Sigmoidoscopy with no sedation

[Sooty712]

Hi all hope everyone is doing well.Just wanted to ask people if they have any advice or tips for getting a sigmoidoscopy without sedation as I have never been sedated before and am very scared to as I seem to get alot of reactions to even the smallest of medicines and I also suffer from a very fast heart rate.

Also so so nervous about the sigmoidoscopy pain so any advice will be so appreciated.

Thank you all in advance and stay well and strong.🙂

[mjames1]

Absolutely no reason a Sigmoidoscopy should require sedation and your fortunate to be offered one without.

That said it would not be a bad idea to have a back up plan in the small chance you needed a little sedation.

In this scenario, they would probably put a port in your arm prior, so a mild sedative like valium could be administered IV should you wish.

All this should be discussed with your doctor before the procedure.

But again chances are you're not gonna need anything and I would not really spend much time worrying about it.

Jim

[Valbaty54]

I've had one or two with no pain control but it can be uncomfortable so now have gas and air which you can control yourself. Maybe try that option if it's offered.

[KSbowelboy]

Hi. I had an sig a couple of months ago without sedation and I was fine. No pain, more a weird feeling. Also had a colonoscopy mid March and had that with no sedation and it was fine, again no pain. I’m sure you will be ok so try not to worry about it. It does feel strange with someone sticking a very small tube up your rear end but I found the enema more uncomfortable (just make sure you’re very close to a toilet 🫣

[casares8]

Never had a sigmoidmoidoscopy but due one in the next month or so. Had a gastroscopy recently though with sedation and it was fine, did not feel a thing and no after effects. Would always opt for it now if offered

[ria017]

I always have my flexi sigs without sedation, they always offer gas and air, which is great. No sedation means i get it done and get out of there quickly with no worries about travel and waiting. Have only had some mild discomfort (no where near as bad as colitis pain.

[FoodSurvivor in reply to ria017]

Hi, I had a colonoscopy in January & weighed up whether to do it without sedation. Went ahead without & gas on hand to breath on when slight discomfort of tube movement. Pleased with this choice. Best wishes & hope you feel confident without & no needles this way.🙂

[Eric_Cartman]

Hi there I have had a full colonoscopy done without sedation And from personal experience would say it would depend on your tolerance to pain and discomfort for me personally I had to drive post surgery so taking sedation was not an option but honestly wish I could have been sedated because it felt like there was a large creature crawling around inside my large intestine for about 20 minutes When I explained it to my wife I told her it felt like there was a large alien baby inside me violently kicking 😅

My recommendation if you are prone to a high heart rate is to take the sedation as the invasive feeling can be pretty scary And would definitely trigger anxiety in some people 🤢

I also had an endoscopy (through the mouth into the stomach) And was sedated for that one And found once they administered the sedation I was much more relaxed than I expected as I am also uneasy about taking sedation or other medications that knock you out 😵‍💫

[Eric_Cartman in reply to Eric_Cartman]

Good luck and hope it goes well

[Bulldoguk]

hi, Iv had several and have never even been offered sedation!!! I wouldn’t worry at all it’s not too bad I wear my ear pods and listen to my favourite music x

[SetteeSofa]

I've had several sigmoidoscopies and never had sedation (it wasn't offered), and had no problems whatsoever. I usually look at the screen and watch the action, and my gastro is always happy to chat with me through the procedure.

Bulldoguk's suggestion is a great one - take some music and listen to that. Just lay off the Wagner operas; it won't take that long!!!!

Best wishes to you.

SetteeSofa

[Nannamaz]

you won’t feel pain just a bit of discomfort. I’ve had 5 colonoscopies over last couple of years and never had sedation but did use gas/ air which your in control of. I don’t like to be sedated and it’s a bonus because you’re up and out in no time. I also coped well with a endoscopy last year without sedation. Good luck you’ll be fine 👍🏼

[Lo181]

I’ve had colonoscopy with no sedation and it’s not painful it’s just uncomfortable but you will have gas and air to help ease the pain