Colonoscopy

[Myflowers2]

I know this is not Afib related but has anyone had a colonoscopy with conscious sedation. Was it painful. Also trying to sort out what to eat the days prior to having it . It's a nightmare. Hopefully it won't trigger a Afib attack.

[Kendalghost]

I have had several colonoscopy's and as far as I can recall they didn't trigger an AF episode. You are given instructions as to what to eat and when to use the laxatives or whatever they are called. I was sedated but aware of what was going on.

[bantam12]

I’ve had sedation previously but my last one I just had pain relief, meant I could go home straight after. It can be quite painful as the scope negotiates the bends so make sure they give you enough pain relief. The horrible prep can cause issues but make sure you stay well hydrated, you will get instructions as to what to eat and drink. Good luck !

[Crimson2020]

I have had two colonoscopies, with the first in 2016 when they did a gastroscopy at the same time. There were no issues and no afib. I had paroxysmal Afib at that time although it had not been officially diagnosed. I was a bit groggy after the conscious sedation and was not allowed to drive for at least 24 hours.

The second colonoscopy was in May 2023 and this time I just has gas and air which was fine and I was able to drive home after 30 minutes rest. Once again no afib and no more than slight discomfort during the procedure, which was when I had deep inhalations of gas and air.

As per another responder here, the advance dietary requirements are provided in writing and need to be started about a week before the procedure. You will be able to find details on this on the internet if you have not received your detailed instructions yet.

[CDreamer]

My husband chose not to be sedated as he had to drive himself home and had no problems. I’ve had colonoscopy years ago and don’t even remember being offered sedation and remember it as uncomfortable for a few minutes but not painful.

[Catnut in reply to CDreamer]

Exactly the same experience as you, just slightly uncomfortable, I wasn’t offered sedation or painkillers, but I found I didn’t need anything! When the doctor needs to inflate the area with some air to navigate the bowl, and obviously, to have a better view, that was the only part that was slightly uncomfortable for me!

[Still_Breathing]

I've had a few, always had sedation, at worst it's a bit uncomfortable. As already stated you are given instructions.

My biggest fear was the Doctor carrying it out saying half way through "look no hands" 😆

[Lovedogs1]

I have had a colonoscopy, I was sedated but still aware of what was going on. It’s not painful, just a bit uncomfortable. The worst part is definitely the prep that you have to take the night before, that was horrendous. Never had AF, and soon recovered. I was given instructions of what to eat and drink before hand.

[LadyLawson]

I have had one and it was a skoosh (Scots word for no bother!) I had mild sedation - think it’s Fentanyl - and it was painless. It also felt like it only took seconds. The Fentanyl has that effect apparently. The bowel prep was straightforward and didn’t trigger my PAF. Go for it!

[Fazerboy]

i’ve had about 4 colonoscopies, all without sedation. I don’t have af though. I was given a diet sheet beforehand and some moviprep drinks by the team. Basically you eat only cornflakes, scrambled egg, white bread, custard and similar for 3 days then nothing but 2 lots of laxative on the last day then nothing on the colonoscopy date. Its a bit uncomfortable but not painful.

[Ilovedogs12]

Hi,I had gas and air and at one point it was very painful, too painful to continue so I wished I'd had the sedation. If I had to go through it again I would definitely opt for sedation.

[Silvasava in reply to Ilovedogs12]

In July I had a colonoscopy and endoscopy. The endoscopy was fine but the colonoscopy was so painful, I was given gas and air but it didn't help much. Upshot was I had a right hemicolectomy last Friday, beck home now recovering 😊

[Clarrie in reply to Silvasava]

I had a colonoscopy in June with sedation and didn't know a thing about it until I was back in ward afterwards. I had left hemicolectomy 6 weeks ago and have got to have chemotherapy as a lymph node was found to be cancerous. Take care and rest and I wish you well in your recovery

[Silvasava in reply to Clarrie]

My post op review isn't until October but I've not heard anything yet. My hdmi was for a malignant lesion. I wish you all the best too for your recovery and you rest too xx

[Clarrie in reply to Silvasava]

Thanks Silvasava. Let us know how you progress.

[Silvasava in reply to Clarrie]

Clarrie, had a call from my hospital today, I'm in the same boat, there's evidence in one of my lymph nodes too. Have you started chemo yet? I am waiting for an appointment to discuss treatment but I'll probably go for chemo too. Best of luck to you too

[Clarrie in reply to Silvasava]

Hi Silvasava

I start my chemo next week on 19th. I am having a dose intravenously and then tablets for two weeks followed by a week's rest and then start the cycle again. Got to have 4 cycles at the moment.

Went to dentist for check up yesterday and she said I have an infection in one of my teeth and, although it is not troubling me, oncologist said I have got have it out before I start chemo as my immune system will be weakened so having it taken out tomorrow.

Will let you know how chemo goes. Take care.

[Silvasava in reply to Clarrie]

Maybe we can pm and buddy up?

