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Original poster

Colonoscopy - sedation or not?

103 replies

User415373 · 11/10/2025 10:00

I have to have a colonoscopy next week. It's in the morning. The only problem is that I have an event I absolutely have to attend in the evening. It would be near home and I wouldn't need to drive there, but I just can't miss it.
I initially thought I would definitely have sedation, but now I'm worried that I'll be feeling rough later on if I do?
They've obviously said I can have gas and air if not.

I'm not really worried about pain but I realise that it might end up being very painful. I'm also worried about what I might say when I'm sedated (I don't know why I have this but I would be so embarrassed if I started going on about my personal life or something - does it have that effect or not I have no idea?)

What would you do in my situation?

OP posts:
inamo · 11/10/2025 14:09

OP, you can eat straight away once awake in recovery. I was given the most fab warm scones and tea while still in the hospital bed when I came around!

There may be a little cramping and farting while the air they pump in is expelled, but it passes quickly. I found normal bowel function didn't return until late next day, if that's any help. But we are all different, but many are the same!

I went for a walk to the local shop (about 500mtr) and back about four hours after getting home. I did have someone with me, but I felt absolutely fine.

You will be OK given the venue is so near and you are not committed to a full night out!

ginasevern · 11/10/2025 15:19

I chose not to have sedation and honestly (apart from and mildest of "strange" sensations for maybe a minute) it didn't hurt. I didn't have anyone to drive me there or back and I didn't want to get in a taxi alone and sedated. My bowel movements were fine and you can eat and drink straight away if you want to. I drove straight back to work after mine. I was a bit tired in the evening though I'll admit but three days of fasting and taking that awful prep stuff was the main reason for that.

planestrains · 11/10/2025 15:38

I had sedation and I also found it quite uncomfortable so also had gas and air during. Was absolutely fine quite soon after. Wishing you all the best

valianttortoise · 11/10/2025 15:50

I've been told the NHS is very tight with colonoscopy pain relief compared to other countries (where having pain at all is considered a medical misstep).

MujeresLibres · 11/10/2025 15:58

Sedation. The last time I had one, it was very light sedation, and I would have been OK to do something light in the evening. It really is a thoroughly unpleasant procedure without sedation for me.

iziwizi · 11/10/2025 16:00

Colonoscopies have been discussed on several threads on MN, OP. From them I learned about a light diet for several days before the prep which might help you.
The emptiness of your bowel will be rated (joy!) and you’ll get immediate feedback on findings which is better than having to wait.

iziwizi · 11/10/2025 16:01

Biopsies are sent off though.

TrulyMiss · 11/10/2025 16:02

Take the sedation, it wears off super quick and you'll be fine after!

twizzles1 · 11/10/2025 16:44

I've had two colonoscopys without sedation, not even any gas & air, and had no problems. Even found it really interesting watching the camera to through my body. Another was booked for 3 weeks ago and I stupidly said no sedation, done it before I can do it again. Bad move ! The five nights of senna and two doses of Picolax did absolutely nothing ! ( the clear out didn't happen till 3 days after the procedure and lasted a week !) I did tell the staff but they said it would be fine. OMG, the pain was incredible ! I was screaming within seconds, the gas & air made no difference and the Doctor kept asking if I wanted him to stop. I stubbornly said continue because I knew it had to be done. After about 20 mins he gave up and said he couldn't continue and there was a stricture at my colon which was so small the camera couldn't pass through. No wonder I was screaming ! I know I will have to have it repeated because the area they needed to look at ( the site of previous bowel resection) couldn't be reached, but I've been told I will have to be completely knocked out.
I don't want to scare you, and I'm sure you're be fine, but my advice is don't try to be a hero and suffer when a solution is there. There's no badge for suffering when you don't have to lol. Good luck.

Original poster
User415373 · 11/10/2025 20:17

Thank you all so much! I'm going to opt for sedation. My DH is driving either way (mostly because I'm worried about recieving bad news and want some support).
I've had a whole diet plan theory for the 5 days beforehand and it looks awful and will definitely have me feeling groggy. And I've got the moviprep for the Friday night which I'm dreading after reading threads on here.
If I can't make the evening thing then so be it. I'll just have to wait and see how it goes on the day.

OP posts:
FurForksSake · 11/10/2025 20:23

Had the sedation, it did nothing. I had 20 biopsies and two large polyps (clipped and tattooed) during mine. No offer of gas and air. It was not pleasant and the prep, experience, reaction to sedation and has meant I was totally wiped for the whole day and the next.

if you have to go to the event I’d be rescheduling.

youalright · 11/10/2025 20:25

Sedation isn't needed iv had 2 without anything and 1 with gas and air

AppleDumplingWithCustard · 11/10/2025 20:30

I had sedation early afternoon and was absolutely fine by the time I got home about two hours later. Have the midazolam - it’s great. 😂

BCBird · 11/10/2025 20:34

Definitely have sedation. I personally would be at home, not an event. Could u record a video to be shown and get someone to attend on your behalf.

ohyesido · 11/10/2025 20:41

I had sedation and the nurses let me sleep for two hours after the procedure…best sleep I’ve ever had

Frostynoman · 11/10/2025 20:45

You’ll be fine. Take the sedation - never don’t. You’ll be fine to eat and drink normally very soon afterward. Take your husband with you to the evening do incase you’re worried about saying something silly - you won’t, but it’ll give you peace of mind

pinkbackground · 11/10/2025 20:47

Sedation every time.

iziwizi · 11/10/2025 21:07

Chill the moviprep and drink it through a straw. Once it becomes effective and you make more frequent trips to the loo moisturising your anus reassures. Place a towel over the bedsheet to calm you to sleep.
It’ll soon be over. Best of luck.

youalright · 11/10/2025 21:08

Also when your doing your prep don't sneeze 😳

Plugsocketrocket · 11/10/2025 21:10

I had one a few years back with nothing no gas and air nothing. Not because I’m a martyr but because I’d had a really bad experience with a GA and it put me off any form of anaesthesia. It was uncomfortable but not remotely painful.

Plugsocketrocket · 11/10/2025 21:11

The prep was far far worse

Thingyfanding1 · 11/10/2025 21:14

I’ve had a colonoscopy without sedation because I had my son’s first birthday party on the same day and had so much to do that day - it was absolutely fine. I had a bit of gas and air and found holding someone’s hand enough.

I’ve even had an endoscopy (down my throat) with nothing but holding the nurses hand because I had to fly and get to the airport a couple of hours later.

I’ve had children and thought I could give birth without any drugs - boy was I wrong, I was screaming for the spinal so I’m really not that tough!

Hippywannabe · 11/10/2025 21:16

Have the sedation. It will wear off by the time you leave hospital.

HotTiredDog · 11/10/2025 22:22

The prep wasn’t too bad! Just drink something a bit unpleasant & then go to the loo until your guts are empty. You really don’t have to worry or make a big deal of that - I mean it’s obviously not pleasant but you’re doing it for a reason!
(I had to have a drip whilst doing my prep - cos of another unrelated condition - which meant an overnight hospital stay & pulling a drip stand around with me in & out of a shared loo!!)

trainedopossum · 12/10/2025 01:36

Sedation every time, plus my top tip for recovery is soup and a double dose of probiotics when you get home. I can’t remember where I read about that but it seemed to work and I had absolutely no after effects.