Colonoscopy

[Rainyprentice]

I am due to have a colonoscopy for the first time in 2 weeks time can anybody give me some advice and if it's painful..I'm a bit nervous ??

[bantam12]

The worst part is the prep you have to take the day before !

The procedure can be quite painful so don't try it without sedation !

Otherwise it's fine, soon over and tea and biccies afterwards.

Good luck.

[Rainyprentice in reply to bantam12]

Thankyou for the advice x

[sg25 in reply to bantam12]

Totally agree with this. In my case I was glad to be wearing a pad when using the prep medicine....whoops!!

[Kazz52 in reply to bantam12]

I had 1 three weeks ago without sedation I found it hurt a little in places but not too bad I was given gas & air which if you keep using it it helps a lot &the nursing staff were Brilliant. It is worth having mine was to screen for bowel cancer which my mum died from and my sister has recentlybeen diagnosed with both had stomas fitted so if you want to know what's going on its worth it. I don't have cancer thankfully but was told I have diverticular disease which I didn't know I had. Try not to worry but if nervous go for sedation & good luck.

[Hidden]

Agree with bantam12, the prep isn't very enjoyable, just make sure you've got plenty of reading matter in the bathroom as you'll be in there a lot!

I was terrified before I had this procedure, but needn't have been. I asked for as much sedation as poss and only experienced one minor bit of discomfort. It's over before you know it.

Rosie

[Rainyprentice in reply to Hidden]

Thankyou for the advice x

[runswithdogs]

Set yourself up for the prep in the bathroom, don't bother leaving and returning after each BM. Get a good book, or a table with a laptop and a movie. My laxative tasted better cold. The problem is you drink A LOT, so you get quite chilly as well. So turn the heat up or hop in the shower for a warm-up. I don't remember my gastroscope, but I was alert for the colonoscopy. I didn't feel anything for the most part, not even the biopsies until the last bit. Then the gastroenterologist had some difficulties, and there was pain, but they were willing to stop if needed. Most other folks I know that have had the procedure have felt no pain. Everyone is nervous before the procedure, but it's really reassuring to get answers.

[Rainyprentice in reply to runswithdogs]

Thankyou so much for your valued advice

[senga11]

The worst part is the medicine you have to take before the procedure. It depends how far they are putting the camera in,the further it goes in the more painful it is. Ask to get a General Anaesthetic. Hope this helps,hope all goes ok

[chrissiemmitchell]

Hi, I had one a long time ago. It's uncomfortable in the way a smear test is but not painful. For me the worst part was the barium enema the evening before...both doing it and the result of it! Have someone home with you if you can, it's not pleasant. Good luck x

[Hidden]

I had a Colonoscopy back in 1996 and had no problems whatsoever. The bit before, when you have to take the white liquid, isn't that pleasant but that said if you are at home it's okay. I found the procedure absolutely fine but maybe it affects people differently.

Best of luck and I'm sure you will be absolutely fine.

[Hidden]

The doctor will put you to sleep, so there won't be any pain.

[hollypeg]

I had one a few weeks ago and i have to agree with the general consensus the drinks before are the worst part , dont bother leaving the loo and get yourself some soft toilet wipes , and get a straw to drink the stuff as it horrid even with orange juice added !!and dont forget to drink plain water too , the procedure itself wasnt too bad , hurts a bit when its going around a corner but its only for a couple of seconds so its not unbearable , i dont think they put you to sleep but the sedation takes the edge off it , it helps when the doctor is really nice n friendly like mine was , good luck

[medcal73]

ive had 4 colonoscopys aswell as flexy .ibs diverticolosis absolutly dredfull at times . i havnt had sedation at all and found it wasnt too bad finding out i dont have cancer of bowel was such a relief few large pollyps so im glad i have the colonoscopys.the worst is the prep.day befor with nothing to eat just running to the loo.hope you go on ok. dont worry.