[Clarrie in reply to Silvasava]

Good idea

[OzJames]

you are semi out of it and I have had a couple done and can’t remember a thing, no probs.

[50568789]

I was due one a few months ago but the prep was a bit unpleasant and also triggered my PAF as I was getting ready to go to hospital. The consultant wouldn't go through with the procedure so sent back home. They rebooked with a CT version of the procedure, less brutal prep but still definitely needed the sedation.

[Desanthony]

I have had about half a dozen with just pain medication and had no problems but best to check the medication is one that you are OK with at the last one I was given Fentanyl and that did not agree with me. I was queasy and dizzy for a good while afterwards and didn't feel right for a couple of weeks - don't know if the fentanyl did all of this or the actual procedure. Apparently, according to the Doc my gut is quite awkward to navigate so Doc was glad he had given pain killers. Apparently all the kinking can get worse as you age and this seems to have happened with me. If there is a next time I will ask for a different pain killer if available or sedation if again only Fentanyl is on offer. I had never been given Fentanyl before - usually just the gas and air and I was fine.

You will be given a list of things you can and cannot eat and detailed instructions of how to take the prep. Be sure to keep well hydrated during this time and if you are not told ask when would be the last time you could drink water before the procedure and do so. Make sure everyone dealing with you knows about your AF and that any medication given to you is suitable in that case and doesn't interact with any medication you are on. Tell them also if you are on any over the counter medication or supplements too as sometimes these can cause problems and you will be asked to stop taking them. If you are on anticoagulants you will be told when to stop taking them and when to start again.

If you are not sure about anything ask, and don't feel silly if you have forgotten something by the time you get home and have to call the department to ask about something.

Take care of yourself and hope everything goes well.

[XandChurch]

I have had numerous colonoscopies for polyps, both with and without sedation. Without sedation became quite painful once the endoscope reached the first “corner” and they had to stop and give me sedation. But with sedation it was painless - at most some slight discomfort.

Pre-procedure regimen varies slightly from hospital to hospital as to what laxative or diet restrictions- I just followed the instructions they sent out each time.

[Jajarunner]

Told by two friends that it's a bit of an odd sensation but no pain. The diet before was the worse bit apparently.

[Flutterby100]

Hi, you shouldnt experience anything more than mild discomfort with conscious sedation but you control how much you need and it does help

More importantly, dont suffer in silence if you do experience more than mild discomfort, they can and will stop.

And if youre still unsure leading up to your appointment then speak to your care team about possible alternatives like having a CT scan instead.

Take care

[Linley]

Yes, I have had a few colonoscopies and was given Fentanyl for sedation, no pain felt. As others have said you will be given written instructions on what and when to eat. The bowel prep in my opinion is the worse bit, but it will soon all be over. Good luck

[Thomas45]

Having a colonoscopy is not painful at all. I have had 3 in the last 7 years, all without sedation, but I had access to gas and air, which I seldom needed to use. The medics knew that I have permanent, though asymptomatic, AF, but nothing untoward happened. I was 77 when I had the last one.The laxative preparation is probably the worst part of having a colonoscopy, but it is not painful.

[Cavalierrubie in reply to Thomas45]

Thomas did you have to stop taking warfarin before the procedure? I think l may have to have a colonoscopy in the near future and l know you take warfarin as l do. Thank you.

[Thomas45 in reply to Cavalierrubie]

3 years before the first colonoscopy I had passed blood through my anus. I told my GP and subsequently had a CT scan and then a sigmoidoscopy to remove a polyp. I was told I would have to have diagnostic colonoscopies every three years. Being diagnostic, it was just looking at my colon without any cutting. Three sessile polyps were found, all very small. Three weeks later I had another colonoscopy to remove them. For that I came off Warfarin. I was told to go back on it in the evening of the procedure. My 3rd colonoscopy should have been diagnostic but because of the post COVID waiting list delays, I suggested to help things along I would come off Warfarin, so that if a polyp was found they could cut it out. As it happened no polyps were found, so I started with warfarin immediately when I arrived home.

[Cavalierrubie in reply to Thomas45]

Thank you Thomas for explaining that. I am glad you are looked after and all is well. I am having pain and loose bowel that has been going on for a month, so after initial tests l am expecting a referral. I am off to GP this morning. I have had polyps removed before (before AF) and two from a gastric endoscopy. They do bleed and can be quite worrying when taking blood thinners. Anyway, l am very grateful for your help and thank you again. Enjoy the day, l believe we are in for some sunshine today.

[Thomas45 in reply to Cavalierrubie]

I hope all goes well for you.

[dexter8479]

I have had 2. The first with sedation, not bad, but you stay longer. The second I decided I'd be brave, and was offered nothing at all, no gas and air, painkillers of any kind. I found it extremely unpleasant and at times painful, so I would never choose that again. The only good thing is you get to go home straight away, drive yourself if you want to. Neither triggered an Afib episode. I wasn't told to eat or not eat anything specifically beforehand, but had the laxative regime - where the bottom literally drops out of your world! I think my last was about 7 years ago, perhaps things have moved on, and different health boards will have slightly different procedures.

