to change diet but moviprep did a good job on its own.

Ouch, that sounds so uncomfortable, @Sosorryliver . 😱 Glad you’re feeling ok now.

Just to say I had the procedure this week and it was absolutely fine! The sedation worked extremely well, I didn’t feel any discomfort whatsoever! I think I almost fell asleep! They found one polyp which has been sent off but the overall feeling was everything looked good. The moviprep was grim but did the trick very well, this was by far the worst bit. Just thought I’d update incase anyone about to have a colonoscopy looked at the thread.

@Janus So glad for you! I agree that the prep is the worst, although I think I lost a pound or two. 🤣

Was definitely awful!! I too felt wafty when I went in and nearly fainted when they put the needle in for the sedation as I just think I was so dehydrated. I gave myself a stern talking to as no way were they cancelling it after I’d got that far!!! I feel like there should be an easier way to prepare for it!!

That's so true, all of it. Don't worry
The nurses.will see you right and before you know it you'll be back in recovery and a nice nurse will be holding your hand and smiling.

I had one with no sedation or anything and it was fine. Just a bit of a gulp for air as they went round a corner,

“Went round a corner” 🤣🤣
@Bouledeneige

I inquired about opting out of having Propanol but they were reluctant to let me here in the US.

Thanks for starting this thread op and to everyone who has shared their experience. I've found it really reassuring. I'm due to have colonoscopy on Friday for the first time due to being admitted via A&E a couple of weeks ago with suspected appendicitis but CT scan showed colitis. I'm absolutely dreading it. And the prep (Plenvu) which is one dose tmw night 7pm then 7am Friday morning. Appt is 1.45pm. Been doing the low residue/low fibre diet for a few days but what worries me is not being able to keep the drink down, has anyone had Plenvu?

I had Plenvu. I had to take one dose at 6pm and another at 9pm.
I did as recommended and used a straw. At first it didn't seem too bad but I admit I was retching by half way through. I was determined not to fail and have to go through it all again. I had sips of ice cold water in between, and you have to follow it with a lot of water. The colonoscopy was unpleasant but not intolerable. I had sedation, fentanyl and entonox when they "went round a corner". The prep was the worst part, at least the results of the prep. All dignity was lost.

Thanks for that @Wery, it sounds utterly revolting! I've read about using a straw and having it ice cold so I'll definitely be doing all those things. My instructions say flavoured water can be used too so might try that or some of the kids orange squash 🤢 I'll be definitely asking for the sedation! Urgh just want it over and done with.