Sigmoidoscomy experiences

[Sundaynightterrors]

Can you tell me your experiences of a sigmoidoscomy? DP is having one next Monday and is very anxious about it. Was it very painful? He wanted to be sedated but they said they will only provide gas and air. He is also due to fly 48 hours later which they said was fine.

I had one last summer, I don’t have a high pain threshold at all. I did find it a bit sore to be honest but I had no sedation or gas/air…nothing. It was just bizarre unpleasant feeling but manageable. I was fine after it was all done

I had one about 14 years ago. It was quite painful but short-lived. Didn't last long as a procedure.

Afterwards it definitely affected me that day and the next day - but I was still able to do the school run albeit I drove and parked .

I would say 48 hours should be OK. Is there some kind of contact or helpline he could call for info on this ?

@Monolithique he phoned the number they had given him this morning and asked about it but I just wanted to check some real life experiences.

he doesn’t appear to have a very high pain threshold unfortunately and is very anxious about the procedure.

If it helps I had the option to opt for sedation but I didn’t take it. Although it was worse than I was expecting so to say, I probably would make the same decision again if I needed another one as it was over fairly quickly and I was fine afterwards

It’s really quick , blink and it will be over and done with, it’s a minor procedure .

I had one at 36 weeks pregnant, which I assume your DP won’t be. It was perfectly fine, felt a bit odd but no pain as such.
The worst bit was that the doctor was a tall, blond, extremely good looking young Aussie who by rights should have been in the movies.

I've had a couple. Gas and air both times. 1st time didn't even need it. There are a couple of twingy bits but nothing too bad. Nurse will be up talking to him and can hold your hand too, he can also watch on the screen which may give him something to concentrate on. Worst part is the wind in the stomach afterwards but that passes pretty quick and most definitely overnight, for me anyway. One thing I would ask about is the bowel prep. I have had enema and then the drinkable prep. Personally as unpleasant the drinkable stuff is it clears the bowel better than the enema and allows for a better view. If prep isn't sufficient they sometimes have to repeat. Hope your husband gets on okay.

I've had 2 sigmoidoscopy's, the first, about 8 yrs agonwas carried out with no sedation or gas and air offered, and it was painless. Actually l found it fascinating watching the screen.
The second which l had recently was really quite uncomfortable.I was offered gas and air but l suffer from vertigo and as l was lying flat it made my head spin so l had to stop. The nurse practitioner who did the procedure seemed in a rush whereas at my first procedure the Dr took his time and was very gentle so maybe it's also down to technique? No pain or discomfort afterward though and it is over very quickly.

I had one last year. It lasted about 20 minutes. I had no sedation, whatsoever, even though I was offered gas and air. There was no pain. They blow air into you, which can make you pass wind, but it's just because they put it up there in the first place! I was able to look at the monitor and see what they were doing with the camera and where it was going. They were all very nice and understanding and talked me through the whole procedure. Tell DP to not worry.

I've had a couple of flexible sigmoidoscopies, assuming that's the same thing. They were done without notice, just offered during routine Gastro appointment. (Private consultant.)

No gas and air or anything offered or required. I don't remember them being particularly uncomfortable either, despite them viewing the progress of the bleeding ulcers in my bowel.

The best part is avoiding all the prep required with a full colonoscopy. The prep is worse than the procedure.

Hopefully he'll find it's just a simple procedure and all is well.