[Lbeat796]

I have had two colonoscopies recently with conscious sedation. You are given a pamphlet of what you are allowed to eat plus a drink to take the night before to clear out bowel. It was not painful. When scope turns corner I felt like a mild cramp. And did not start my tachycardia. The worst part is the diet beforehand for me.

[LindaDaisy]

my 1st colonoscopy was with just gas and air. Was extremely uncomfortable but my 2nd I had sedation, no pain or discomfort and I hardly remember it.

[davephx]

I have had conscious sedation using propofol a few times for colonoscopies (in the US). The last time, I wondered how I was conscious since immediately upon coming to, I recalled a dream I had. The first time, after counting down from 10, I remembered being wide awake and wondering if they had done it yet. Yes, it was all finished. I was very wide awake, no drowsiness after I "came to."

Propofol has several advantages. Its short half-life is only 2–4 minutes, so while more must be administered to keep you asleep, it has a fast recovery. In light doses, it is considered conscious sedation, which means you may be sleeping but can easily be awakened by US standards.

Once on the 2nd one, they found a flat polyp that had to be removed by later surgery with full anesthesia and in the hospital for two nights. Unfortunately, it didn't heal, and I had to have a second surgery to leave an open wound, which was a mess since I had to clean it out (via the belly button) every day for about 2 weeks at home.

I was also in recovery for many hours since before releasing me, I needed to pee but was unable to. They said they had put a lot of fluids in me during surgery and could not let me go until I peed. Unable to, they had to put a catheter in me and sent me home with a bag to collect urine. They did an ultrasound and confirmed that the bladder was full, and if sent home without a cath, there was a risk of it rupturing when overfilled.

The insertion of the cath was VERY painful since I have an enlarged prostate. I was about 73 at the time, now 77.

I returned a few days later to remove it and was never so glad that my bladder worked again, and I was able to pee normally.

[ruskin10]

I recently had one it was ok just bit painful when camera turned a corner in bowel. Day b4 i took stuff to make me go a lotBut staff brilliant with gas and air as well. Doctor s told me straight away results. Day b4 I took stuff to make me "go" a lot. You'll be fine. If you're on anticoagulants miss the evening and morning one tobe on safe side.

[Qualipop]

By far the worst part of a colonoscopy is the prep beforehand. Seriously do not stray morethat 10 yards from a loo. You will be there all day. I would suggest protecting your nether regions with vaseline. The procedure itself is a little uncomfortable but certainly not horrific.

[KMRobbo]

I had one early this year when I had (minor)blood in stool from a poo test.

I just had gas and air and I wont lie it was painful at times, but my appointmentment was Friday afternoon and I did not want any sedation going into weekend.

it is NOT ongoing pain, so when the camera moves round a bend the pain just stops. Removal of the camera was not painful. If I have another I will have gas and air again.

The "operator" also said I had the stiffest colon he had come accross which was the reason for the pain so hopefully your will be less!

[Vonnegut]

My husband had one some years back and his went well - he had a nice chat with the guy who did it as he did it and told him what little he found and that things were fine. We visited a friend afterwards and it only got a little painful then or on the way home- I guess when the anaesthetic had worn off and he might have taken paracetamol for that.

[fcmdl]

I had one last week, which was very uncomfortable and they had to re-position me several times due to intestinal looping. I received a 2nd dose of pain meds, which really didn't help - I was well aware of the scopy being jammed around the loops. My prep my Colyte, which says on the bottom to mix the 4litre jug with water (there is a powder in the container) with a suggestion to cool it in the fridge before using to make it more palatable. Turns out my gastroenterologist likes people to take 1/2 the jug the night before, and then get up really early (4am) and take the other half. Unfortunately his office did not provide me with the instructions they said they would post on my online health account, but online it did say to start eating clear items (nothing red, orange or purple) like popcycles, jello, juices, but definitely not nuts or seeds. It was like fasting the day before, but not much changes prior to the day before, although some have recommendations for up to 5 days before. I had 3 polyps removed, one was identified by the pathologist as pre-cancerous, so another colonoscopy in a approx. a year. I have constant Afib (every 20 minutes or so) so yes, it left me quite exhausted and uncomfortable. I hope you have a better experience, as do most. I would like to say it was no big deal, but for me it was very uncomfortable and lasted over an hour (abnormal time). Good luck to you!

[TracyAdmin Partner]

Good Morning, thank you for your post, it is perfectly natural to feel concerned ahead of any procedure. Are you currently taking anticoagulants? if so, please ensure the medical team leading the procedure are made aware weeks in advance, they will be able to advise whether the medication will need to be paused a day or two ahead of the op as a preventative measure to avoid excess bleeding.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Patient Services Team: [e-mail]

Kind regards

TracyAdmin