Colonoscopy sedation, yes or no

[Damekitty]

I’m due to have a colonoscopy and whilst I would like sedation I also want to be with it enough to take in what the doctor says. Can I ask for your experience? Thanks.

I’ve had multiple colonoscopies and flexisigmoidoscopies and I have declined sedation each time. The first colonoscopy I had, I had a major reaction to the sedation that they pumped into me and went tachycardic so they had to reverse the drugs immediately. TBH it terrified me so I had that colonoscopy wide awake and have refused it every time since. Never needed the gas and air- it’s uncomfortable when the air is being pumped in but tbh it’s the air/gas afterwards which is more uncomfortable! Hope it all goes well!

I’d have the sedation without a doubt. I thoroughly enjoyed the midazolam they gave me last time. Lovely stuff. 🤪😂

Not in uk - I have had 3 colonoscopies, all with sedation and literally remember nothing about it. What’s the point of sedation if you’re still awake?!

My DH was sedated and he can remember some parts but eventually fell asleep! Similar to other posters he only felt uncomfortable when they were navigating a 90 degree corner.

He was in recovery for maybe and hour afterwards while the sedative wore off and to his delight, was given a sandwich and coffee.

I’ve had three over the years, all with sedation, and would definitely choose it again. People’s experiences and pain thresholds may vary, though.

One was in a private hospital and the others NHS, and I don’t think there was any difference in the level of sedation.

100% have it!!

They will explain what they are doing as they are doing it.

Sedation
I vaguely remember a couple of times during the procedure being in quite a bit of discomfort but apart from that, I remember being in the recovery room afterwards. I had gas and air also
Not sure what the sedation was but it was IV.
I was having a conversation with the endoscopist throughout but kept forgetting what I'd just said so couldn't carry on the conversation. I remember thinking that as I was being wheeled out afterwards! So I don't think you'll be able to take in what they say properly.