Colonoscopy worries

[Kerry1971]

I have got to have a colonoscopy on the 4th January. I last had one done almost 5 years ago and it was horrific. Even after sedation it was so painful they had to stop. The prep also didn’t clear my bowel out fully. I have been diagnosed with slow transit constipation and had 1/3 of my large bowel removed 2 1/2 years ago. My bowel was very long and loopy before my surgery and I kept getting volvolus . I told my gastro that the last one I had was really painful and he said it wouldn’t be as bad this time. I’m not convinced. Has anyone else had a bad experience having a colonoscopy? I would rather have a general and be totally knocked out.

[Kentaro]

Yeah, the prep alone is exhausting. Then I felt like the doctor is pushing out my colon through my upper belly. I tried to hold it with my hand but the nurse said I can't do that. They had to finish the test early.

The capsule endoscopy is lot gentle but the prep is the same.

[Purplewoman in reply to Kentaro]

Hi, I reacted to moviprep at Home so had to have. A different one over. If by in hospital which was better

Colonoscopy couldn’t be completed after all that as sedation missed the vein too painful so was referred for virtual colongraphy which was much more bareable but again the stuff before was similar lol I lost a lot of weight that month lol

[Moijoy]

Hi Kerry,

I have severe osteoporosis and are unable to lay on my side or front, so the only option for me was a CT Limited Virtual Colonoscopy, where they do a scan with me laying on my back. But you still have to have the meds which was Gastrografin preparation and a limited diet two days before the scan, If you are able to lay on your side I believe they can do the internal with this scan.

I do hope you have a better time!

[golf99 in reply to Moijoy]

This is great but if polyps are detected they need to do the regular one.

[Moijoy in reply to golf99]

Yes golf99 that is a downside but I had no option!

[Stupid_poos]

Hello! Poor you. This is a horrible enough prospect (who likes a pipe being pushed up their bottom?) let alone the worry of it hurting.

I had a colonoscopy on Weds and agree that the prep is horrible but quickly forgotten. I just went with it and got it all out (amazing how long it takes really). Just because your first experience wasn’t great, doesn’t mean this one will be difficult too.

I had my first colonoscopy in 2010 and the sedation made me fall asleep and I woke up afterwards in recovery with no idea what had happened - and no experience of pain. This time I didn’t fall asleep (already a different experience) and felt some discomfort but the sedation and pain killers made it manageable. When I said that it felt uncomfortable they injected some Buscopan; which helped. The key is to just keep telling them if you are suffering and they should be reactive to that by giving you more pain relief or sedation.

I hope the clinical team are helpful to you on the day. Remember; they experience all sorts doing lots of these daily and are used to people feeling anxious. Just because it was horrible the first time, doesn’t mean it will be horrible this time Good luck xx

[Foulkes]

I am in Australia. I have had 3 colonscopies all were done under general anesthetic

[Millya]

Hi, like you I was nervous about having another colonoscopy some years after having a very painful one ... But this time my fears were unfounded ... They gave me a mild sedative, I asked for less than normal dosage because I wanted to be aware so I could ask questions if they found anything, and they also gave me pethadin ( I'm not sure that is the correct spelling- it's the stuff they give mothers in labour- fantastic!). I can honestly say it was not a painful experience. All I felt was occasional mild discomfort. I had it a done at Stoke Mandeville hospital in Buckinghamshire. I hope that reassures you. Tell them you are worried and ask about pain relief and you'll probably find they give it routinely now. Good luck.

[Kerry1971 in reply to Millya]

I had sedation topped up through the and then pethadine ontop but it was still agony. I did not feel sleepy as it was to painful. When I had the camera test done from my mouth end to my tummy I didn't remember a thing as the sedation basically knocked me out. I will talk to the dr before I have it done

[Millya in reply to Kerry1971]

That's a shame ... I do wonder if it depends on who does it and how much air they pump in ... Perhaps I was just lucky this time and had a careful sympathetic doctor.

[dachshund]

I had a very horrendous time with a colonoscopy a few years ago because they did not give me enough sedation and they had to stop and I had to have colonography instead which is not painful. When it came to having an endoscopy, I talked to the consultant and requested 'high sedation'. You are perfectly within your rights to ask for this. She gave this to me and happilly I didn't know anything that time. I do recommend taking this course of action. The alternative is to have a colonography done instead in Imaging Department another day. Prep is similar but they don't insert instruments at all far. The only difference is that if you have any polyps, they cannot be removed at Colongraphy.

[JAJJV]

Demand sedation with Propofol. This will require an anesthesiologist but is very effective and short acting. Tell them you won’t do the colonoscopy unless they will do it with Propofol. I have to request it every time.

[golf99]

In the US you are asleep for colonoscopy. I would NEVER have it done if not asleep! I had sigmoidoscopy and bot asleep and they could not finish it.

[Hobbies]

I had 1 Colonography & 2 Colonoscopies. The 2nd one was abandoned after 2 increases in sedation.

I then asked if I could have any anaesthesia next time. I could & did. It's not offered as a rule because of the expense.

No problems at all when I had this. Usual prep, which as we all know isn't pleasant.

I live in the North West, UK. So if anyone is to have the procedure & unsure about sedation ask at Out Patients . If you would like Anaesthesia it has to be pre-booked so it needs to be discussed at OPD.

You can discuss sedation again at the Endoscopic Dept when being Clerked in by the Nurse on the day.

Good luck. I'm now waiting for another test (in January) & I hope this is the final one for a Diagnosis apart from IBS & Lactose Intolerant that is.

Will give more details before I have the 'Magic Pill' which contains a very tiny camera in a capsule to swallow. Usual prep of course again!!!

Jackie

[carolinewright59]

I've had 3 gastroscopy procedures all without sedation I have to say I'm a pro, no problems with them, but I've had one colonoscopy and my manfriend recently had one prior to mine being booked, he went just with the gas and air, and didn't even need that. So me being stubborn wanted to drive there and home as I did with the gastroscopy so opted for just the gas and air. The moviprep hadn't cleared me out enough, god knows how that was the case, and I have to say the most horrific experience ever the pain was so unbearable that should I require any more I'll be asking to be knocked out. It was the last 2 bends caused the pain, the gas and air didn't touch it, I recommend you ask to be anaesthetised, I'm not taking any chances next time if ever there is. I since had a nuclear scan and I was diagnosed with bile malabsorption, I also have a gallstoneand polyp which I'm having another scan in new year, 4th January, with a follow up with gastroenterology to discuss removal of gallbladder, as I've had some really bad symptoms for 6 to 8 months now, nausea tummy cramps and vomiting and bad bloating and gas that's putrid x hope it goes well for you please let us know merry Christmas in the meantime and happy new year x ☺ ❄ ⛄ 🎄

[Hiddenaway]

Get full sedation and you will be fine. I had a nightmare first time around and they got no where then I went back and had full sedation and I knew nothing of any of it it was amazing

[Kerry1971 in reply to Hiddenaway]

Thanks. Will tell the nurse I want the strongest sedation possible