Colonoscopy Anxiety

[alfreddy7]

I’m about to get my first colonoscopy in 6 years.

My last one was ok. Don’t remember too much.

But for the last 3 years I’ve been fighting anxiety and panic attacks.

I hate the feeling of the after effect of the anesthesia which will most likely put me in a panic attack.

I wouldn’t want to do a colonoscopy without going to sleep. Which I’ve heard some people have done. But it sounds very painful

[Dalebury]

Hi thereI can completely understand your feelings of anxiety regarding colonoscopy but in my experience, also being an anxious person, tell the medics of your fears and concerns and they will put your mind at rest. They know the procedure does cause anxiety and let's face it embarrassment and they are more than used to people feeling this way and will do their best to accommodate your needs.

Be assured that you are not alone in the way you feel, most of us feel the same, but the colonoscopy is necessary for diagnosis. You will get through it and in my experience being a long term sufferer of U.C for more than 50 years these procedures are much improved and the medics so much more sympathetic and understanding.

Take care and God bless you.

[Jameshuh]

You are in good company. I also have anxiety and don't like colonoscopies. Are you being treated for you anxiety?

[alfreddy7 in reply to Jameshuh]

Hello James,

I was diagnosed with GAD 2 years ago. But since then it has been improving so much. I do get my rebounds everyone now and then but lucky I can manage them.

[Jameshuh in reply to alfreddy7]

So glad to hear that, it is a good thing indeed to see someone who is out of the hole. I am going through going back on an SSRI Zoloft after an episode (as you know not fun at all). What are you taking?

[alfreddy7 in reply to Jameshuh]

Yeah there is definitely light for all of us believe it or not.

I didn’t take medication. Although I felt like it would have been a faster recovery if I did. But I felt like my therapy sessions did help a lot.

But I know that within time you will be better too.

[Malachy12]

I was very anxious before I had my colonoscopy too. I had never had a general anaesthetic but didn’t want pain so I had sedation. I don’t know what is available in US but here in UK I was given fentanyl and didn’t feel a thing and was completely relaxed with no after effects because I was awake the whole time. Good luck

[alfreddy7 in reply to Malachy12]

we have similar things in the U.S.

I dont mind being awake for it if it only causes some discomfort. I feel like I’m very pain tolerant.

[Daytodaynow]

My anxiety with imagination, over second one (last was ten years ago! Because I was so scared) was worse than the actual event. I kept telling myself it will be over soon. Was so relieved when it was. Normal to be anxious, and so much worse with added anxiety I know.

[alfreddy7 in reply to Daytodaynow]

Im not so much worried about the procedure itself. I just have having that after effect after waking up in recovery. I really hate having that feeling and it gives me anxiety